Trail Blazers pursuing Przybilla

By The Associated Press Published: Feb 23, 2012 at 5:05 PM PDT
Trail Blazers pursuing Przybilla
FILE - Los Angeles Lakers center Andrew Bynum left, and Portland Trail Blazers center Joel Przybilla work for position on a rebound during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Portland, Ore., Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2011. (AP File Photo/Don Ryan)

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - The Portland Trail Blazers are pursuing free agent Joel Przybilla, but a deal with the 7-foot-1 center would be contingent on a physical exam.

The Blazers would also have to cut a player to make room on the roster for Przybilla, who spent more than six seasons in Portland before he was traded to Charlotte last season.

Yahoo! Sports and SI.com both reported that Przybilla has agreed to a veteran's minimum deal with the Blazers. A person close to the team told The Associated Press on Wednesday that a physical exam was tentatively set for this weekend. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because a deal is not final.

"It appears imminent," said Przybilla's agent, Bill Duffy.

The 32-year-old Przybilla has not played this season. He has also been pursued by Chicago, Miami and Milwaukee.

Over an 11-year NBA career, Przybilla has averaged 6.3 rebounds, 1.5 blocks and four points per game.

He ruptured the patella tendon in his right knee in December 2009 and had two surgeries. Pain in the knee hampered him last season and he played just five games with the Bobcats.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.