Sixers decline to extend Young's contract

The 76ers have chosen not to extend the fifth year of Thaddeus Young's rookie contract, allowing Young to become a restricted free agent.

The deadline for an extension passed at 5 p.m. yesterday.

That doesn't mean the Sixers aren't interested in retaining Young, the No. 12 overall pick in the NBA's 2007 draft; they hold a right of first refusal on any offer to the forward from another team in the league.

"We've had conversations with Rod [Sixers president Rod Thorn], and that's where I'll leave it," said Jim Tanner, Young's agent.