Jul 19, 2007, 19:45 GMT
Charlotte, NC - The Charlotte Bobcats officially re-signed forward Gerald Wallace on Thursday.
According to the Charlotte Observer, the deal spans six years and is worth $57 million. The sixth year of the deal is Wallace's option and he can make up to $2 million annually in bonuses.
'Re-signing Gerald was our top priority this offseason,' executive vice president of basketball operations Bernie Bickerstaff said. 'He has been with us since our inception, and his commitment to effort and willingness to lay it on the line night in and night out embodies what this team and organization are all about.'
The 6-foot-7 Alabama product led the Bobcats in scoring this past season with an average of 18.1 points per game and was second in rebounding at 7.2 boards. He has spent the past three seasons with Charlotte, joining the club in the 2004 expansion draft.
After three years as a role player in Sacramento, Wallace's scoring average has increased in each of his three years with the Bobcats. In six NBA seasons overall, he has averaged 10.1 points.
'Gerald is a true difference-maker with his ability to play both ends of the floor with the same energy and desire,' said Bobcats general manager Rod Higgins. 'When you look around the league, there are very few guys who have that type of talent.'
© 2007 The Sports Network
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