Forward Maurice Harkless might need to wait a little longer before signing a new deal with the Portland Trail Blazers because there is no progress with the negotiation between both sides. 

Harkless is currently a restricted free agent and the Blazers can match any offer sheet he inks with a different team.

The news regarding Harkless' wait for a contract was reported by CSN Northwest. 

According to the report, Harkless' agent Happy Walters said his client and the Blazers are "not any closer" to a deal. Along with this, he also mentioned that the contract discussion with the team is showing "no movement."

Walters added that Harkless might say yes to Portland's $4 million qualifying offer last month, although the former 15th overall pick "is in no rush."

Harkless joined the Blazers from the Orlando Magic via a trade deal which took place over a year ago. In 78 games played (14 starts) for Portland, the 23-year-old averaged 6.4 points and 3.6 rebounds per contest. 

The numbers may not suggest it, but Harkless made a significant impact for the Blazers especially late in the regular season and during the playoffs. In the postseason, which was his first, he improved his numbers, recording 11 points with 5.1 rebounds per game. 

Portland overcame an injury-laden Los Angeles Clippers in the first round before falling to the Golden State Warriors in the next stage. 

Because of the success last season's squad reached, the Blazers will want to keep the core intact. Granting Harkless a deal is one of the moves they can do to make sure they accomplish that goal. 

The Blazers were expected to perform badly last season since they lost four of their former starters and the only one left was point guard Damian Lillard. But the team surprised many when it finished fifth in the Western Conference and made it all the way to the conference semifinals.