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Report: Nets interested in bringing back Jason Collins

The Nets are reportedly interesting in bringing back Jason Collins. (Photo by Kwaku Alston/For Sports Illustrated)

The Nets are reportedly interesting in bringing back Jason Collins. (Kwaku Alston/For Sports Illustrated

The Brooklyn Nets are interested in bringing back free-agent center Jason Collins, the first openly gay player in NBA history, reports Yahoo! Sports.

Collins made public his sexuality in May in a Sports Illustrated article.

The Nets traded for Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Jason Terry during last night's draft and Collins would bring another veteran presence to the team.

Collins was the 18th overall pick in the 2001 NBA draft and was part of two NBA Finals appearances for the Nets. He was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies in 2008 and played with the Washington Wizards last season.

PHOTO GALLERY: Jason Collins through the years

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Collins, 34, has close relationships with new Nets coach Jason Kidd and top assistant Lawrence Frank. They were together for seven successful seasons with the Nets when Frank was a coach, Kidd was the point guard and Collins provided a physical, defensive presence.

There's reason to believe that he'd have a strong comfort level returning to an organization that knows him well and values his tough, defensive-minded sensibilities.

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