CHARLOTTE, N.C. – People familiar with the situation say the Charlotte Bobcats have agreed to a three-year, $40.5 million contract with free agent center Al Jefferson from the Utah Jazz.
Jefferson will make $13.5 million in each season with a player option for the third year.
The people spoke to The Associated Press on Thursday on condition of anonymity because the deal isn't official. According to NBA rules, the contract cannot be signed until July 10.
Jefferson, 28, gives the Bobcats a much-needed scoring threat in the low post, where they struggled last season. The 6-foot-10, 289-pound Jefferson has averaged 18.8 points and 10 rebounds per game over the last seven seasons.
Jefferson averaged 17.8 points, 9.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists for Utah last season, his third with the Jazz.
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AP Sports Writer Anne Peterson in Oregon contributed to this report.
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