MINNEAPOLIS, Dec. 14 (UPI) -- The Minnesota Timberwolves signed free-agent J.J. Barea, giving the team three point guards who expect to see plenty of action.
Barea became a surprising factor during the NBA championship run of the Dallas Mavericks last season. He averaged 8.9 points and 3.4 assists in 21 playoff games.
The Mavericks could offer Barea only a one-year contract because of salary cap restrictions. The Minneapolis Star Tribune reported the Timberwolves will pay him $19 million over four years.
Minnesota also has Luke Ridnour and Ricky Rubio. David Kahn, Minnesota's president of basketball operations, told the Star Tribune all three players will get their share of minutes because of the compact nature of the upcoming 66-game NBA season.
"This season is going to be an enormous challenge," Kahn said. "I think this will work well."
