Editor's note: NBA free agency is upon us. Stay logged on to CSNBayArea.com, and tune in to SportsNet Central tonight at 6 and 10:30 p.m. for complete coverage and analysis.
Among the factors on which new coach Steve Kerr has placed a premium is shooting. Kerr and Warriors general manager Bob Myers clearly want players that can fire from deep.
That, along with the steeply discounted price, was the primary factor behind the Warriors on Wednesday signing 6-foot-6 wing Brandon Rush to a two-year contract worth a reported $2.5 million.
Rush's agent, Mark Bartelstein, confirmed the signing to Yahoo! Sports.
Rush, 29, was the Sixth Man on the Warriors 2011-12 team but sustained a severe knee injury in the home opener of the following season that cost him the entire year. He was traded to Utah last summer as part of the deal to acquire wing Andre Iguodala.
Shorty after being 13th overall by the Trail Blazers in 2008, Rush was traded to the Pacers – along with guard Jarrett Jack and forward Josh McRoberts – in exchange for guard Jerryd Bayless and forward Ike Diogu.
After three seasons in Indiana, during which Rush shot 42 percent, he was acquired by the Warriors in December 2012 in exchange for forward Lou Amundsen. Rush shot 50.4 percent during his time as a Warrior, including 44.8 percent from 3-point distance. He also was a very good defender, often taking the top opposing wing.
After making $4 million for each of the last two seasons, Rush simply sought a place where he could revive his career for a contender.
Assuming Rush's left knee is fully recovered, it's a solid signing by a Warriors team pretty much restricted to shopping the free-agent bargain bin. The second year of his new contract contains a player option.
