CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Eddie Robinson could be packing up his headbands and taking them to Chicago.
Robinson, who helped spark a headband craze in Charlotte during the NBA playoffs, has reportedly agreed to a five-year, $30 million deal with the Bulls and has promised not to negotiate with other teams, including Charlotte.
If he leaves, he would join Alonzo Mourning, Larry Johnson, Vlade Divac, Glenn Rice, Eddie Jones and at least a dozen other free agents the Hornets have lost over the years.
Robinson's agent refused to confirm the deal, first reported in Thursday's edition of the Chicago Tribune.
But he said the offer was made and that the Hornets, who said re-signing the 6-foot-9 small forward was their top priority this summer, have refused to negotiate until the signing period officially begins Wednesday.
Hornets vice president Bob Bass refused to discuss the situation Thursday, saying he would withhold his comments until signing day.
Robinson is regarded as one of the top young free agents available this offseason. Undrafted in 1999 out of Central Oklahoma, a Division II school, "E-Rob" blossomed into a key reserve with Charlotte and one of their most popular players.
He shot 53 percent from the field last season, averaging 7.4 points and 18 minutes. His biggest contributions came during the Hornets' sweep over the Miami Heat in the first round of the playoffs, when he averaged 12 points.
THE ADMIRAL WON'T JUMP SPURS' SHIP: David Robinson has agreed to a new contract to stay with the Spurs, the player's agent told the San Antonio Express-News on Thursday.
Robinson's agent, Jeff Austin, told the newspaper that both sides were happy with the deal. Terms weren't immediately known.
"David wanted to remain in San Antonio and they wanted to keep him," Austin said.
Tom James, the Spurs' director of media services, said the team couldn't comment. No free-agent contracts can be signed before Wednesday.
Robinson, at his vacation home in Hawaii, had on Tuesday questioned whether the Spurs wanted him. By Wednesday, team officials and Robinson's representatives were having serious talks.
Robinson had rebuffed the Spurs' suggestion he take a pay cut anywhere from 50 percent to 80 percent of the $14.7 million he made last season. Spurs chairman Peter Holt had said such a move was needed to keep the team competitive.
Until the NBA releases the official salary cap, the Spurs have about $16 million available to re-sign Robinson and Derek Anderson, who wants a contract worth $7 million annually.
Robinson has played all of his 12 NBA seasons with the Spurs, with career averages of 22.8 points and 11.1 rebounds a game. He is a 10-time All-Star and was the league's MVP in 1995.
Last season, Robinson had career lows with 14.4 points and 8.6 rebounds a game.
RAPTORS, WILLIAMS AGREE TO DEAL: Forward Jerome Williams and the Toronto Raptors agreed Thursday to a seven-year deal worth $40.8 million.
The agreement, which cannot become official until Wednesday — the first day free agents are allowed to sign contracts — comes a day after the Raptors reached a deal with center Antonio Davis worth more than $ 60 million.
According to published reports, Alvin Williams is close to reaching agreement on a five-year deal with Toronto. But his agent, Bill Strickland, says that's not so.
"Our discussions with the Raptors and other clubs are ongoing," he said.
Jerome Williams, also known as 'Junk Yard Dog,' quickly became a fan favorite in Toronto after being acquired from Detroit on Feb. 23. Williams and Eric Montross came from the Pistons for Corliss Williamson, Tyrone Corbin, Kornel David and a draft pick.
The 6-foot-9 forward averaged five points and four rebounds and 14.5 minutes last season for the Raptors. He has averaged 6.2 points and 6.4 rebounds in his career.
The deal, which averages $ 5.8 million a year, has a mutual option for the fifth year.
The signing of Williams and the drafting of power forward Michael Bradley means the Raptors probably will trade forward Charles Oakley, who has demanded to be dealt.
The Raptors are also trying to sign an extension with Vince Carter, who becomes a restricted free agent next summer.
KWAME BROWN TO SIGN FRIDAY: Kwame Brown, the first high school player selected first overall in the NBA draft, will sign with the Washington Wizards on Friday.
The Wizards said Thursday that Brown will sign the deal just before taking part in the first workout of a three-day minicamp at the MCI Center.
Under the NBA's rookie salary scale, Brown will receive within 20 percent of $9.94 million over three seasons, and the Wizards will have options to retain him for two additional seasons. He's expected to get the maximum of $11.9 million.
Brown is a 6-foot-11, 240-pound center from Glynn Academy in Brunswick, Ga. He is 19, the youngest player ever taken with the first overall pick.
The Wizards also have reportedly reached an agreement to sign free-agent point guard Tyronn Lue, who played with the Lakers last season.