Phoenix agrees to terms with free agent Bell

According to The Arizona Republic, Bell will sign a five-year deal worth about $5 million per season. However, the contract will not be official until July 22, the first day free agents can sign.

The 28-year-old Bell, who had spent the past two seasons with Utah, will likely be used off the bench with the Suns. Bell, who specializes on defense, especially on the perimeter, was needed after the team recently traded Quentin Richardson to the Knicks.

"With the way they play, I’m not really concerned with it," Bell said. "If they deem me a guy off the bench, I’m gung-ho. Let’s go get a ring."

Last year, Bell averaged a career-high 12.3 points and 3.2 rebounds while playing in 63 games. In his five-year career, which also includes stints with Philadelphia and Dallas, Bell has posted 7.3 points and 2.3 boards per outing.

Bell knows his role in Phoenix will be to provide a strong presence to a team that struggled mightily on defense last year.

"I’m defensive-minded," Bell said. "Things will fall in place for me offensively on a team like (Phoenix), because there’s too many opportunities on the court. I’m going to focus on bringing the defense."