Spurs Sign Derrick Byars (original) (raw)

The Spurs have officially signed Derrick Byars, the team announced. San Antonio had an extra roster spot, so the team didn't need to make a corresponding move to clear room for Byars.

Byars, who turns 28 today, has played for the D-League's Bakersfield Jam for the past three seasons, averaging 17.1 points and 5.1 rebounds in 35.3 minutes per game in 104 career contests for the team. The wing player was selected in the second round of the 2007 draft by the Trail Blazers and was in camp with the Heat this preseason, though he has never appeared in a regular season NBA game.

It would be surprising if Byars received any playing time in the postseason for San Antonio, but he'll provide extra depth at the end of the bench in a spot that otherwise wouldn't have been used. The Spurs also recalled Cory Joseph from their own D-League squad Wednesday.

Scott Schroeder of Ridiculous Upside first reported that the Spurs would sign Byars. According to RealGM's transactions log, the 28-year-old inked a multiyear deal, so there's likely a non-guaranteed year in addition to the remainder of this season.