Pistons replace Wallace with Mohammed

The Detroit Pistons are already moving on without Ben Wallace.

A day after losing Wallace to the Chicago Bulls, the Pistons reached an agreement with free-agent center Nazr Mohammed on Tuesday, a person within the NBA told the Associated Press.

The person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because NBA free agents can’t officially sign contracts until July 12, said the team and Mohammed made an oral pact on a five-year contract – with the final year being an option – that will pay him about $5 million next season.

Mohammed started in 30 of 80 games last season for the San Antonio Spurs, averaging 6.2 points and 5.2 rebounds. The 6-foot-10, 250-pound center will likely replace Wallace in the starting lineup, allowing Rasheed Wallace to remain as a power forward.

Mohammed, who turns 29 on Sept. 5, probably will not be able to rebound, block shots and provide energy like Ben Wallace did – but he will cost about $9 million less next season.

Mohammed has bounced around the league during his career, which started when he was dealt by the Utah Jazz after they drafted him with the 29th overall pick in 1998 out of Kentucky.

•Matt Harpring is staying with the Utah Jazz, agreeing to a multiyear deal with the team.

Kevin O’Connor, Jazz vice president of basketball operations, has been focused on getting Harpring, a restricted free agent when he signed with Utah in August 2002, to stay in Utah. Harpring has averaged 14.9 points with the Jazz and his grit and versatility have made him a favorite of coach Jerry Sloan.

•The Phoenix Suns have agreed to a two-year contract with free-agent forward Eric Piatkowski.