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Memphis Grizzlies President of Basketball Operations Jerry West announced today the team has signed forward Stromile Swift to a one-year deal. In keeping with team policy, financial terms of the deal were not announced.

Swift, 6-9, 225 pounds, has averaged 8.8 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.4 blocks over 292 career games with the Grizzlies. Last season he averaged 9.4 points, 4.9 rebounds and had a career-high 118 (1.56 bpg) blocked shots, ranking him 20th in the NBA and second on the team. He led the team in scoring six times and in rebounding nine times, setting season-highs in points (24) at the LA Clippers on Jan. 11 and rebounds (15) vs. Orlando on Jan. 3.

“Obviously, this is a very important year for Stromile,” said Grizzlies President of Basketball Operations Jerry West. “I made Stromile and his agent numerous contract offers, and none were acceptable. We expect Stromile to go out and have a great year, and pressure us to sign him to the type of contract he is seeking. Even though he will be an unrestricted free agent next year, we can bid on him, and we definitely want Stromile to remain a Grizzlie.”

Swift was selected by the Vancouver Grizzlies as the second overall pick in the 2000 NBA Draft. During the 2004 playoff series vs. San Antonio, he averaged 6.0 ppg, 4.8 rpg and 1.50 bpg in four games.