Portland Trail Blazers go all in for Indiana Pacers centre Roy Hibbert – NBA Update
The Portland Trail Blazers have offered a max deal to Indiana Pacers centre Roy Hibbert, according to reports. Hibbert has also been impressed by the offer put forward which could mean real trouble for the Indiana Pacers.
The original report was released by Sports Illustrated, which suggest Hibbert is now interested in Portland’s offer.
“A source with knowledge of the meeting said Indiana did not offer a max deal at the outset of the free-agent negotiating period and, unless that changes, Hibbert is leaning toward signing the Trail Blazers’ four-year, $58 million offer sheet. The Pacers
would then have three days to match the offer and retain the 25-year-old All-Star.”
“In addition, the source said one other team, which was not named, also offered Hibbert a max deal after the start of free agency on Sunday at 12:01 a.m. ET. Players cannot officially sign contracts until July 11.”
Roy Hibbert rose to prominence last season and his performances earned him a first All-Star call up. The 25 year old though really made people stand up and notice with his displays in the post season, especially in Indiana’s matchup with the Miami Heat.
The Pacers were underdogs against Miami but were only disposed off after a nail biting series, with Hibbert causing major problems on both offense and defence to the Heat. There is no doubt now that Hibbert is one of the better defensive centres in the NBA
while his ability to pass well is also a sought after commodity in the league.
The Trail Blazers have pretty much blown up their team from last season and are embarking on a rebuilding mission, with former Los Angeles Clippers General Manager Neil Olshey at the helm. Neil obviously rates Hibbert very highly and the Trail Blazers look
determined to pair the All-Star with LaMarcus Aldridge in a new look frontline.
The Indiana Pacers also made it clear earlier that they would do their best to retain Hibbert. With Hibbert having previously indicated that he wanted to continue playing at Indiana, the Pacers still have a chance to retain him.
As Hibbert is a restricted free agent, the Pacers can match the offer put forward by Portland. It remains to be seen if they have the financial will to do so.
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