Martin returns to NBA, agrees on one-year deal with LA Clippers

Feb 4, 2012, 0:49 GMT

Los Angeles - Kenyon Martin is returning to the NBA after the veteran power forward and the LA Clippers agreed Friday on a one-year deal at the mini-mid-level of 2.5 million dollars.

Although the Clippers have not yet made an official announcement, Martin's agent, Andy Miller, confirmed an agreement.

Martin, according to the LA Times, is expected to take a physical by Saturday and join the Clippers by Sunday or Monday in Orlando, Florida.

'He's a pro, and I think he's going to fit in perfect for us,' Clippers head coach Vinny Del Negro told the Times. 'I've talked to him a lot and kind of explained everything, and he's very comfortable with the situation. Now we've just got to get him in here and figure things out as we go forward.'

Martin left the Denver Nuggets during the NBA lockout to play for the Xinjiang Tigers of the Chinese Basketball Association. Although he left the team in December, Martin was contractually obligated to wait until the end of their season before returning to the NBA.

On Thursday, the 34-year-old was cleared by FIBA, basketball's international governing body, to re-enter the NBA.

The rugged 6-foot-9 Martin is expected to come off the bench and provide depth at the power forward spot behind All-Star Blake Griffin, although he can play centre as well.

Martin owns career averages of 13.5 points and 7.2 rebounds in 654 games with Denver and the New Jersey Nets. Last season, he averaged 8.6 points and 6.2 rebounds in 48 games with the Nuggets.