PORTLAND, Ore. -- Center Arvydas Sabonis is reportedly close to rejoining the Portland Trail Blazers after a year off, but the team said Monday night that no deal has been signed.

The one-year contract on the table reportedly would pay Sabonis $7 million. Agent Herb Rudoy told The Oregonian the deal was close to completion.

But the Trail Blazers said late Monday night that no contract had been signed.

''We have not signed him,'' team spokesman Mike Hanson told The Associated Press. ''We are still optimistic we will get a deal done.''

The Trail Blazers have been optimistic about wooing the 7-foot-3 center back to the NBA since he visited with team officials this summer and worked out with some of the players.

''The deal has been agreed upon in principal,'' Rudoy told The Oregonian. ''There are problems, and hopefully all will be completed this week.''

Rudoy could not be reached for comment by The Associated Press on Monday night.

Sabonis played six seasons with the Trail Blazers. After the team's disappointing 2000-01 season, in which he averaged 10.1 points and 5.4 rebounds but missed 21 games because of injuries or soreness, he opted not to renew his contract. He also had broken bones in his left foot from a non-basketball injury.

Because Sabonis did not play for another team last season and because the Blazers did not renounce their rights to him, Portland retains what is referred to as his ''Larry Bird rights.'' That means the Trail Blazers are not limited in what they can offer Sabonis.

The Trail Blazers can use his services. General manager Bob Whitsitt said at the end of this season that he would like to shore up the team at center and in the backcourt.

Portland addressed their backcourt in the offseason by trading with San Antonio for the services of guard Antonio Daniels, then signing free agent guard Jeff McInnis on Monday.

Sabonis, with his size, could give the team a boost at center, although he is not expected to start ahead of Dale Davis.