Fansided

Kings sign Andrea Bargnani, per report

By Matt Verderame

Dec 31, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) guards New York Knicks center Andrea Bargnani (77) in the second half of the game at Staples Center. Clippers won 99-78. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) guards New York Knicks center Andrea Bargnani (77) in the second half of the game at Staples Center. Clippers won 99-78. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Sacramento Kings and former first-overall pick Andrea Bargnani have agreed to a deal, according to Marc Stein of ESPN.

To this point, the terms have not been disclosed, but it would be shocking if the money is significant. Bargnani spent the last two years with the New York Knicks after being traded there by the Toronto Raptors. Toronto made Bargnani the top pick in the 2006 NBA Draft. Bargnani was a superstar out of Italy but has never become a complete player in the United States (and Canada).

Known for being soft and playing absolutely no defense, Bargnani fit right in with the Knicks. In 2013-14, Bargnani played 42 games, starting 39 of them. He averaged 13.3 points and 5.3 rebounds per game, showcasing a solid offensive game that has kept him as a viable player in the league. Last year, Bargnani battled injuries once more and played in only 29 games, averaging 14.8 points and 4.4 rebounds per game.

Bargnani’s best NBA season came in 2010-11 for Toronto went he poured in better than 21 points per night. In each of his nine seasons, Bargnani has averaged in double figures. Outside of his defense, the other main issue has been staying healthy. During that stretch, Bargnani has played 75 or more games only three times, and not once since 2009-10.

The Kings have been active this offseason, signing point guard Rajon Rondo to pair with DeMarcus Cousins and Rudy Gay. Sacramento will probably still struggle to win games, but the group should be offensively entertaining to say the least.

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