OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) - Kelenna Azubuike will return to the
Golden State Warriors after the club matched the Los Angeles
Clippers' three-year, $9 million contract offer for the shooting
guard on Thursday.
Azubuike averaged 8.1 points and 4.0 rebounds in 81 games last
season with the Warriors, who signed the former Kentucky guard out
of the NBA Developmental League in January 2007. He started 17
games for Golden State, and he should see more playing time next
season after Baron Davis' departure for the Clippers, Mickael
Pietrus' signing with Orlando and Monta Ellis' expected move to
point guard.
"We are pleased to have Kelenna back in the fold," said Chris
Mullin, the Warriors' top basketball executive. "He's a young and
talented player who has continued to improve during his two seasons
with our team. His versatility, athleticism and ability to shoot
the 3-pointer certainly fit our style of play."
Azubuike, a restricted free agent, signed the offer sheet with
the Clippers last Friday, giving Golden State seven days to match
it. The Warriors, who earlier signed high-scoring free agent
swingman Corey Maggette from the Clippers, also signed forward
Ronny Turiaf away from the Lakers last week with a similar
offer-sheet deal.
Golden State also signed forward Richard Hendrix, its
second-round pick in last month's draft.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)