Forward Drew Gooden is expected to return for a third season with the Washington Wizards, providing the team with an experienced veteran in the frontcourt.
The two sides reportedly agreed to a one-year, $3.3 million deal on Thursday night, according to Yahoo! Sports and TNT Sports.
Gooden later tweeted confirmation, “I want 2 thank the Leonsis Family, and the entire Wizards organization 4 giving me another opportunity to compete for a ring! DC I’m back!!!”
“Without the man upstairs, my family, the fans all the hard work and my teammates none of this would be possible! Thank you all!”
Gooden, 33, has played 13 seasons in the NBA, including the last two with the Wizards. In 2014-15, Gooden averaged 5.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, 16.9 minutes per game in 51 games. In 10 playoff games last season, he average 6.8 points and 5.5 rebounds per contest.
Gooden, 6-foot-10, made $1.4 million last season. He should see more time in the frontcourt this season if free agent Kevin Seraphin leaves as expected.
For his career, Gooden has played for 10 NBA teams, averaging 11.3 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. Gooden was drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies in 2002 with the fourth overall pick from the University of Kansas.
Gooden’s expected signing will be the latest in a flurry of moves by the Wizards. In recent days, the Wizards have also signed guard Gary Neal, swingman Alan Anderson and acquired Jared Dudley.
• Kevin Leitzell can be reached at kleitzell@washingtontimes.com.
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