Swift move: Houston reportedly inks free agent forward

07.19.2005

Houston, TX (Basketball News) - Free agent forward Stromile Swift has reportedly signed a five-year contract with the Houston Rockets. The deal, though, cannot become official until the league moratorium for free agent signings is lifted on July 22.

According to the Houston Chronicle, the deal is worth about $30 million over five years — consistent with the midlevel salary exception available to Houston, which is over the salary cap.

"He has decided to become a Houston Rocket," Swift’s agent Andy Miller told the paper. "He’s absolutely excited about playing with Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming. The Houston organization has been very consistent and adamant about getting him."

Swift spent his first five NBA seasons with Memphis and netted 9.0 points and 5.0 rebounds per contest. Last year, he posted 10.1 points and 4.6 rebounds in 60 games. In 2001-02, he posted career-highs in points (11.8) and boards (6.3), his second season in the league.

The Grizzlies, then based in Vancouver, selected Swift with the No.2 overall pick in the 2000 NBA Draft. Memphis made the playoffs twice with Swift, but lost both post season appearances, getting swept by San Antonio in 2004 and Phoenix this past season.

HOU

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