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The Rockets will have yet another veteran option behind starting center Clint Capela, as 36-year-old Nene is reportedly planning to return to the team for a fourth season in Houston.
The news of Nene’s return was first reported by The Athletic‘s Kelly Iko. With the addition, Nene would join newly signed Tyson Chandler as proven backup centers on the Houston roster.
The Brazilian big man first signed with the Rockets in July 2016. In three seasons behind Capela, Nene has averaged 6.8 points (58.6% shooting) and 3.6 rebounds in 15.5 minutes per game while also serving as a key mentor for younger players in the locker room.
Nene opted out of the final year of his prior contract on June 29, which fed into prior speculation that he could be set to retire after 17 NBA seasons. But with over two months having since passed, it appears he has decided to return for at least one more year.
With Nene entering his 18th season and Chandler his 19th, the Rockets could opt to rotate the two veterans as Capela’s backup over the 82-game regular season as a form of load management.
Nene is the last remaining NBA player from his 2002 draft class.
Update: Later Tuesday, Nene appeared to confirm the news on his personal Instagram account.
