New Jersey Nets plan new contract to keep Gerald Wallace on board – NBA Update
The New Jersey Nets have confirmed that they would be offering Gerald Wallace a new deal this summer and are hopeful of retaining the player for many years to come. Wallace is set to become a free agent in July.
The player was only traded to the Nets from Portland Trail Blazers at the deadline in March. He has a contract that runs till the summer, although a 1 year player option is attached.
The Nets are in the process of rebuilding after another disappointing season where they could not make the playoffs. Super star point guard Deron Williams is also set to become a free agent this summer and although he has not ruled out the possibility, is
expected not to return with the franchise next season.
That would be a big hit for the club which is relocating to Brooklyn, and they want to keep as many of their stars with them as possible. Wallace certainly is high up on the list, and Nets General Manager Billy King has confirmed that the organization will
be vying for his signature.
Billy said that the veteran will be offered a multi-year deal to tempt him to stay. He was adamant that the two parties could work out a deal good for both of them.
"I told him that in his [exit] meeting as well that he deserves a multiyear deal," King said Tuesday. "The reality is, being 30 years old, this is probably one of his last chances to get a nice contract. Our goal is to try to get him to the point where he's
comfortable with the numbers, we're comfortable with the numbers and we keep him in the fold."
Wallace has indicated that he will not be taking up his one year option with the franchise, which will expire on June 13. That would allow him to sign terms with any team in the NBA when the free agency starts.
Some people are of the view that this move would suggest that the player has his heart set on a signing with another franchise, but King believes that it’s only natural for Wallace to do so because of financial reasons.
"It doesn't mean Gerald's saying he's leaving. It's just that it's the way the CBA works and how you get your deals [in the NBA]," King said.
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