The Washington Wizards signed free agent guard Gary Neal to a one-year deal reportedly worth $2.1 million and completed a trade on Thursday to acquire forward Jared Dudley from the Milwaukee Bucks.
The Wizards gave up a protected future second-round draft pick to obtain Dudley, who averaged 7.2 points and 3.1 rebounds with the Bucks last season and 8.5 points and 3.4 rebounds in eight NBA seasons.
Before the free agency period began earlier this week, the 6-foot-7 Dudley exercised the option on the final year of his contract worth $4.25 million in 2015-16. The Wizards have a hole to fill on their roster after losing free agent forward Paul Pierce to the Los Angeles Clippers.
“Jared’s versatility and shooting ability will give us depth at both forward positions and allow us to use him in a variety of lineups,” Wizards general manager Ernie Grunfeld said. “We are also looking forward to the leadership and veteran presence that he will bring both on the court.”
Neal averaged 10.1 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.9 assists while shooting 30.5 percent on 3-point attempts in 35 games last season while spending time with Charlotte and Minnesota.
“Gary is a proven veteran who will bring us perimeter shooting and experience,” Grunfeld said. “Adding him to our rotation makes our backcourt rotation deeper and more versatile.”
Neal has career averages of 9.9 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 310 NBA games.