Simmons inks multi-year deal with Milwaukee

Milwaukee, WI (Basketball News) - The Milwaukee Bucks announced Monday that they have signed free agent forward Bobby Simmons to a multi-year contract.

As per team policy, financial terms were not released, but the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported earlier in the summer that the deal is for five years and is worth $47 million.

"Bobby is an extremely versatile player and adds depth to our roster at a number of positions," said general manager Larry Harris. "He can score from anywhere on the court, he’s a very tough defender and he wants to win. He had a great year last season and we’re excited to add him to our team."

In 75 games with the Los Angeles Clippers last season, Simmons averaged a career-high 16.4 points, grabbed 5.9 rebounds and dished out 2.7 assists on his way to capturing the NBA’s Most Improved Player award.

Simmons, a second round pick of the Seattle SuperSonics in 2001, has averaged 9.6 points and 4.2 rebounds in 197 career games with the Washington Wizards and Clippers.

"It’s exciting for me to come back to the Midwest and to be in Milwaukee," said the 25-year-old Simmons. "I’m looking forward to playing with the Bucks and being a part of their nucleus of young players."