Cavs boost backcourt with signing of Jack

7/6/2013

CLEVELAND — The Cavaliers' hopes to strengthen their backcourt took a big step forward Saturday when they agreed to a four-year, $25 million deal with free-agent guard Jarrett Jack, according to a league source. The fourth year is for a team option.

Jack became available when the Golden State Warriors renounced their rights to him on Friday to free up salary-cap space to agree to terms with free agent Andre Iguodala. Soon afterward, Jack (@Jarrettjack03) tweeted, "Well it was fun while it lasted."

That cleared the way for Cleveland to swoop in to acquire Jack, a combo guard who is expected to back up Kyrie Irving and help mentor the Cavaliers' young backcourt that also features second-year shooting guard Dion Waiters.

With Jack playing both point and shooting guard, the Cavaliers are hopeful to have one of the more explosive backcourts in the league.

Jack, 29, is an eight-year veteran who has played for New Orleans, Toronto, Indiana, and Portland. Last season was one of his most productive as part of a three-guard rotation that included Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. Jack averaged 12.9 points and 5.6 assists for the Warriors, his only season in Golden State.