DETROIT, Michigan, July 22 (AFP) - Rasheed Wallace's signature is not yet on a contract, but that appears to be merely a formality.
The Detroit Free Press reported that Wallace, who helped the Detroit Pistons win the National Basketball Association title after being acquired last February, has agreed to a five-year contract worth 57 million dollars.
One of the league's premier power forwards, Wallace proved to be the pivotal piece that turned the Pistons into NBA champions.
Detroit general manager Joe Dumars acquired Wallace from the Atlanta Hawks in a three-team deal before the trade deadline. The combination of Wallace and center Ben Wallace inside helped the Pistons to a stunning victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals.
"Without Rasheed, I would have been on the golf course long ago," said Pistons coach Larry Brown after winning his first championship ring.
Wallace, who turns 30 on September 17, averaged 13.7 points and 7.0 rebounds in 22 regular season games with the Pistons and averaged 13.1 points and 7.8 rebounds in 23 postseason contests.
Wallace spent seven-plus stormy seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers before being shipped to Atlanta in the final year of his contract. Shortly after, he was sent to the Pistons.
In Portland, Wallace made All-Star teams, but was known for his temper which led to numerous technical fouls and suspensions.