Nets apparently land Abdur-Rahim

Newark, NJ (Basketball News) - The New Jersey Nets and free agent forward Shareef Abdur-Rahim have apparently come to terms on a five-year deal worth between $27 and $30 million.

The Newark Star-Ledger confirmed the deal, which cannot be officially announced until Friday, with Abdur-Rahim’s agent, Aaron Goodwin.

New Jersey had been trying to work out a sign-and-trade with Abdur-Rahim’s former team, the Portland Trail Blazers, to try and get him a better deal. The Nets, though, felt the asking price was too high, as the Blazers insisted on New Jersey’s second-round pick, Mile Ilic, along with the trade exception as compensation.

Abdur-Rahim, who could have received a six-year, $38 million contract if a trade was made, grew tired of waiting and informed the Nets late on Monday that he would settle for the midlevel exception — leaving the Blazers with nothing.

In 54 games with Portland last season, the 28-year-old 2002 All-Star scored 16.8 points and pulled down 7.3 rebounds.

The third overall selection of Vancouver in 1996, Abdur-Rahim has averaged 19.8 points with 8.1 rebounds in 672 games with the Grizzlies, Atlanta Hawks and Trail Blazers.