Trevor Booker Reportedly to Sign with Nets: Contract Details, Reaction

Unrestricted free-agent power forward Trevor Booker is reportedly set to join the Brooklyn Nets after reaching an agreement Saturday.

Tony Jones of the Salt Lake Tribune first reported the news. Mike Mazzeo of ESPN.com confirmed the signing. Jones also noted the two-year contract is worth $18 million.

Booker could carve out an important role in Brooklyn after spending most of the first six years of his career as a reserve with the Washington Wizards and Utah Jazz. He averaged just 5.9 points and 5.7 rebounds while playing around 20 minutes per night with Utah last season.

His best campaign came with the Wizards in 2011-12, when he put up 8.4 points and 6.5 rebounds per game while shooting 53 percent from the field. That was also the only season where he averaged more than 25 minutes, which could happen again with the Nets starting in the fall.

The 28-year-old Clemson product originally hoped to stay with the Jazz. Alas, he understood the business side of the game could lead to a change of scenery, per Jones and colleague Aaron Falk.

"I would definitely love to stay," Booker said. "But I know it's a business. I'm not sure what's going to happen. I know other teams are interested, but I would definitely love to stay. You never know."

Moving to the Nets is likely the right move, because the rise of Trey Lyles could have left him with even fewer minutes in Utah. He should fill a more substantial role in Brooklyn.

Booker could even push for a spot in the starting lineup, though it depends on what else the front office does during free agency. If the Nets don't add another notable post player, he'll probably battle Chris McCullough for the spot alongside Brook Lopez.

Even if he doesn't end up starting, Booker should provide valuable minutes off the bench. That's a necessity for the Nets, who ranked 23rd in bench scoring last season, per HoopsStats.com.