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Philadelphia 76ers President Billy King announced today that the Sixers have signed free agent center Steven Hunter. Per team policy, terms of the contract are not disclosed.

InsideHoops.com hears that the deal is for five years and around $17 million.

"We felt Steven was one of the top free-agent big men out there. He is an extremely important addition to our team," King said. "He is young, athletic and a natural shot-blocker. This move really strengthens our front court."

In four NBA seasons, the 23-year-old, 7-footer has averaged 3.9 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.10 blocks on 54.4 percent shooting from the field in 221 career games with two teams - Orlando (2001-04) and Phoenix (2004-05). Last season with the Suns, Hunter averaged 4.6 points and 3.0 rebounds in a career-high 76 games (3 starts) and appeared in all 15 playoff games off the bench, averaging 4.0 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.20 blocks per game.

Hunter was originally selected in the first round (15th overall pick) of the 2001 NBA Draft by Orlando after his sophomore season at DePaul. In two seasons of collegiate basketball, Hunter averaged 9.9 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.03 blocks in 63 games.