This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Earl Watson has re-signed with the Jazz, The Salt Lake Tribune learned Friday.
Watson inked a two-year guaranteed deal with Utah.
The 10-year veteran averaged 4.3 points and 3.5 assists with the Jazz during the 2010-11 season, playing in 80 games and starting 13.
Watson, 32, will enter training camp backing up starter Devin Harris and competing with veteran Jamaal Tinsley for second-unit minutes.
Watson reportedly was close to signing with Atlanta earlier this week. However, the Jazz had long been Watson's preferred choice, and agent Mark Bartelstein spoke with Utah General Manager Kevin O'Connor on Friday to close out the deal.
The additions of Watson and Tinsley, combined with the expected signings of rookies Enes Kanter and Alec Burks, would bring the Jazz's roster to 13. Details about Tinsley's contract have not been revealed, though, and it's uncertain whether he'll have to make the team out of camp for his deal to become guaranteed.
Brian T. Smith
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