WASHINGTON, July 7 (Xinhua) -- The Atlanta Hawks reportedly will sign free agent point guard Mike Bibby on a three-year contract.

    Bibby, a veteran of 11 years in the NBA, will stay in Atlanta on a deal worth an estimated 18 million U.S. dollars, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported.

    The NBA's free-agent market opened six days ago, although players cannot officially sign with new teams until Wednesday.

    Bibby, who moved to Atlanta from the Sacramento Kings in a multi-player trade in February 2008, has helped the Hawks reach the playoffs for the last two years.

    He averaged 14.9 points, 3.5 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game last season.