Trail Blazers rumors: Mutual interest with Mo Williams
By Bryan Rose
When Mo Williams decided to opt-out of his contract with the Portland Trail Blazers in June, it wasn’t because he didn’t enjoy playing in Oregon. In fact, it was the complete opposite as Williams has stated on more than one occasion that he’d like to return to the Portland Trail Blazers.
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The feeling is apparently mutual as according to CSNNW, the two sides are interested in working out a deal together.
“The doors aren’t closed with Portland,” Williams’ agent Mark Bartelstein told CSNNW.com. “We’re still in constant communication with [general manager] Neil [Olshey] everyday. We’re just weighing all of our options at this point. We’ll continue to talk with [owner] Paul Allen and Neil to see if something can be worked out. Mo loves it in Portland and they want him back. It’s still an option.”
Mo Williams has already met with the Dallas Mavericks, however it’s not known how serious they were about signing him considering they recently agreed to re-sign point guard Devin Harris.
The Portland Trail Blazers also missed out on Spencer Hawes, who signed with the Los Angeles Clippers, so they may have a few more dollars to spend if need be.
The decision for Mo Williams to opt-out was simply in hopes of securing a more financially secure contract (which is understandable) and the two sides appeared to be a good match last season, so hopefully a middle ground will be found and the two can continue their relationship.
Portland can bring Williams back on a non-bird exception contract which will pay him 120 percent over his previous salary.