Suns Sign Ex-Bull Luc Longley
The Phoenix Suns added a former Chicago Bulls center for the second consecutive day Saturday, acquiring 7-foot-2 Luc Longley from the three-time defending NBA champions.
The Bulls first signed Longley, who was a free agent, then traded him to Phoenix for forward-center Mark Bryant, forward Martin Muursepp, guard Bubba Wells and a first-round pick.
In addition, the Suns also re-signed free agent forward George McCloud.
On Friday, Joe Kleine, a backup for the Bulls, signed with the Suns.
Longley, a free agent who had spent the last four-plus seasons with the Bulls, posted career-high averages in points (11.4), rebounds (5.9) and assists (2.8) last season.
The trade continues the further dismantling of the Bulls following the retirement of Michael Jordan and the trade of Scottie Pippen to the Houston Rockets. In addition, Steve Kerr was traded to the San Antonio Spurs.
McCloud, an eight-year veteran, was used primarily as a reserve last season, averaging 7.2 points, 3.5 rebounds and 19.3 minutes. He started the final six games of the season in place of the injured Danny Manning and averaged 14.3 points in the that span.
Already spurned in their pursuit of Antonio McDyess, the Suns are awaiting an answer from free agent forward Tom Gugliotta. They continue to build around the vacant power forward spot.
Gugliotta met with Suns officials Thursday night and returned to Minnesota on Friday. The Suns are believed to be the front-runners for Gugliotta, although the Timberwolves can offer him more money under the new collective bargaining agreement.
McDyess twice turned down the Suns, also hedging on an offer from the Denver Nuggets before finally signing with them. The Suns also renounced their rights to forward-center Hot Rod Williams.
In addition to Kleine, the Suns on Friday re-signed Marko Milic, Horacio Llamas and signed Toby Bailey and James Collins. None are expected to make a significant impact.
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