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.”
If the ball is in the Sixer's court, they, most probably, should catch it and put it away. Even at a bargain basement rate, a one year deal seems utterly problematic! Anything in the eight digit range with multiple years seems to be asking to take it in the shorts!— BEMiller- So let's see....he has not played 1 second of basketball for a team that gave up a lot of it's immediate future for him. And there are some on this board that mull over the benefits of a one year deal versus a long term and the benefits of each. And to think I thought the Sixers ownership, front office and coaching staff was deluded, some of you posters are out of your collective minds....— DelawareRiverRat
- While there are a whole bunch of fans ready to run this guy out of town on a lightning rod. I would like to give what this team tried to build a chance. I too felt the pain of this season and feels though that the front office left the fans and team out to dry with there lack of due diligence ,so I agree with poster h1t0d but I would flip his idea and make the first two years a team option and the last two Guaranteed? What's the worst that can happen is he gives you a good two years and if he starts to dog it in the last two you just eat one year and move him on the final one.— dword
- Even the thought of a 1 year "make good" contract would be an anathema to most Sixers' fans. Does the 76er brass really want to antagonize and alienate their fanbase even more? ...— FishFryFrank
- You're right agent, the ball is in the Sixers court. Bynum should be on the Sixers court but he's got weak knees and even worse work ethic, so he'll never end up anything more than a mirage (with the worst hairstyles known to man).— jevans
- @Copper34 - no solid free agents? Kirilenko, Milsap, Josh Smith, David West, Dwight Howard, JJ Redick, Tony Allen, OJ Mayo.... I know the Sixers don't have a decent chance at getting most of these guys but i wouldn't say that class isn't solid— kevwalton
- @DelewareRiverRat - Yeah, Bynum hasn't played a second for this team and the team gave up way too much to not get anything out of it, but if they spend the money they would have spent on Bynum on a FA they would just be overpaying to stay mediocre, there aren't any difference makers out there. If they take a risk on Bynum, either he plays and they have a legit center or he never gets in, the team falls apart, and they fall far enough to get a shot at a franchise guy in the draft. It's a huge risk and it's definitely an emotionally draining option after how the Bynum situation has impacted the team, but it may be the best path to long-term success.— OutofTownPhillyFan
- You got to be freakin kidding right??? Balls in Sixers court really this stiff didn't play this season so if I am his agent I would come begging for a 1 year minimum deal which he has to play at least 60 games for a check.— william20
- Why doesn't he hold his breathe waiting for the contract....between now and never! If the 76ers give this guy a thin dime-I'm done and so are most of the fans.— kingofpoker
- @kevwalton - none of the guys you mention are really star-caliber players. They are nice pieces and can be a 3, 4 or 5 guy on a playoff team, but the Sixers are a team filled with those kinds of guys, they need a player who can be a true star. Jrue may be getting there, but he needs more help. Sure D. Howard is a free agent, but the likelihood of him ending up in Philly is slim to none. J. Smith wouldn't be much different than Iggy and most of the discussions around Milsap, the other impact guy there, are often if Utah will keep him or Jefferson, with the consistent conclusion that Jefferson will be the one left out because his defense is so poor.— OutofTownPhillyFan
- "Bynum is willing to re-sign with the Sixers"... HA HA HAAAAAAAAAAAAAA! This isn't an April fool's joke is it? Of course he is willing to sign here. Has there ever been an easier $16,000,000.00 payday? Only a sucker would give this guy more guaranteed money.— Getinline
- This team is going to be bad and boring to watch for at least the next 5 years. Do Holiday and trade him for a first round pick in the 2019 draft.— DelcoSchmelco
- This team is going to be bad and boring to watch for at least the next 5 years. Do Holiday a favor and trade him for a first round pick in the 2019 draft.— DelcoSchmelco
- Sorry Andrew. The Sixers are drafting Brittney Griner to replace you next year. Since she won't be signing with the Phoenix Mercury, you are free to take your talents to the WNBA.— Phillies2008WSChamps
- First he should give the Sixers a refund.— DKNJ
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.
