Steve Aschburner of the Star Tribune reports that the Minnesota Timberwolves and guard Wally Szczerbiak have made an eleventh hour deal which should see Szczerbiak playing in a Wolves Jersey through to the end of 2008-2009 season. The deal is believed to be worth an estimated $65 million.
Szczerbiak is still under contract for $2.9 million for the remainder of this season, his last under his rookie contract, with this six-year contract taking effect after that. The deal has come through quickly after public comments from Szczerbiak?s agent, Gary Wichard, that they had softened their stance on a maximum contract.
"Wally told me, 'Come off the max to get a deal done,' " Wichard said Wednesday. "He said, 'I like Minnesota, I like the fans here and I want to stay here and play with Kevin Garnett.' "
Potential public backlash may have been a factor in the deal with Minnesota, many fans wanting Szczerbiak to be re-signed after management lost high profile free agents in the past, including in the past off season, Chauncey Billups to the Pistons.
Last season Szczerbiak averaged a career-best 18.7 points, 3.1 assists and 4.8 rebounds in 38.0 minutes. He also was voted into the 2002 NBA All-Star Game by the Western Conference coaches.
It is not known whether the extension includes any incentives or opt-out clauses. Szczerbiak now is under contract longer than any other Wolves player, surpassing Joe Smith's deal through 2006-07.
Szczerbiak is the third top-20 pick to sign an extension yesterday, following the lead set by the Pacers Jonathan Bender (1999, 5th overall pick) and Ron Artest (16th pick).