DETROIT (AP) _ The Detroit Pistons reached an agreement with free-agent centre Nazr Mohammed on Tuesday, a day after losing Ben Wallace to the Chicago Bulls, according to a league source.
The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because NBA free agents can't officially sign contracts until July 12, said the team and Mohammed made an oral agreement on a five-year contract _ with the final year being an option. The deal will reportedly pay Mohammed about $5 million US next season.
Mohammed started 30 games last season for the San Antonio Spurs, averaging 6.2 points and 5.2 rebounds. The six-foot-10, 250-pound centre most likely will replace Wallace in the starting lineup, allowing Rasheed Wallace to remain a power forward.
Mohammed, who turns 29 on Sept. 5, probably will not be able to rebound, block shots and provide energy as Ben Wallace did _ but he will cost about $9 million less next season.
The Bulls lured Wallace on Monday night with a four-year deal reportedly worth $60 million _ about $10 million more than the Pistons were willing to pay the four-time Defensive Player of the Year.
