Malone Signs a Three-Year Contract With Atlanta Hawks

Moses Malone, an 11-time all-star and three-time National Basketball Assn. most valuable player in his 12 seasons in the league, signed a 3-year contract with the Atlanta Hawks Tuesday reportedly worth a minimum of $4.67 million.

“This was the piece of the puzzle we all felt we needed to give us our best chance at a championship,” said Ted Turner, team owner.

Atlanta last won the NBA championship in 1957-58 while in St. Louis. The team moved to Atlanta in 1968. The Hawks have won at least 50 games the last three seasons, but each year were eliminated in the second round of the playoffs.

Malone, who played the last two seasons for Washington, averaged 20.3 points and 11.2 rebounds a game last season and was only one of four NBA players to rank in the top 20 scorers and top 10 rebounders.