PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- The Portland Trail Blazers on Monday formally announced that they have signed center Joel Przybilla to a five-year, $32 million contract to stay with the team.

Przybilla, 26, averaged six points and seven rebounds last season. His playing time should increase from 25 minutes a game this season because fellow center Theo Ratliff was dealt to Boston in a draft-day deal.

The Trail Blazers announced the signing at a ceremony along the Willamette River. The team handed out T-shirts to fans that read: "Thanks for choosing Portland."

Przybilla apparently had other offers, but he decided to stay with the franchise that wanted him when others did not.

Coach Nate McMillan said the contract means Przybilla, a co-captain on last year's 21-61 club, will be counted on even more as a leader.

Quiet by nature, Przybilla said he will try to oblige.

"I'm trying," he said. "You know, this is all new to me. Two years ago, no one wanted me. Now I'm trying to be a leader of a team."

Information from: The Oregonian, http://www.oregonlive.com