Bucks match offer sheet to G-F Bell

Sep 20, 2007 - 9:13 PM MILWAUKEE (Ticker) -- Charlie Bell won't be hitting South Beach after all.

The Milwaukee Bucks matched an offer sheet from the Miami Heat and signed the swingman to a multi-year contract, the team announced on Thursday.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported it is a five-year, $18.3 million contract.

"From a basketball standpoint, signing Charlie was an easy decision," Bucks general manager Larry Harris said. "He is a terrific player and a very important part of what we are doing both this season and in the future.

"We've said all along that we wanted to have him remain on our team. Charlie is a high-character individual first and foremost, and he gives it his all in practice, in games and in the community."

Bell, who was a restricted free agent, originally signed the offer sheet with Miami - where he had expressed interest in relocating - on September 17. Milwaukee had one week to match the offer.

It was a reward for the 28-year-old Bell, who had a breakout season in 2006-07 - his second full campaign - posting career highs by averaging 13.5 points, 3.0 assists and 2.9 rebounds.

Teaming with Michael Redd and Mo Williams last season, Bell became a formidable third option on the struggling Bucks. Coach Larry Krystkowiak hopes the undrafted swingman can be a big part of the team's turnaround.

"I look at Charlie as that final piece of the puzzle," Krystkowiak said. "Charlie is a consummate pro who gives us versatility at a number of positions. He is a tough, hard-nosed player who never takes the easy way out. I'm really excited about the makeup of our roster as we head into training camp next month."