Bynum's agent: 'Ball is in Sixers' court'
The agent for Andrew Bynum says that the player has not ruled out signing a contract with the 76ers
Bynum's agent: 'Ball is in Sixers' court'
John Mitchell, Inquirer Staff Writer
CHARLOTTE – The agent for Andrew Bynum says that the player has not ruled out signing a contract with the 76ers once free agency begins July 1.
“I don’t see why not,” Bynum’s agent, David Lee, said Wednesday morning when asked whether or not Bynum would consider signing an extension with the 76ers this summer. “I still feel like the ball is in their court.”
Bynum will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. He had arthroscopic surgery on both knees last month to remove debris. Teams can begin signing free agents on July 1.
Not long after the surgery, once Sixers source said that he did not believe that Bynum would give the Sixers any additional consideration because of what happened – Bynum never played for the team in the final year of his contract - following his acquisition in a four-team trade last August.
“Philadelphia has been terrific to us – from [majority owner] Josh Harris to [CEO/co-owner] Adam Aron to [general manager] Tony DiLeo,” Lee said. “The only way that Philadelphia would not be an option would be if they decided that they wanted to go in another direction.”
Lee said that Bynum is at least two weeks into his rehabilitation. He added that Bynum has not experienced any pain or swelling since the procedure.
For those that believe Bynum’s career is over, Lee had this to say.
“This was a rough year on everyone involved. But Andrew is just 25 years old. We have every reason to believe that he will be back on the court next season.”
Really? Anything more than a one year deal is a waste of money and time? if he doesnt want it then go beat feet, and no sign and trade unless it involves draft picks and expiring contracts.— bgwille- A space heater for the bench would be a lot cheaper and more effective than Bynum.— daphillymann
- The Sixers better not sign this guy. I don't even want an one year deal because I don't want this clown to be a distraction and/or a bad influence to others.— penncrow19
- a one-year make-good deal would be fine. If he's healthy and shows some fire - great. They can give him a longer contract. If not- they can finally hit rock-bottom and get the players (through the draft) needed to turn this around.— Copper34
- The only reason for this public declaration is he probably feels Bynum will have zero interest out there so the best bet is to try and fool the Sixers twice. A more noteworthy story would be if Lee came out and said Bynum would be willing to sign a 1-year deal with the Sixers for the minimum, as a show of faith to the team for sticking by him.— Santa Satan
- houston and dallas are both very interested. dallas probably more prone to gamble given the age of their superstar. if howard resigns with the lakers, the nets would also do due diligence, if they can figure out a way to clear cap. the question really is whether any of them offer crazy money to a guy who was out all year. — rzzzzz
- philly has been terrific to us. bwahahaaaa derrr ya think? dude did not play one freaking min and made tens of millions— bhamss12
- You're dead on, Philly has been more than terrific!!! I would want to re-sign also. ctfu — philsfan417
- Taking a flier on Bynum is a reasonable strategy, but only if they either give him a really short contract for decent money or a medium-length contract at a low cost. They probably have to do one or the other if they want him because some team will otherwise be willing to overpay him. The reality is that with Bynum it's only a question of whether he can get on the court or not, with pretty much anybody else available there are legit questions about whether or not they can get the job done if they are on the court. As bad as it sounds, taking a shot with him could be the best option, but only if they are smart about the contract.— OutofTownPhillyFan
- We have to overcome our fear that if we let him go, he turns out to be productive with another team. Sometimes you just have to let things go. I say, move on and use the money on bringing in free agents that best fit our needs. We took a shot; it's over. So long, Andrew.— talknpraktis
- i say if bynum wants to stay, the sixers would be dumb not to resign him as long as the price is reasonable. 4 years 56 million (first two years guaranteed at 12 million and second two years with team options at 16 mil)— h1t0d
- Philly is an "option" just like the other 29 teams. It's an agent's job to maximize his client's value, so obviously he wants every team in the running. This is just posturing and therefore a non-story. Plus Philly is the only team that can negotiate with Bynum right now, so why not ask them to set the market for him before FA begins.— tripleplay83
- @praktis -- there are no solid free agents available this off-season. The worst thing that could happen would be for them to pay a so-so free agent and stay mediocre. Bynum on a make-good, incentive-laden contract (even if it has an option for a 2nd and 3rd year based on games played and production), is a shot at the right now. If he is gone, they need to be really bad for the next two years so they can retain those lottery-protected picks and get a franchise player or two (right now - they have some nice pieces/role players in Jrue, Thad and Hawes). A healthy Bynum and a wing player makes those guys a competitive playoff team. Al Jefferson makes them mediocre at best.
— Copper34 - Tell Bynum's agent you're gonna call in a couple days and sit tight.
When the agent reaches out, tell him the Sixers are bowling and will call in a couple days.
Repeat for one year.
— Fan74
John Mitchell is in his second year covering the 76ers for the Inquirer after joining the paper in November 2011. He covered the Washington Wizards for the Washington Times from 1998 to 2008. He's also worked at the Philadelphia Tribune, the Wilmington News Journal, Courier-Post, Trenton Times and Elmira Star-Gazette.Born and raised in West Philadelphia - not too far from Will Smith - he graduated from Overbrook High School the same year the 76ers won their last championship. He's a proud graduate of Howard University and the proud father of two sons, Jared and Jordan.
ABOUT MARC NARDUCCI
Marc Narducci has served in a variety of roles with the Inquirer since beginning in 1983. He has covered the 76ers as a backup and a beat writer. In addition, Narducci has covered everything from the Super Bowl to the World Series and a lot in between. Narducci also has a true passion for South Jersey scholastic sports, which he has covered for many years.
