Brandon Roy has become the face of the franchise, and the Portland Trail Blazers want to keep it that way.
Going into the final year of his rookie contract, Roy and the team are on the verge of agreeing to a long-term extension, The Oregonian reported on Tuesday.
"We've had very productive discussions recently and are optimistic we
will reach a deal soon," Roy's agent, Bob Myers said, according to the newspaper.
According to the report, Roy has been seeking a four-year deal with a player option for the fifth year at a maximum $82 million.
Roy led the Blazers in scoring (22.6), assists (5.1) and steals (1.1) last season and has averaged 19.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 1.1 steals per game in his three-year career.
Roy was acquired from the Minnesota Timberwolves in a draft day trade for Randy Foye in 2006 and went on to win Rookie of the Year. Before he arrived, the Blazers were 21-61, but they have improved every season and made the playoffs last season at 54-28 -- losing in the first round.
If Roy agrees, the Blazers can turn their attention to signing LaMarcus Aldridge, who entered the league at the same time as Roy. He was second on the team in scoring (18.1) and rebounding (7.5) last season.