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Nets officially announce signings of Andray Blatche and Shaun Livingston

By Tom Lorenzo
USA TODAY Sports

The Brooklyn Nets, as expected, officially announced the signings of Andray Blatche and point guard Shaun Livingston.

Blatche, the only Nets player to appear in all 82 games, averaged 10.3 points and 5.1 rebounds in 19 minutes per game last season.

Nets GM Billy King said of Blatche, "Andray was a vital member of our team last season. He provides valuable front court depth, and we look forward to his continued contribution."

Livingston, who has been in the league for eight seasons, averaged 6.3 points, 3.3 assists and 2.4 rebounds in 66 games with the Cleveland Cavaliers last season.

"Shaun’s abilities give our roster added versatility in the backcourt," said King. "His basketball acumen and the way he plays the game are a great fit for this team."

The Blatche contract is a two-year vets minimum deal, with a player option in the second year. His Nets contract, combined with his Wizards amnesty payments, guarantee Blatche $18.5 million over the next two years. Livingston's contract is a one-year, vets minimum deal, making approximately $1.4 million.

In a conference call with beat writers, Blatche said, "This organization gave me a chance when no one else did. It was about loyalty." He also called Kevin Garnett, "a great, great, great, great leader to follow behind. Paul Pierce is a great player. We made big moves to make this team better, it made me feel comfortable.

"It never crossed my mind about going somewhere else."

Livingston said he had multiple offers but the most interest from the Nets and his old team, the Cavs. The chance to play in the post-season sealed the deal for him.

"With the trade, it just make the team instantly more competitive on paper," said Livingston. "We have to go and play it out and follow through." "It’s a very attractive situation, being able to play with future Hall of Famers and a Hall of Fame coach."

As for his knee, hurt in a catastrophic game injury, he said his athleticism won't return to pre-injury levels, saying, "I can't compare to where I was. The athletic ability will never be there. I'm as close to as 100% as I'll ever be."

The Nets are expected to announce the mega-trade with the Boston Celtics at some point on Friday afternoon.

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