Gerald

Wallace

A source close to the negotiations said Wallace will sign a six-year deal worth $57 million. The sixth year of the contract will be Wallace’s option. He also can earn bonuses worth as much as $2 million each season. The free agent took his time in agreeing with the Cats, leaving fans and the organization on pins and needles. But he’ll now help anchor a much better offense in Charlotte with Jason Richardson in tow.

Jackson is reportedly the Nets’ top choice for their coaching vacancy, although the team appears content to play out the season under interim P.J. Carlesimo. While this may throw some cold water on those reports, no one should take the quote as a guarantee. Jackson and his camp have never been shy about using public denials as a way to strengthen their negotiating power. We have a feeling Phil’s name will pop back up once the Nets ramp up their coaching search.

Wallace will miss Saturday’s home game, then the first two games of the West Coast trip against the Clippers Monday and the Kings Tuesday. He could return at Phoenix Friday. Jason Kapono will start in Wallace’s place.

Every starter but rookie Emeka Okafor was a bit player on his team last season. Now they’re thrown into 30-minute-a-night situations, and their bodies haven’t adjusted. That just makes players like Gerald Wallace even more inconsistent than they have been.

If he can’t play on Sunday, Theron Smith would likely start in his place, in order to leave Jason Kapono as the sixth man. The biggest problem with the injury is that he can’t shoot effectively. However, it didn’t slow down his defense as he blocked four shots against Houston before leaving with the injury after 24 minutes of play.

''It’s real frustrating,’' he said. ''I was starting to get into my groove, and this happened. I thought it would be just a game or two, at the worst, that I would miss.’'

No reason was given, although owner Bob Johnson thanked him for his contributions to the organization.

This isn’t the coaching news we were waiting for today (Larry Brown), but Bickerstaff will play the role of coach and GM for one more year in Charlotte.

Considering they currently start DeShawn Stevenson at small forward, this is a big move for the Nets, who would have a starting five next year of Deron Williams, MarShon Brooks, Wallace, Kris Humphries and Brook Lopez. Of course, Wallace is at the tail end of his career, but should still have a few solid seasons left in his banged up body. The move would also allow Wesley Matthews to start at shooting guard in Portland, with Nicolas Batum sliding over to his natural small forward position.