NEW YORK, July 19 (Reuters) - The Washington Wizards signed free agent forward Darius Songaila to a five-year deal worth a reported $21 million on Wednesday.

Songaila averaged a career-high 9.2 points per game and 4.0 rebounds in 62 games with the Chicago Bulls last season.

"Darius provides us with physical toughness in our front court and on the defensive end," Wizards head coach Eddie Jordan said in a statement. "At the same time, he is a reliable scorer.

"Darius has a great work ethic and will be a very good team mate."

Taken in the second round of the 2002 draft by the Boston Celtics, Songaila spent the 2002-2003 season playing for CSKA Moscow of the Russian A Superleague before playing in the NBA.

In three seasons, two with the Sacramento Kings and one with the Bulls, Songaila is averaging 7.0 points and 3.8 rebounds per game.

A member of the Lithuanian national team, the 6-foot 9-inch, 240 pound forward helped his country to the European championship and Olympic bronze medal at the 2000 Olympics.

Top Photo Galleries 100 Memorable Olympic Moments The NHL's Great Game 7s Best Players Without An NBA Title No. 1 MLB Draft Picks Since 1985 Indy 500 Drivers to Watch

Most Popular Stories April Vaughan; Rays players dress as nerds: Hot Clicks Dempsey anticipates next step after historic Fulham season Heat prove to be the tougher team after eliminating Pacers in Game 6 Segui throws 'darts' at Clemens' perjury defense Dillon: Cards' Campbell won't rest on his laurels now that he's cashed in