Charlotte, NC

Free-agent center Al Jefferson has verbally agreed to a three-year deal worth $41 million with the Charlotte Bobcats, according to sources.

Sources said Jefferson decided to join the team after a two-day visit with the Bobcats, becoming the biggest free-agent signing of Michael Jordan's time in Charlotte.

According to sources, the deal contains a player option in Jefferson's contract after the second year.

The 6-10 Jefferson can't formally sign the deal until July 10, the first day teams and free agents can make deals official after the league's annual moratorium is lifted.

To create salary-cap space for Jefferson, the Bobcats will release Tyrus Thomas this month via the one-time amnesty clause.

The Bobcats will be Jefferson's fourth NBA team after playing for the Boston Celtics, Minnesota Timberwolves and the Utah Jazz.

Last season with the Jazz, Jefferson averaged 17.8 points, 9.2 boards and 1.1 blocks in 78 games. In 628 career games, Jefferson averaged 16.4 points, 9.0 rebounds and 1.4 blocks.

 

Article: Copyright © All Rights Reserved. "Al Jefferson Agrees to Three-Year deal with Bobcats"