By: Brandon Apter, managing editor
The Philadelphia 76ers made their first move of free agency on Friday, signing eight-year veteran Jerryd Bayless to a three-year contract.
The #Sixers reportedly will sign Jerryd Bayless to three-year, $27 million deal
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) July 1, 2016
With the addition of Bayless, the Sixers now have a nice veteran guard presence, something they were seeking. Ish Smith signed a three-year contract with the Pistons earlier on Friday after the Sixers had indicated they would have liked to bring him back as a backup.
Bayless, 27, was the 11th overall pick of the 2008 NBA Draft by the Pacers and has spent time with Portland, Memphis, Toronto, Boston, New Orleans and most recently Milwaukee.
This past season with the Bucks, Bayless averaged 10.8 points and 3.1 assists in just under 29 minutes in 52 games. He shot 42.3 percent from the floor and a career-high 43.7 percent from three point range.
In his eight-year career, Bayless has averaged 8.5 points and 2.9 assists per game while shooting 41.5 percent.