The Washington Wizards have signed center Brendan Haywood to a 5 year extension according to the Washington Post, preventing the big man from becoming a restricted free agent at the seasons end.
According to a source familiar with the negotiations the deal is worth around $25 million over five seasons.
"I am very happy to sign an extension with the Wizards," Haywood said in a statement yesterday. "This is a great opportunity for me to continue to work with my teammates and coaches and grow with this team. I feel like the franchise is going in the right direction and I'm excited to be a part of it."
The team was unable to come to terms with Kwame Brown, allowing the fourth-year forward-center to test the market as a restricted free agent next summer.