Chris Webber has agreed to a contact buyout with the Philadelphia 76ers, a clear sign that he has played his last game with the team, according to a report in the Philadelphia Daily News.
The Philly Daily News cited an unnamed source in reporting the information late Tuesday night. Details of the buyout could come as soon as today.
The source reportedly said that Webber, who can become a free agent, is likely to give back less than $5 million under the terms of the agreement. Webber, in his 14th NBA season, is earning in excess of $20.7 million this season and reportedly is due to earn more than $22.3 million next season.
It is no secret, however, that the Sixers are very interested in clearing salary cap space. The Webber move would effectively allow them to do just that. What's more, it would clear up a roster spot. And as the Philly Daily News says, last week's release of rookie Steven Smith would put the roster at 13 players — two below the league limit.
The Webber buyout — when it is finalized — comes nearly a month after the team shipped Allen Iverson in a blockbuster trade to the Denver Nuggets for point guard Andre Miller, power forward Joe Smith rookie Ivan McFarlin (whom the Sixers waived) and two first-round draft picks.
The Sixers acquired Webber in a February 23, 2005 six-player blockbuster deal with the Sacramento Kings. Webber has played in 18 games this season, but has been bothered by right ankle and foot problems. Those injuries have forced him to miss 10 of the team's last 13 games, including Tuesday night's loss to the Detroit Pistons.
pz
The Philly Daily News cited an unnamed source in reporting the information late Tuesday night. Details of the buyout could come as soon as today.
The source reportedly said that Webber, who can become a free agent, is likely to give back less than $5 million under the terms of the agreement. Webber, in his 14th NBA season, is earning in excess of $20.7 million this season and reportedly is due to earn more than $22.3 million next season.
It is no secret, however, that the Sixers are very interested in clearing salary cap space. The Webber move would effectively allow them to do just that. What's more, it would clear up a roster spot. And as the Philly Daily News says, last week's release of rookie Steven Smith would put the roster at 13 players — two below the league limit.
The Webber buyout — when it is finalized — comes nearly a month after the team shipped Allen Iverson in a blockbuster trade to the Denver Nuggets for point guard Andre Miller, power forward Joe Smith rookie Ivan McFarlin (whom the Sixers waived) and two first-round draft picks.
The Sixers acquired Webber in a February 23, 2005 six-player blockbuster deal with the Sacramento Kings. Webber has played in 18 games this season, but has been bothered by right ankle and foot problems. Those injuries have forced him to miss 10 of the team's last 13 games, including Tuesday night's loss to the Detroit Pistons.
pz
