The NBA hot-stove rumor began last Friday evening and was finally confirmed Saturday by the Wizards. The team has signed 6-foot-10 forward-center Ronny Turiaf. They also added a 2013 second-round pick and cash considerations from the New York Knicks, worth a reported $3 million, and a second round pick from the Dallas Mavericks.
“Ronny brings us a tough, inside presence and we’re looking forward to adding his defense and tenacity to our frontline,” said Wizards President Ernie Grunfeld in a statement released by the Wizards.
“This trade brings another solid veteran to our team along with additional assets in the form of draft picks and allows us to maintain our financial flexibility moving forward.”
Turiaf has a career average of 5.3 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.4 blocks, and a shooting percentage of .528 over 358 games in six seasons with the Lakers, Warriors and Knicks.
The 28-year-old was a second-round pick by the Lakers, No. 37 overall, in the 2005 NBA Draft.
His best season was in 2008-09 with the Warriors, when he averaged 5.9 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.1 blocks. Turiaf has finished in the top 30 in the NBA in blocked shots in three of the last four seasons.
He makes $4.2 million per season, which will be adjusted for a 66-game schedule to around $3.4 million.
