NBA star Ben Gordon has announced his intention to sign for the Detroit Pistons next week in a move that helps clear the way for him to play for Great Britain this summer.

Gordon became a free agent on Tuesday after his deal with the Chicago Bulls expired, but has moved quickly to find new employment with the Bulls' bitter rivals, agreeing a deal worth a reported US dollars 55million over the next five years.

He was considered one of the premier free agents available this year after averaging 20.7 points per game last year, 24.3 in the play-offs.

Under NBA rules, the Pistons cannot comment and Gordon cannot sign until July 8, but the 26-year-old confirmed the deal to the Chicago Tribune.

"I don't have any regrets, and I don't have any bitter feelings for the Bulls," Gordon said. "Business is business. I'm going to a situation now where winning is the number one priority. I'm happy with my decision.

"The Bulls and Pistons always have had a great rivalry. It will be exciting going against [the Bulls], especially here because this is one of the best sports towns anywhere. I'm definitely going to miss the fans. But being on the other side will be fun too."

By wrapping up a deal so quickly, Gordon should now be free to play for Great Britain in their EuroBasket campaign this September after earlier this year indicating he would play if he could quickly resolve his contract situation.

Gordon, who is eligible as he was born in London, was first named to a Great Britain squad last year but is yet to make his debut.

If confirmed, his availability would be a major boost to coach Chris Finch, particularly as doubts grow over the likelihood of Gordon's former Bulls team-mate Luol Deng being able to play.

Deng, who was the major force in guiding Great Britain through the qualification stages, suffered a stress fracture in his right leg while playing for the Bulls last season, and has struggled to recover.

At the weekend, Bulls general manager Gar Forman indicated that Deng will join up with the Great Britain team to fulfil his role as a locker room leader, but is unlikely to play as things stand.

Meanwhile, the Toronto Raptors have offered a new deal to Great Britain's other NBA player, forward Pops Mensah-Bonsu, who is a restricted free agent this summer.

Mensah-Bonsu signed with the Raptors on March 6, but was successful in making an impact as he averaged 5.1 points and 5.4 rebounds during limited minutes in 19 games.

"I'm unable to disclose the terms of the contract as of right now, but I am definitely happy about receiving the qualifying offer and I am also very interested to see what happens next," said Mensah-Bonsu.