Robert Bolick open to negotiation with NorthPort as contract expiration nears

NorthPort guard Robert Bolick. PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines–Robert Bolick is open to working on finding common ground with NorthPort management as negotiations for a contract extension are expected to resume following the Batang Pier’s early exit in the PBA Governors’ Cup.

“There’s a lot of things that could still happen,” Bolick said in Filipino after Wednesday’s 134-110 loss to the TNT Tropang Giga at Philsports Arena in Pasig City. “I don’t know if we’ll be able to fix things, but my priority has always been the PBA.

“I’m not sure when we will talk, but for sure we will try to sort things out and for us to have peace of mind,” added Bolick.

Bolick’s contract will expire on April 30, but speculations of the high-scoring guard going overseas, particularly in Taiwan, continue to swirl during the course of the season-ending conference.

His current pact was actually extended in early-February after the two sides worked on a temporary settlement before they could go back to the negotiating table.

While Bolick is open to remaining with NorthPort, he also added that there are plenty of factors that will be put into play.

WATCH: Robert Bolick is open to work on finding common ground with NorthPort management after the Batang Pier's early exit in the PBA Governors' Cup.

Bolick's contract with the Batang Pier will expire on April 30. | @jonasterradoINQ pic.twitter.com/wVRfBJKngn

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) March 15, 2023

One in particular is the PBA’s lengthy break due to Gilas Pilipinas’ preparations for the Fiba World Cup which the country will host in August.

The PBA did say that it is planning to stage a preseason tournament between May and July to make up for the long break.

“I would like to fix things, so is my agent (Marvin Espiritu),” he said. “But like I said, there are things that could still happen with Gilas and as to when the next PBA season starts.

“There’s plenty of time, but we will try to work this out, for sure. I’m willing to talk so that everything can be settled,” added Bolick.

NorthPort’s season drew to a close after the TNT defeat resulted in a 3-8 record, one win short of forcing a playoff with Phoenix for the No. 8 spot.

The Batang Pier did try to make a late push, but a 0-6 start that saw Bolick miss the majority of those games contributed to their elimination.

“We were not given a chance, but that’s how things are,” he said before hinting on what things could be down the road.

“We’ll just focus on next season.”