OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) _ The Golden State Warriors signed Troy Hudson on Monday, adding a veteran free-agent guard to their young roster.

Hudson played 34 games last year in his fifth season with the Minnesota Timberwolves, who paid more than US$12 million to buy out his contract Aug. 3. He struggled with ankle injuries for nearly three years in Minnesota before getting stuck behind Mike James and Randy Foye on the bench last year.

Golden State waived guard Sarunas Jasikevicius last week. Hudson could become the backup point guard behind Baron Davis, sharing playmaking with Monta Ellis.

``He's had a productive NBA career and, most importantly, will provide us with additional depth in the backcourt,'' said Chris Mullin, the Warriors' top personnel executive. ``He has the ability to run a team, and some of his other strengths _ such as three-point shooting _ will fit in well with our style of play.''

The 10-year veteran also has played for Utah, the Los Angeles Clippers and Orlando. Hudson averaged a career-best 14.2 points and 5.7 assists for Minnesota in 2002-03.