close

NBA notebook

2 min read

Simmons agrees to join Bucks MILWAUKEE (AP) – The Milwaukee Bucks are suddenly a desired destination in the NBA.

Forty-eight hours after coveted free agent Michael Redd rebuffed Cleveland’s offer and chose to stay in Brew Town to play alongside No. 1 draft pick Andrew Bogut, free agent Bobby Simmons decided to join them.

His agent, Mark Bartelstein, told The Associated Press on Saturday that the agreement is for about $47 million over five years, pending final wording in the new collective bargaining agreement.

The Bucks would say only that they intend to sign Simmons once the league’s moratorium period on player movement ends this month.

The former Los Angeles Clippers swingman was honored as the NBA’s most improved player last season after averaging 16.4 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.7 assists in his fourth season, his first as a starter.

The Bucks originally pursued Simmons as a fallback in case Redd decided to go to the Cavaliers. On Thursday, Redd agreed to stay in Milwaukee with a six-year deal worth at least $90 million.

“This originally started out as talks in case Michael left, but as we talked more and more, it started to make sense for Bobby even if Michael stayed,” Bartelstein said. “So, we just kept talking and they had enough cap room. It worked out well for both.”

Kobe back in Nike ads

DENVER (AP) – Nike is using photos of Kobe Bryant for the first time since his arrest two years ago for an alleged assault on a female employee at a Colorado resort.

“Nike agrees with most NBA observers that Kobe ranks among the very best players in the NBA, and his training and preparation are key elements of his game,” said Nike spokesman Rodney Knox.

The ads appear in Sports Illustrated. His name appeared in an ad earlier this year.

Grizzlies sign Warrick

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Memphis Grizzlies agreed to terms with first-round draft pick Hakim Warrick on Saturday.

Warrick, the 19th pick overall in the draft, signed a two-year deal with team options for the third and fourth years.

The 6-foot-9 forward played four seasons at Syracuse, averaging 15.4 points and 7.6 rebounds per game.

Last season as a senior, Warrick averaged 21.4 points and 8.6 rebounds and was the Big East Conference Player of the Year and Big East Tournament MVP.

CUSTOMER LOGIN

If you have an account and are registered for online access, sign in with your email address and password below.

NEW CUSTOMERS/UNREGISTERED ACCOUNTS

Never been a subscriber and want to subscribe, click the Subscribe button below.

Starting at $4.79/week.

Subscribe Today