LeBron James is going to make the Cleveland Cavaliers wait — and sweat.

James indicated yesterday that he is unlikely to accept a contract extension from the Cavs until after the 2009-10 season and presumably will become a free agent.

At an event in his hometown to unveil Nike Air Max LeBron VII, the latest sneaker in his signature line, James made his strongest comments yet about his future. The NBA's reigning MVP said he signed a three-year contract in 2006 to give him more options once it expires.

"I signed a contract in 2006 with an option, and it would make no sense for me to sign that contract if I didn't keep my options open," he said. "I'll let you fill in the blanks."

The Cavaliers offered James a contract extension July 18, the three-year anniversary of the signing of his current contract. The team could offer the extension — at the highest salary allowed — of up to three years. James can sign the extension offer anytime before June 30, 2010.

James, who will make $15.7 million next season, also has an option in his current contract that can extend his deal through the 2010-11 season.

However, it appears for now that James does not intend to sign the extension or pick up his one-year option for $17.1 million anytime soon.

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Pistons: A person with knowledge of the deal says Ben Wallace is coming back to Detroit.

Wallace will receive a $1.3 million, one-year deal, said the person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the contract has not been signed.

The four-time defensive player of the year helped the Pistons win the 2004 NBA title. He left as a free agent to play for the Chicago Bulls, signing a four-year, $60 million deal.

He was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers and most recently to the Phoenix Suns.

Celtics: Boston has signed free agent center/forward Shelden Williams to a contract.

The Celtics did not disclose terms of the deal.

The 6-foot-9, 250-pound Williams was acquired by the Minnesota Timberwolves from the Sacramento Kings in February. He then appeared in 15 games, averaging 4.9 points and 5.0 rebounds in 13.8 minutes per game.

Trade: The Denver Nuggets swapped Steven Hunter, a protected 2010 first-round pick and cash to the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for a future conditional second rounder, Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace said.

The 7-foot Hunter is a seven-year pro out of DePaul, who sat out last season after having arthroscopic surgery on his right knee Nov. 14, 2008.

Hawks: Atlanta re-signed forward Marvin Williams to a five-year, $37.5 million deal, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

The restricted free agent could earn as much as $43 million if incentives are reached.

Williams averaged 13.9 points and 6.3 rebounds last season.