David West is technically going to be a free agent on July 1, but both he and the Indiana Pacers' front office are hoping that he returns to the team that almost upset the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals this season.
NBA free agency rumors: David West preparing to return to Pacers
The Indiana Pacers and David West are both expecting the latter, a free agent, to remain employed by the Pacers next season.
Mike Ehrmann
West, a 32-year-old power forward, just completed the two-year, $20 million deal he signed with the Pacers after a successful campaign with the New Orleans Hornets. West and the Pacers didn't come to an agreement on a contract extension during the season, but comments made to the media indicate that a deal will likely come soon after the free agency period begins.
Team president Donnie Walsh, general manager Kevin Pritchard and West all spoke on the record with the Indianapolis Star on Thursday to talk about the upcoming free agent conversations.
“We want him back as much as you can want anyone back,” Walsh said. “We think he’s one of the anchors of the team.” Added Pritchard: “(West) knows we’re in a great position moving forward. He’s priority No. 1 and come July 1 (the start of free agency) we’ll have a lot of conversations.”
...
“I’m not (expletive) dumb,” West told The Star. “I don’t plan on going anywhere. This is my team. These are my guys.”
Whether or not West and the Pacers are able to agree on a new contract is going to be interesting, but the two sides seem to at least want to be able to make a deal.
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