Posted by Dustin Chapman in The Golden State Warriors have signed unrestricted free agent swingman Maurice Evans to a three-year deal worth $6.4 million.
Throughout the 2007-2008 season, Evans suited up for the Los Angeles Lakers before being traded to the Orlando Magic in mid-November. Throughout his short campaign with the Lakers this past season, Evans’ minutes were erratic. Phil Jackson played him roughly 13 minutes per game, where the 6′5” energy booster averaged 4.4 points per game.
In Orlando, however, Evans was given a real opportunity to play significant minutes (much like he did for the Lakers in 2006-2007). In his 68-game regular season stint with the Magic, the five-year NBA veteran put up 9.3 points and 3.1 rebounds, playing just under 24 minutes per game. As a starter in 47 of those games, he held averages of 10.7 points and 3.3 rebounds per contest, while shooting 41.8% from beyond the arc.
Warriors restricted free agent Kelenna Azubuike inked a three-year, $9 million offer sheet with the Los Angeles Clippers last week. As a restricted free agent of theirs, the Warriors have until Friday (seven days) to match the offer. However, with the pickup of Evans, it seems highly unlikely that Golden State would match the more expensive figures.
As a Celtics fan, I really wanted Evans. We have roughly $2.9 million left of our MLE, and Evans signed for an average of about $2.1 million per year. I would have loved him coming off of our bench.
Our options are getting snatched from us like crazy, lately.