Suns sign journeyman Swift for rest of season

MIAMI -- Forward Stromile Swift signed a free-agent contract with Phoenix on Wednesday for the remainder of the season, giving the Suns another big man to replace the injured Amare Stoudemire.

Swift was in uniform Wednesday night when the Suns visited the Miami Heat, but did not play.

Swift was waived earlier this week by the New Jersey Nets. The nine-year veteran averaged only 3.8 points in six games with the Nets this season, but the former LSU standout could be vital to Phoenix, which might be without Stoudemire (eye surgery) for the remainder of the season.

"We are very pleased to be able to add a player of Stromile's caliber at this late date," Suns president and general manager Steve Kerr said. "We believe that his athleticism, length and experience will be valuable to us as we head down the stretch run."

Swift has averages of 8.5 points and 4.7 rebounds in 534 career games with the Vancouver and Memphis Grizzlies, Houston Rockets and the Nets.