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[CeltsSteve@AOL.com]

Raptors, Williams reach agreement 

Toronto, Ontario (Sports Network) - According to Jerome Williams' agent, Lon Babby, the Toronto Raptors have reached a tentative agreement with the 6-foot-9 center/forward. 

Babby stated on a Thursday conference call the tender is for seven years and is worth $40.8 million. As club policy, General Manager Glen Grunwald would not comment on the contract. 

Williams was acquired via trade from Detroit last year and immediately had an impact for Toronto with his enthusiasm and strong rebounding. 

The former Georgetown Hoya grabbed 382 boards, dished out 45 assists and poured in 372 points last season with the Pistons and Raptors. In 59 games between both teams last season, he averaged 6.5 rebounds and 6.3 points per game. 

The deal will not be announced until July 18, when teams are officially allowed to sign players and a new NBA salary cap is in place. 

In other news, Toronto will apparently also sign free agent guard Alvin Williams to a five-year deal worth $25 million. 

Williams came to Toronto midway through the 1997-98 season from the Portland Trail Blazers. During three full seasons with the Raptors, Williams averaged 6.9 points and 3.2 assists per game. 







07/12 13:30:33 ET