Sixers make offer to free agent Blount
(http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/sports/basketball/9087062.htm)
By PHIL JASNER

jasnerp@phillynews.com


Jim O'Brien, the 76ers' new coach, has made it clear that Boston free-agent center Mark Blount offers the knowledge and skill necessary for his defensive schemes. During the weekend, the Sixers clarified the 7-foot Blount's status as a top priority by making an offer to agent Mark Bartelstein.

Billy King, the Sixers' president/general manager, confirmed the offer but would not provide any specifics.

King said if Blount were to accept, he would be viewed as "a piece of the puzzle."

Asked whether he felt his conversation with Bartelstein was productive, King said, "From my end, it was. But it takes two."

At the same time, King said he also had spoken with Joel Bell, the agent for Milwaukee free agent and former Sixer Brian Skinner during the weekend.

King said it was unlikely the Sixers would have room for both Blount and Skinner.

"I don't think it would be fair," King said. "Not enough minutes."

The salary-capped Sixers can offer only the NBA's average salary exception, with a starting salary of up to about $5 million for a maximum of six seasons with maximum raises of 10 percent from the base year. With the raises, that would make the full exception worth about $37.5 million.

"We've been talking since the first day," Bartelstein said. "I don't think much has changed. Mark has had a good relationship with Jim O'Brien, but until both sides agree, it's irrelevant. We're talking. For now, let's leave it at that."

The only capped team that could offer Blount more is the Celtics. Since Blount is their own free agent, they could put together a negotiated starting salary and stretch a package over a maximum of seven seasons with maximum raises of 12.5 percent from the base year. As a reference point, reports were circulating yesterday that Golden State had agreed with Warriors free-agent center Adonal Foyle on a deal worth about $41 million over five seasons, with a team option for a sixth season.

Free agents could begin negotiating with teams July 1, but cannot formally sign contracts until July 14.