[djb]

With the re-signing of CWebb and Christie, and the trade for Bibby, so much for the Mavs passing the Kings next year.

Webber reportedly to sign seven-year deal

SACRAMENTO -- Chris Webber, one of the NBA's most sought-after free agents this summer, appears close to inking a seven-year contract that would keep him playing for the Sacramento Kings, according to a newspaper report.

"There are some things that have to be worked out, but we may have something to say very shortly," Webber's consultant, Fallasha Erwin, was quoted as saying in the Sacramento Bee's Saturday editions.

There was no answer at the Kings office early Saturday, and team officials could not immediately be reached to comment.

Erwin said Webber had deliberately kept quiet about negotiations over the All-Star power forward's future until he had something positive to report.

"Things are looking well, and I think we'll soon have something to say that will be positive for Chris as well as Sacramento," Erwin told the Bee.

The Kings were offering the 28-year-old Webber a contract worth more than $120 million over seven years -- the largest possible deal under the NBA's salary cap. Only a few teams could offer Webber anything close to that amount.

Webber has said 12-15 teams have contacted him since July 1.

Source: Webber reportedly to sign seven-year deal