I would cover this in tonight's edition of the roundup, but with so many hours left in the day, there will probably be at least one more signing. So, for now, it's not officially a "round-up", but if something else does happen for the rest of the day, I will make one.
But, anyway, here's a recap of what's happened so far in the NBA.
- Chicago signs SG Ronnie Brewer to a 3-year/$12.5 million contract
The Bulls' offseason just keeps getting better and better. After Redick's matched offer sheet today, the Bulls decided to go another direction and add valuable back-up, Ronnie Brewer. He is now the third Jazz player to join Chicago this offseason, along with Carlos Boozer and Kyle Korver.
The acquisition of Brewer brings much needed depth to the bench. After struggling as a team in field goal percentage last season, the Bulls added Brewer to help strengthen the team. Brewer, a lifetime 52.1% shooter, will provide excellent shooting and the ability to get to the rim. Chicago traded away their best three-point threat last year, Kirk Hinrich, to the Washington Wizards days before the NBA draft.
The signing of Brewer didn't really come as a shock because the Jazz signed journeyman Raja Bell earlier this week. This only meant that Brewer would likely not be retained and since he was an unrestricted free agent, he would be able to sign anywhere without the Jazz having to match the offer.Brewer, 25, was chosen 14th overall by the Jazz in the 2006 draft. He started the 09-10 season with Utah, but was dealt to Memphis at the trade deadline for a protected future 1st round pick. His stint in Memphis was injury-plagued, only playing 5 games for them after being acquired. The Grizzlies decided not to extend an offer to Brewer, thus leading him to become a free agent.
Brewer's best season came in 08-09, when he averaged 13.7 points per game coming off the bench. His performance somewhat declined last season, only averaging 8.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists.
- Boston re-signs PG Nate Robinson to a 2-year/$8 million contract
The Celtics announced earlier today that they have re-signed point guard, Nate Robinson. Robinson, who had been with the Knicks his entire career, was dealt to Boston at the trade deadline.
Earlier this week, GM Danny Ainge confirmed that the Celtics were talking with Robinson's agent, Aaron Goodwin.
Ainge said earlier this offseason that they wanted to re-sign Robinson and hopefully, he would come back to Beantown. Earlier this week, it was announced that defensive presence Tony Allen would leave Boston and join the Memphis Grizzlies on a three year contract. This put Boston in somewhat of a frenzy to re-sign Robinson and today, they got the job done. With the signing, it brings back much needed depth to the point guard position - Robinson will be backing up playoff hero Rajon Rondo.Like the Bulls, Boston has been busy this offseason, re-signing cornerstone players Paul Pierce and Ray Allen. They also brought in former All-Star Jermaine O'Neal after Rasheed Wallace announced his retirement after the NBA Finals.
During the regular season, Robinson rode the end of the bench, playing sparingly. He logged in two DNP's, and both cost him at least $2 million. However, during the playoffs, Robinson did play and did exceptionally well in the process. He remained in the lineup during the Finals and showed great commitment to the Celtics organization. This, perhaps, paved the way for his eventual return to Boston.
The Celtics added Texas star Avery Bradley during the draft, who can either play point guard or shooting guard. This will likely give Robinson the ability to play at shooting guard, even though he may have a height advantage against some players.
Since being taken 21st overall in 2005, Robinson has career averages of 12 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game.
- Minnesota signs PG Luke Ridnour to a 4-year/$16 million contract
The Timberwolves have added another point guard - this time, Luke Ridnour. The signing could mean the end of the Ramon Sessions Era in Minnesota, even though he was signed just last season.
Minnesota was able to get Ridnour after trading away Al Jefferson to Utah, thus creating space in the salary cap. The trade brought in two future 1st round picks. He signed a 4-year deal with Minnesota, worth approximately $16 million.
Ridnour, 29, is the oldest player on the Timberwolves roster this season - Center Ryan Hollins, 25, is the next oldest player. He backed up Brandon Jennings last season in Milwaukee - averaging 10.4 points and 4 assists per game.
Trade talks have swirled around fellow teammate Ramon Sessions this offseason. He has drawn interest from teams like Cleveland, New York, and Indiana. Sessions' agent told the Associated Press that the rumors are confirmed, but a deal has yet to be in place and there are no front runners to acquire Sessions.
The Timberwolves are looking to build a decent team, after a horrendous 15-67 record last season. They are hoping that Ridnour can contribute, as he has served as a serviceable back-up - this will also be his third team in eight seasons since being drafted by the Seattle Sonics in the great 2003 draft.
Ridnour has career averages of 9.4 points and 4.8 assists per game with Seattle and Milwaukee.
