One more top free-agent center is off the market: Joel Przybilla has decided to stay with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Przybilla offically re-signed with Portland on Monday, receiving a five-year, $32 million contract.
"Deep down, my wife and I both truly believed that Portland was the place to be and I am very excited about signing a new contract with the Trail Blazers," Przybilla said. "Two years ago, Portland was the team that gave me a chance and to be able to continue my career here is great for me and my family. We have grown to love the city and we like where the organization is headed."
Coach Nate McMillan said the contract means Przybilla, a co-captain on last season's 21-61 club, will be counted on even more as a leader.
Quiet by nature, Przybilla said he will try to oblige.
"I'm trying," he said. "You know, this is all new to me. Two years ago, no one wanted me. Now I'm trying to be a leader of a team."
Przybilla also drew strong interest from Chicago, but the Bulls landed the No. 1 center available when they agreed to a four-year deal with Detroit's Ben Wallace.
When the Chicago option evaporated, Przybilla -- who also received offers from the Spurs and Cleveland, among others -- chose to stay where he is instead of jumping to a playoff contender.
"Joel said all along that loyalty is important to him," Bill Duffy, Przybilla's agent, told ESPN.com earlier this month. "It means a lot to him that Portland gave him a chance two years ago when no one else did. His relationship with the Blazers and [general manager] Kevin Pritchard were very important factors."
Senior writer Marc Stein covers the NBA for ESPN.com. Information from SportsTicker and The Associated Press was used in this report.