Blazers terminate Sabonis' contract after trade talks fail
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- The Portland Trail Blazers have terminated Arvydas Sabonis' contract, after the 7-foot-3 center said earlier this week that he intended to retire.

The Blazers had hoped to trade Sabonis by Friday, when his contract was no longer guaranteed. Sabonis was set to make million in the coming season, which would have given teams willing to trade for him some salary cap relief after his retirement.

When trade talks didn't advance, the Blazers decided Thursday to terminate the contract.

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Agent: Sabonis not coming back to the NBA
Arvydas Savobis apparently will not return to the Portland Trail Blazers next season, choosing instead to spend more time with his family in Lithuania.

The Oregonian reported on its Web site Tuesday that Herb Rudoy, the agent for the 7-3 center, said that Sabonis canceled a scheduled physical and intends to turn down a million contract for next season.

"He told us he is pretty sure he is not coming back," Rudoy told the newspaper. "I would say it is quite unlikely."

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