"Thaddeus Young was adamant when he said he wants to play for the Sixers for a long time.

"I want to be here," the restricted free agent emphasized Tuesday after conducting his basketball camp for kids in King of Prussia, clearing up any misconceptions from a recent radio interview where the forward said he had no interest in playing on a one-year contract.

The Sixers extended qualifying offers to Young and center Spencer Hawes last week. Young could reach a long-term deal with the Sixers or agree to a contract with another club, which the Sixers would have the right to match for at least one year.

Under the current collective bargaining agreement, which expires at midnight on July 1, a player becomes an unrestricted free agent at the completion of that one-year contract. David Lee played on a one-year deal with the Knicks before signing with the Warriors last summer and Ben Gordon did the same with the Bulls prior to joining the Pistons as a free agent two summers ago.

Young met with Doug Collins Monday night and the Sixers head coach tried to put his hybrid power forward's mind at ease.

"He wanted to let me know that they have every intention of signing me," Young said. "It is definitely what they are trying to do after the lockout. He just wanted me to know that he is here for me and whatever I need he would try and help me get."

Young, like most people associated with the NBA, assumes a work stoppage is unavoidable. He was only 10 years old when the NBA owners and players last came to an impasse. Assistant coach Aaron McKie played for the team back then and has shared wisdom gained from that experience with some of the current players.

"Aaron told us about their work stoppage and how crazy it was," Young said. "He said make sure you save your money and I was like I am good there. A lot of guys, I don't know what their bank accounts look like, but we definitely have to stick together and we have to hope for the best, and hope it doesn't last long.""