The Brooklyn Nets are bringing back free agent power forward Kris Humphries and with that, have all but completed a whirlwind free agency period.
Humphries, a 6-foot-9 power forward and a double-double threat every night, has reportedly re-signed with the Nets for two years and $24 million. The news was first reported by ESPN.
“Kris has been a very consistent player for us over the past two years,” said Nets GM Billy King. “He has developed into one of the top rebounding forwards in the league, and we are very pleased to welcome him back.”
After coming with Shawne Williams to the then-New Jersey Nets in a trade with the Dallas Mavericks for Eduardo Najera in the middle of the 2009-10 season, Humphries had his best days as a professional during the last two seasons in East Rutherford. He averaged 10.0 points and 10.4 rebounds in 2010-11, then played under a one-year, $8 million contract during the lockout-shortened 2011-12 season in which he averaged career highs of 13.8 points and 11.0 rebounds in 62 games.
“Kris has been a very consistent player for us over the past two years,” Nets General Manager Billy King said. “He has developed into one of the top rebounding forwards in the league and we are very pleased to welcome him back.”
Seeking a multi-year contract, the Nets had reportedly offered three years and $24 million, while the Bobcats had come up with a three-year, $22 million offer. Instead, Humphries will earn $12 million per season in 2012-13 and 2013-14.
With Humphries now back in the fold, King has not only successfully re-signed several of his own players, but put together a core that can presumably compete for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference at the very least.
Since the free agency moratorium ended on July 11, King has re-signed Deron Williams, Brook Lopez and Gerald Wallace, while acquiring six-time All-Star shooting guard Joe Johnson via sign-and-trade from the Atlanta Hawks.
In addition, King signed high-scoring Yugoslavian-born power forward Mirza Teletovic for the taxpayer mid-level exception and acquired rugged power forward Reggie Evans from the Los Angeles Clippers.
Photo: NBA.com
