It seemed odd at first that the Indiana Pacers were considering to let restricted free agent Roy Hibbert walk and join the Portland Trail Blazers.
But sanity returns and reports today say that the Pacers will in fact match the offer Portland put forward to the All Star big man, well not really.
The NBA’s moratorium prevents free agents from putting pen to paper until next week, Hibbert will likely not actually sign the offer sheet for the max 4 year, $58 million deal from Portland and will re-sign with the Pacers.
Usual procedure gives teams of restricted free agents 3 days to match any offer sheet they sign. However, it is known the Trail Blazers have made their offer to Hibbert and he was willing to accept. Now the Pacers will eliminate the middle part of the process which would have seen paperwork needing to go to and fro from league office.
One thing is for sure, the Pacers, regarded as a young team, will quickly start becoming a highly paid team. The Pacers have veteran forward David West for one more season at $10million. West proved his worth to the team and seems happy in Indiana. However, he won’t be cheap to bring back.
Danny Granger has 2 years and $27million left on his current deal while guard Paul George has a team option for season 2013-14 and can become a restricted free agent the season after.
