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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Thursday, September 17, 2009

NBA: Desmond Mason close to deal with Kings


By JOSH DUBOW
AP Sports Writer

Free-agent swingman Desmond Mason met with the Sacramento Kings this week and could sign as soon as today.

Mason took a physical after meeting with Kings officials in Sacramento on Wednesday, a person with knowledge of the meeting told The Associated Press. The preson spoke on condition of anonymity because a deal had not been signed.

Mason played only 39 games last season for Oklahoma City, missing the second half of the season with a hyperextended right knee. He started 18 games, averaging 7.5 points and 4.0 rebounds a game for the season.

Mason was one of the Thunder's most popular players after playing in college at Oklahoma State and later returning to Oklahoma City when the New Orleans Hornets spent most of two seasons in the city after Hurricane Katrina. He joined the Thunder last season.

Mason burst onto the scene as a rookie by winning the 2001 slam dunk contest while with the Seattle SuperSonics. He's also had two stints with the Milwaukee Bucks. For his nine-year career, Mason has averaged 12.2 points and 4.5 rebounds.