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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted at 6:52 a.m., Wednesday, July 16, 2008

NBA: Cavaliers sign Gibson to 5-year deal

By JOE MILICIA
Associated Press

CLEVELAND — The Cavaliers finally made a move this offseason, signing sharpshooter Daniel Gibson to a five-year contract today.

Bringing back Gibson, a restricted free agent, was one of Cleveland's top priorities. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The guard averaged a career-high 10.4 points on 43 percent shooting last season. He sprained his left ankle in a Feb. 20 game at Indiana and missed 18 games.

Gibson had arthroscopic surgery last month on the ankle and is expected to be ready for training camp.

Aside from signing first-round draft pick J.J. Hickson last week, the Cavs have been quiet this offseason. General manger Danny Ferry hasn't been active in free agency because the Cavaliers are over the salary cap.

The Cavaliers do have two exceptions ($5.5 million midlevel and $1.8 million biannual) to improve their talent and have shown interest in Boston forward James Posey.

Ferry also must decide on guard Delonte West, a restricted free agent, who last season showed signs that he could be the traditional point guard the Cavaliers have needed.

The pressure on Ferry, owner Dan Gilbert and coach Mike Brown to win an NBA title is mounting with superstar LeBron James eligible for free agency following the 2010 season. That's two years away, but there's already rampant media speculation about James leaving for New York or elsewhere, and the talk isn't likely to subside.

In re-signing Gibson, the Cavaliers return their most consistent outside shooting threat.

Gibson was fifth in the NBA last season in 3-point shooting at 44 percent. He was named MVP of the All-Star Rookie/Sophomore game in New Orleans when he made a record 11 3-pointers.

He missed the final two games of Cleveland's playoff series against Boston with a separated shoulder.