MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - The Minnesota Timberwolves added another young, versatile forward to their rebuilt roster on Friday, agreeing to terms with free agent Anthony Tolliver on a two-year deal.
A person with knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press the deal was reached on Friday. The person requested anonymity because no official announcements have been made.
Tolliver averaged 11.7 points and 7.0 rebounds for the Golden State Warriors last season. He was in talks with the Warriors on a possible return, but ultimately chose the Timberwolves.
In Minnesota, the 25-year-old Tolliver will fit into a frontcourt rotation that includes Wes Johnson, Corey Brewer, Lazar Hayward and Martell Webster and power forwards Kevin Love and Michael Beasley.
The 6-foot-9 Tolliver fits the mold of what the Timberwolves have been striving to add all summer long _ young, athletic players who can play multiple positions.
Coach Kurt Rambis has said the team needed to get more height and athleticism after it won only 15 games in his first season on the job.
After his college career at Creighton finished in 2007, Tolliver bounced around between minor league teams in the United States and playing overseas while he waited for a chance in the NBA. He played in 19 games with the San Antonio Spurs in 2008-09 and two with Portland last season before landing with the Warriors and thriving in Don Nelson’s up-tempo style.
Tolliver averaged 12.3 points and 7.3 rebounds in 44 games with the Warriors, including a career-high 34 points at Minnesota on April 7.
It’s been another summer of turnover for the Wolves, who are completely remaking their roster. They traded star Al Jefferson to Utah and said goodbye to Ryan Gomes, Ramon Sessions, Ryan Hollins, Damien Wilkins and Brian Cardinal. Only four players remain on the Timberwolves roster from the one that started last season.
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