76ers' discarded 7.3 PPG guard signs with Eastern Conference rival

The Philadelphia 76ers had to make a tricky cut recently.

Last season, they relied heavily on Ricky Council IV. He played in a team-high 73 games as the rest of the roster got injured left and right. In that playing time, Council averaged 7.3 points and 2.9 rebounds per game.

Philadelphia couldn't find a way to keep him around, though, kind of a bummer for Council after his good work on the floor.

At least he didn't linger in free agency long.

Council has signed a one-year contract with the Brooklyn Nets, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.

It seems like a solid pickup for Brooklyn, which isn't necessarily expected to contend in the East this season but also will really benefit from someone like Council adding depth to the roster.

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The Nets had five first-round picks, and instead of trying to consolidate them, they made all five. The rookie-heavy roster will make things very difficult.

Council will actually wind up as a veteran presence among that group, capable of sharing what it's like to grind your way to NBA opportunities.

Brooklyn also still has some uncertainty. High-scoring guard Cam Thomas is still a restricted free agent, and it doesn't seem there's been a lot of movement on the deal. If he happens to not come back to the Nets, Council would take on an even bigger role.

Even with Thomas around, though, Council should get a chance at quality run.

On a one-year deal, this could be Council's chance to prove he can thrive in a bigger role and earn a better contract next offseason.

The 76ers will just hope that Council doesn't play too well against them.

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