Barkley Signs With Rockets

September 3, 1999 / 8:50 PM EDT / CBS/AP

Free agent forward Charles Barkley agreed to a one-year contract with the Houston Rockets, the team said Friday.

"He's still a great player and we really need him," said Carroll Dawson, the Rockets' vice president of basketball operations. "He said he wanted to play one more year, so that's what we talked about."

Dawson would not confirm the amount of the contract but Houston television station KRIV,, citing sources, reported it was worth $9 million.

Barkley, the NBA's MVP in 1992-93 with the Phoenix Suns, is heading into his 16th NBA season and fourth with the Rockets. He finished second in the league in rebounds last season, averaging 12.3. He also averaged 16 points and 4.5 assists.

Also Friday, the Rockets announced they signed free agent Thomas Hamilton. The 7-foot-2 center will be entering his second NBA season but hasn't played since 1995-96 with the Boston Celtics. He played in 11 games that season, averaging 2.3 points and 2.0 rebounds.