Cavs sign G Gibson to multi-year deal

Jul 16, 2008 - 3:33 PM CLEVELAND (Ticker) -- The Cleveland Cavaliers brought back Daniel Gibson on Wednesday, signing the guard to a multi-year contract.

Terms were not disclosed, but the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported that Gibson agreed to a five-year deal.

Gibson, 22, averaged 10.4 points last season despite missing 24 games due to ankle and shoulder injuries. The second-year sharpshooter emerged as Cleveland's best long-range threat, shooting a team-high 44 percent from 3-point range.

"Daniel has been an important part of our Cavs family the last two seasons," Cavaliers general manager Danny Ferry said. "He has worked to grow as a player, and we love his passion for winning and the game itself. He's been great off the court as well, and is exactly the kind of person we're proud to have with us."

After averaging 4.6 points as a rookie, the 6-2 Gibson was outstanding during Cleveland's 2007 postseason run to the NBA Finals. He scored 19 points in the fourth quarter to help lead Cleveland to a series-clinching victory over the Detroit Pistons in Game Six of the Eastern Conference finals.

In bringing back Gibson, a restricted free agent, the Cavaliers also likely are positioning themselves favorably to eventually re-sign superstar LeBron James. Gibson has developed a rapport with the 23-year-old James, who is eligible for free agency following the 2009-10 season.

"In re-signing Daniel, it helps the Cavs both build continuity and create a young core that will be in Cleveland for many years to come," Ferry said.

A 2006 second-round draft selection, Gibson has averaged 7.5 points and 1.8 assists in 118 career games.