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The Chicago Bulls announced today the signing of free agent forward Darius Songaila (pronounced sun-GUY-la). Per team policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.

“This is a very significant signing for us and we are extremely excited to add Darius to our roster,” said Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations John Paxson. “He is the type of player and person we desire and his level of skill will strengthen our already solid front line.”

The 6-8, 240-pounder played in 81 games last season with the Sacramento Kings and averaged 7.5 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 1.4 apg in 20.6 mpg and shot .527 from the field and .847 from the free throw line. In 21 starting assignments, he improved his averages to 10.5 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 2.2 apg and 1.20 spg in 29.7 mpg. He also posted five double-doubles, including a career-high 23 points (10-14 FG, 3-5 FT), 12 boards and three assists at Dallas (02/24/05).

Songaila, 27, joins the Bulls after two seasons with the Kings. He holds career averages of 6.1 ppg, 3.7 rpg and 1.1 apg in 17.2 mpg and has shot .512 from the floor and .829 from the free throw line in 154 games, including 28 starts. He also appeared in 12 playoff games with the Kings, averaging 3.8 ppg and 2.3 rpg in 13.3 mpg. He is a native of Lithuania and earned All-America honors while playing at Wake Forest.

InsideHoops.com Editor's View: This is a solid signing. I hear that the contract is only for a year or two, and a few million. Songaila will probably re-sign when the deal ends. He's good insurance in case Eddy Curry, who as of today is still unsigned, goes elsewhere this or next summer. The Bulls have rounded up a big stack of talented young players who have genuine potential to improve, and Darius is another on that list.