The 2013 no. 1 pick center Andrea Bargnani agreed to terms to join the Brooklyn Nets after reports that the Sacramento Kings were close to signing him this free agency.
ESPN.com reported Saturday that the Kings are in talks with the New York Knicks and were close to acquiring Bargnani.
The 29-year-old joined the Knicks via a trade deal which sent center Marcus Camby, forward Steve Novak, a 2016 first-round pick and two second-round picks to the Toronto Raptors in 2013.
Unfortunately he was unable to meet the hype in his time with New York only playing 49 games in his first season and only 29 last season due to injuries.
Although he averaged 14.8 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.6 assists during the 2014-15 season.
The Kings were looking to add Bargnani as a fallback after trading a number of players to the Philadelphia 76ers to clear cap space in their attempt of landing All-Star forward LaMarcus Aldridge who earlier this free agency joined the San Antonio Spurs.
Sacramento already had key signings this offseason as they try to rebuild around All-Star center DeMarcus Cousins.
Notable free agents who signed with the Kings are center Kosta Koufos and championship-winning guards Rajon Rondo and Marco Belinelli.
According to ESPN, Sacramento offered Bargnani a much lucrative deal for two seasons but he decided to be with the Nets for the veterans minimum.
Once healthy, Bargnani will be a key addition to the Nets' frontline which is led by center Brook Lopez who has emerged to be one of the premier big men in the league in previous seasons.
There is no question regarding Bargnani's offensive game but he has been criticized for his defense and rebounding.
His health is also a factor to be considered since he has been plagued by injuries in the past few seasons.
Despite all these issues, Bargnani is still a good acquisition for Brooklyn which recently waived point guard Deron Williams who is set to join the Dallas Mavericks.
http://espn.go.com/new-york/nba/story/_/id/13246037/brooklyn-nets-come-terms-andrea-bargnani-2-year-deal-edging-sacramento-kings
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/andrea-bargnani-reportedly-spurns-the-kings--signs-with-brooklyn-233151159.html
http://espn.go.com/nba/player/stats/_/id/2987/andrea-bargnani
