Warriors match Clippers’ offer to
Azubuike
(Wire) - Kelenna Azubuike will return to
the Golden State Warriors after the club matched the Los Angeles
Clippers’ three-year, $9 million contract offer for the shooting guard
on Thursday.
Azubuike averaged 8.1 points and 4.0 rebounds in 81 games last season
with the Warriors, who signed the former Kentucky guard out of the NBA
Developmental League in January 2007. He started 17 games for Golden
State, and he should see more playing time next season after Baron
Davis’ departure for the Clippers, Mickael Pietrus’ signing with Orlando
and Monta Ellis’ expected move to point guard.
“We are pleased to have Kelenna back in the fold,” said Chris Mullin,
the Warriors’ top basketball executive. “He’s a young and talented
player who has continued to improve during his two seasons with our
team. His versatility, athleticism and ability to shoot the 3-pointer
certainly fit our style of play.”
Azubuike, a restricted free agent, signed the offer sheet with the
Clippers last Friday, giving Golden State seven days to match it. The
Warriors, who earlier signed high-scoring free agent swingman Corey
Maggette from the Clippers, also signed forward Ronny Turiaf away from
the Lakers last week with a similar offer-sheet deal.
Golden State also signed forward Richard Hendrix, its second-round pick
in last month’s draft.
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