SALT LAKE CITY, Aug. 16 -- Utah Jazz President Dennis Haslam Thursday announced that the NBA team signed four-year veteran swingman Matt Harpring to a contract.
The 6-7, 230-pound Harpring, who can play forward or guard, joins the team after the best pro season of his career, when he averaged 11.8 points and 7.1 rebounds in 81 games for the Philadelphia 76ers.
Terms of the contract were not released, but the Philadelphia Inquirer reported it was worth $18.5 million over four years.
"Matt brings to our team the kind of energy our coaches appreciate in a player," Haslam said. "He will fit into Jerrys system and will be able to play multiple positions when he is on the floor. Hes still a young player, but hes improved every year hes been in the league and this is a clear indication of his desire and attitude. Matt was highly sought after by several teams so we are very pleased he made the decision to play for the Jazz. (Negotiator) Kevin (OConnor) has been working hard to put this deal together, even in the midst of a family vacation. Wethink it will be a great fit for both Matt and the Jazz."
Harpring, 26, was originally selected by the Orlando Magic in the first round of the 1998 draft, 15th overall, and saw action in 54 games for the Magic over two seasons. He was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in August 2000 and saw action in 56 games for the Cavs in the 2000-2001 season. He joined the 76ers last summer along with teammate Cedric Henderson for forwards Tyrone Hill and Jumaine Jones.
An NBA All-Rookie First Team selection in 1999-2000, he appeared in all 50 games of the lockout-shortened season, averaging 8.2 points and 4.3 rebounds. As a collegiate player, he was named to the All-ACC team three times (1995-1996 to 1997-1998) while at Georgia Tech.
"Matt is enthusiastic about playing under Coach$(Jerry$)Sloan and with John Stockton, Karl Malone and the core of young people at Utah," Richard Howell, Harpring's agent, told the paper. "We were looking for a good basketball situation, a place he can make a home in terms of basketball, and a reasonably solid contract. Obviously, this year was a challenging year, but I think the market has held up very well."
Harpring also drew serious interest from Miami and Atlanta, and a contract offer from the Sixers was rescinded at his request because he felt he had been low-balled by the team.NEWLN:|end| Content: 15000001 15008000 15008001
