Forward Bass agrees to four-year deal with Magic

[Skywalker]

By David Aldridge, TNT analyst
Posted Jul 10 2009 12:58PM

The Orlando Magic are trying to keep up in the arms race in the competitive Eastern Conference, agreeing to terms on Friday with free agent forward Brandon Bass on a four-year deal believed to be worth $18 million.

The 23-year-old Bass was one of the most coveted big men in this year's free agency class, having been a valuable role player off the bench for the Mavericks the past two seasons. He played in 81 games for Dallas last year, averaging 8.5 points and 4.5 rebounds in 19 minutes a night. The Mavericks tried to keep him, but Dallas' commitment to Magic free agent center Marcin Gortat to an offer sheet made money scarce. New Orleans, Bass's first team, and Cleveland also were working to sign him.

With Hedo Turkoglu gone to Toronto, there may be an opportunity for a starting job at power forward in Orlando for Bass, with the Magic moving Rashard Lewis back to his normal small forward position. But even if he doesn't start, Bass will provide toughness and size for an Orlando team that now has to contend with Shaquille O'Neal and re-signed forward Anderson Varejao in Cleveland and the return of Kevin Garnett and newly signed Rasheed Wallace in Boston.

The Cavaliers made a last-minute push on Bass, according to a source, but didn't have a way to get him the money he'll get in Orlando. Cleveland has come to terms with free agent guard Anthony Parker and will probably use its mid-level exception on him, leaving only the biannual and veteran minimums for other players.

Bass's contract has an out clause after three seasons.

http://www.nba.com/2009/news/feature...ass/index.html

I'm happy for him, he's now on one of the best teams in the league and will have the PT he desired to prove himself. I really wish the best for him.
Thanks for all the highlights.

[ChApU#5]

I was going to post it at the same time.

Anyways, I think it's a pretty good move by the Magic to get Brandon Bass.

[KB24TC]

f*ck Gortat.

Magic just made a great move adding Bass.

[ut_jazz]

Magic just got beter that's for sure, 4 yr 18 million not bad for a player like Bass

[inevtable]

Shawn Marion will take his minutes!!!!
they mavs needed to get rid of Bass..

[omfgfcku2]

YES!

His a great backup. Hustle type of player.

[C-Webb1987]

wowwwwwww one of the most underrated players in the whole league
awesome pick up by the Magic, their starting line up right now is arguably top 3 material in the league

[310Hoodstar]

great add
now magic can be contenders again
with a good starting 5 and great players coming off the bench + Bass
great move

[Melo_Man]

Great,just great move by the Magic...

[reverence]

The magic just got a bit better now. They lost Gortat in order to get Bass, this is a great move for them.
I hope he does well beside superman, and making Dwight's job easier.