Oden leaning toward re-signing with Blazers
Restricted free-agent center Greg Oden(notes) is leaning strongly toward re-signing with the Portland Trail Blazers, league sources told Yahoo! Sports.
Oden would sign a one-year, $8.8 million qualifying offer with the Blazers and become an unrestricted free agent after this season. The No. 1 pick in the 2007 draft has played just 82 games over four seasons because of injuries. The Blazers made the qualifying offer in June to ensure Oden was a restricted free agent.
Oden missed last season after having microfracture surgery on his left knee in November. The 23-year-old hasn't played since December 2009 when he needed surgery to repair a fractured left kneecap. He was averaging 11.7 points, 8.8 rebounds and 2.4 blocks at the time of injury.
While there is no firm date for Oden's return, his camp is optimistic he'll be back playing in January.
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