Sabonis Trying To Reach Deal With Blazers

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) After a year away from the NBA, Arvydas Sabonis wants to return to the Portland Trail Blazers.

"I think he just decided he missed it, and a year off recharged his batteries," said Herb Rudoy, Sabonis' agent.

Sabonis, who has been spending time in his native Lithuania and Spain, visited Portland last week. The 7-foot-3 center worked out with some of his former teammates, including guard Damon Stoudamire, and chatted with general manager Bob Whitsitt.

Afterward, Sabonis told Rudoy to work on a deal. The agent said negotiations are progressing well, and an agreement could be reached by early next week.

"Let's just say I'm cautiously optimistic," Rudoy said.

Whitsitt did not return a phone message seeking comment.

Sabonis, who turns 38 in December, was always a fan favorite during six seasons in Portland. He averaged 10.1 points and 5.4 rebounds in the team's disappointing 2000-01 campaign, but missed 21 games because of injuries. After the season, he opted not to renew his contract.

Sabonis also had broken bones in his left foot from a non-basketball injury.

Because Sabonis did not play for another team last season and the Blazers did not renounce their rights to him, the salary cap does not limit what they can offer him.

Rudoy would not comment on reports that Sabonis wants $6-8 million to return this season. He made $11.25 million in his last season with the Blazers.

Sabonis also was being courted by a team in Malaga, Spain, although Rudoy suggested he would rather play for the Trail Blazers if a deal can be reached.

"I think what he wants to do is play for the Trail Blazers," Rudoy said. "He's in great shape, and he's well-rested. I think the break did him well."

The Trail Blazers could use him. Whitsitt said at the end of last season that he'd like to improve the team at center and in the backcourt.

Portland acquired guard Antonio Daniels in a trade with San Antonio last week, then signed free-agent guard Jeff McInnis on Monday.

Sabonis, with his size, could give the team a boost at center.

"We told him we would love to have him back," Whitsitt told The Oregonian newspaper.