Centre returning from knee injury could make a big difference for young Cavaliers side.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have signed center Andrew Bynum, who missed all of last season with knee injuries, on a two-year deal, the NBA club announced.
The 7-footer never played for the Philadelphia 76ers after they acquired him from the Los Angeles Lakers last August, but he expects to bounce back after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on both knees last March.
His deal reportedly will bring $6 million this season and offers incentives that could bring him up to $24 million but also offers the Cavaliers an option to drop him before the second season.
“We are very happy to welcome Andrew to Cleveland,” general manager Chris Grant said. “His talent, size and experience clearly have the potential to very positively impact our team.
“At the same time, we are fully aware of where he is in his journey to get back on the court and will provide every resource possible to support and enhance this process.”
The 25-year-old center averaged career highs of 18.7 points and 11.8 rebounds in the 2011-2012 season for the Lakers under coach Mike Brown, who now coaches the Cavaliers.
Chosen by the Lakers with the 10th pick in the 2005 NBA Draft, Bynum has averaged 11.7 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.6 blocked shots in 392 career games.
Bynum helped the Lakers win two NBA titles during his time in Los Angeles.
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