Charlotte Hornets adding Brian Roberts as third point guard

Looking to fine-tune their upcoming roster, the Charlotte Hornets came to terms with Brian Roberts Wednesday to be the team’s third point guard.

A source familiar with the deal said Roberts will be paid the veteran minimum salary.

The Hornets start Kemba Walker at the point and have agreed to a two-year, $12.3 milllion deal with Ramon Sessions to be Walker’s backup.

Roberts, 30, was with the Hornets last season before being included in a trade package that acquired shooting guard Courtney Lee in February. Roberts was sent to the Miami Heat and then was traded on to the Portland Trail Blazers.

Roberts appeared in 30 games last season for the Hornets, averaging 4.8 points, 1.3 assists and 11 minutes.

This signing is consistent with Hornets coach Steve Clifford’s priorities: to have a third point guard familiar with the system just in case of injuries. C

Clifford has said he can live with one less wing player on the roster to have extra depth at point guard or center, positions typically harder to fill.

The NBA lifts its annual moratorium Thursday, so the Hornets can start signing free agents and complete the trade they have with the Sacramento Kings to acquire Marco Belinelli.

This story was originally published July 6, 2016 at 4:05 PM with the headline "Charlotte Hornets adding Brian Roberts as third point guard."