Bobcats complete deal with Jefferson
The Charlotte Bobcats confirmed the signing of free-agent center Al Jefferson on Wednesday.
The team did not release details of the contract, but reports indicated that it was a three-year, $40.5 million deal.
The 6-foot-10 Jefferson, who was the 15th overall pick out of high school in 2004 by the Boston Celtics, averaged 17.8 points, 9.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists last season for the Utah Jazz.
"We are ecstatic to add Al to our roster," Bobcats president of basketball operations Rod Higgins said. "He gives us a low post presence that we have not had on our roster and brings a skill set that does not become available very often. He is a veteran leader who helps his teammates get better, but at the same time he is only 28 years old so he can be part of the core of this franchise for several years to come."
Jefferson spent the last three seasons with the Jazz and missed just nine regular-season games. He also has played for the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Celtics, and has career averages of 16.4 points, 9.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.4 blocks per game.
He is one of only two players in the NBA to average 17.0 points and 9.0 rebounds or more each of the last six seasons. The other is Dwight Howard.