<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">MILWAUKEE - Perhaps the biggest free agent bonanza became official Monday when free agent forward Bobby Simmons signed with Milwaukee Bucks. The Bucks announced the deal as multi-year at undisclosed terms. However, it was reported last month when Simmons was negotiating with the Bucks that he would receive approximately $47 million over five years. A Chicago native, Simmons was voted the NBA's Most Improved Player after last season, when he made just $825,000 with the Los Angeles Clippers. "It's exciting for me to come back to the Midwest and to be in Milwaukee," said Simmons, who joins his fourth NBA team. "I'm looking forward to playing with the Bucks and being a part of their nucleus of young players." Simmons, 24, is part of a rebuilding project in Milwaukee that includes the hiring of new coach Terry Stotts, the re-signing of star shooting guard Michael Redd, the selection of center Andrew Bogut with the top overall pick in the draft and the return of injured point guard T.J. Ford, who missed all of last season recovering from a spinal cord injury. "We're pleased to add a player of Bobby's quality and character to our team," Stotts said. "I'm very impressed with how he has continued to improve so far throughout his career. It speaks to his dedication to the game." In 75 games last season, Simmons averaged 16.4 points, more than double his previous highest average. In his first season as a starter, he also had career highs of 5.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.41 steals. In every statistical category, the 6-6 Simmons amassed a total that exceeded his previous three seasons combined. Bucks general manager Larry Harris cleared salary cap room at the trading deadline last season by shipping forward Keith Van Horn to Dallas and guard Mike James to Houston. "Bobby is an extremely versatile player and adds depth to our roster at a number of positions," Harris said. "He can score from anywhere on the court, he's a very tough defender and he wants to win. He had a great year last season and we're excited to add him to our team."</div> Source: http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=nba&id=2128996
