Bynum Leaning Toward Long-Term Deal With 76ers

[.infamous]

Introductory press conferences typically aren't a setting for breaking news, but at Andrew Bynum's public debut in Philadelphia today, the young center provided a hint about his next long-term contract. Asked about whether he has thought about signing with the Sixers long-term, Bynum expressed serious interest in remaining in Philadelphia past this season, as SI.com's Sam Amick documents:

"To be honest man, my first experience here has been so great [that] I'm really leaning towards making this my home," Bynum said to huge cheers from the Philadelphia crowd. "I'm not a guy who tries to be all around and have a lot of teams on my belt, so I don't know, man. It's crazy. That's really the answer, man. I'm really leaning towards being able to stay here and making it my home."

At the presser, Bynum also said he was looking forward to being the number one option on offense for the Sixers. He added that he was "super excited" to find out he'd been traded, since the move sends him closer to his New Jersey home and he thought it was "time for a change" (Sulia link).

As for Bynum's next contract, as I outlined a week ago, signing a max deal with the Sixers next summer could land the 24-year-old up to nearly $102MM in guaranteed money, while an extension could only be worth up to about $57MM. As such, it's unlikely that Bynum will be locked up anytime soon, but for now at least, the former Laker seems intrigued by the idea of a long-term future in Philadelphia.

 

[Pugz]

hes going to be a 20+/12 player for them for years.

 

[The Young One]

That's my CENTER

 

[Mexi]

i sure hope he stays long term

 

[DJT]

He kind of had to say that because of the public press conference, but I think he is actually leaning that way.

 

[ZigZag]

Seems like Bynum wants to be THE dude wherever he plays and Philly seems more than willing to accommodate

 

[Mr.Baller]

Great news for the Philly fans !

 

[Amare]

Philly fans, has something to be excited for next season, I think he will have better season than Howard.