Derek Fisher has spent the past year bouncing from team to team after originally being dealt away from the Los Angeles Lakers in 2012. After stints in Houston, Oklahoma City and Dallas, the veteran player is reportedly now headed back to Oklahoma. ESPN.com reports the Thunder have reached an agreement with Fisher to bring him back to the team for the remainder of the season.
This is Fisher's second time playing with the Thunder after the team originally brought him on last season to help with a big playoff push. His number were severely unimpressive during his time with the team. Fisher averaged 4.9 points on 34.3 percent shooting overall in 20 games. He performed only slightly better during the playoffs, averaging 6.3 points on 41.5 percent shooting. The Thunder reached the NBA Finals last season, eventually losing to the Miami Heat.
38-year old Fisher then signed with the Dallas Mavericks at the start of this year's seasons, but only played in nine games before suffering a knee injury. He asked the Mavericks to grant him a release from the team so he could spend time with his family. During his brief stint with Dallas, Fisher averaged 8.6 points and 3.6 assists in 25 minutes overall. Mavericks owner Mark Cuban has remained supportive of Fisher during his knee injury and has been willing to work with Fisher on where his career is headed.
The Thunder are in desperate need for another point guard to add to the team. They recently traded Eric Maynor to the Portland Trail Blazers in a deal at the trade deadline.
Fisher will give the Thunder a veteran presence as they work towards winning a championship. He comes with valuable playoff and championship experience. Fisher won five championships with the Los Angeles Lakers and was viewed as a key locker room figure. He also doubles as the NBA Players Association president. Fisher is expected to sign a contract Monday.
