EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J., Aug. 9 (UPI) -- The New Jersey Nets Tuesday called off a trade to acquire forward Shareef Abdur-Rahim from Portland.
New Jersey President Rod Thorn cited concerns about Abdur-Rahim's physical exam as the reason for canceling the deal, which would have sent the nine-year veteran to the Nets in exchange for a lottery protected first-round draft pick in 2006.
The deal would also have included New Jersey's trade exception as a result of Kerry Kittles being dealt to the Los Angeles Clippers in 2004.
"After consulting with several noted specialists, we feel that rescinding the trade is our best course of action," Thorn said.
Abdur-Rahim, an All-Star in 2002, reportedly reached an agreement with the Nets on a six-year contract worth $38 million prior to the NBA's moratorium on free-agent signings. It also said had been reported that the Nets were concerned about scar tissue in Abdur-Rahim's right knee.
