Nene re-signs with Houston Rockets on three-year, $11 million deal

Nene is returning to the Houston Rockets. He will re-sign with the team on a new three-year, $11 million deal.

The Houston Rockets are not ready to lay down and let the Warriors walk over the rest of the NBA. Houston is very much in the arms race so to speak and continues to improve. Nene has been brought back into the fold on a three-year, $11 million deal. The center enjoyed his first season with the Rockets and will remain in Houston to likely finish off his career.

Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN first reported the news:

Houston originally re-signed Nene but the deal was snagged via an odd clause in the CBA. Nene was not allowed to sign a four-year deal, as originally agreed upon, due to the over 38 rule. Nene, 34, will turn 35 by the start of the season which carries the deal past his 38 birthday. Nene missed the cut off of a potential four-year deal by 11 days. Instead of the previous four-year, $15 million deal, Nene gets 3 for $11 million instead. The NBA is so odd but that’s a story for a different day.

Nene played a key role for the Rockets as a valuable center. After losing some depth in the Chris Paul deal, Nene needed to be brought back. Nene averaged 9.1 points and 4.2 rebounds per game. He also posted a staggering 18.91 PER which proves he consistently made his teammates better.

Next: Winners and losers from the Chris Paul – Houston Rockets trade

Houston has been quite busy also adding depth in the form of P.J. Tucker. Former 2nd round pick Zhou Qi will also come from overseas this season as another low-post option. With Chris Paul leading the show for the Rockets, expect Nene to catch his fair share of lobs next season. Houston will be a fun team to watch!