Forward Ersan Ilyasova is returning to the Milwaukee Bucks after playing the past two seasons for Regal FC Barcelona in Spain.
Basketball sources confirmed Thursday that Ilyasova and the Bucks had agreed on a three-year deal estimated at nearly $7 million, with a first-year salary of $2.1 million. An unspecified buyout of Ilyasova's contract with the Spanish club is required.
The 6-foot-9 Ilyasova will add to Milwaukee's depth at the power forward position, after the departure of free agent Charlie Villanueva, who signed with the Detroit Pistons.
The Bucks also have acquired 22-year-old power forward Amir Johnson, who has played well in the NBA Summer League during the past week. Johnson was obtained from Detroit in the three-team trade involving the Bucks , Pistons and San Antonio Spurs, with veteran Richard Jefferson moving to San Antonio.
Ilyasova was a second-round pick for Milwaukee in the 2005 draft, selected 36th overall.
He did not play for the Bucks in his first season, instead spending time with Tulsa in the National Basketball Development League. Ilyasova appeared in 66 games, including 14 starts, with the Bucks during the 2006-'07 season and averaged 6.1 points and 2.9 rebounds in 14.8 minutes per game.
In his time with Barcelona, particularly last season, Ilyasova grew stronger and became a solid rebounder and legitimate three-point shooting threat. He shot better than 40% from three-point range in the ACB (Spanish) League and averaged 10.7 points and 7.6 rebounds.
Ilyasova also helped Barcelona reach the Euroleague final four, although it lost in the semifinals.
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