NBA: LaMarcus Aldridge comes out of retirement, signs for Brooklyn Nets

Returning to the NBA after retiring with heart concerns five months ago, seven-time All-Star forward LaMarcus Aldridge has signed with Brooklyn Nets on a one-year, $2.6 million deal on Friday, according to US media reports.

Earlier, Aldridge, 36, has been medically cleared by a number of doctors — including those both independent and Nets-affiliated — to make a return for his 16th season.

ALSO READ | NBA: Cavaliers to sign Lauri Markkanen from Bulls in 3-way trade

“I retired in April based on what I believed was the wisest precautionary decision for my personal health at the time, but further testing and evaluation by several top physicians has convinced the doctors, myself and the Nets that I’m fully cleared and able to return to the rigors of the NBA,” Aldridge said according to ESPN reports. “I loved my brief time with Brooklyn and am excited to rejoin the team in pursuit of a championship.”

With the addition of veteran Aldridge, the Nets have now build a deep roster strength in their frontcourt department including Blake Griffin and Paul Millsap.

Last season before announcing his retirement, Aldridge played five games with Brooklyn last season after agreeing to a contract buyout with the San Antonio Spurs.

Aldridge’s decision to retire came after he experienced an irregular heartbeat during a game against the Los Angeles Lakers in April.

“For 15 years I’ve put basketball first,” Aldridge wrote on Twitter at the time. “And now, it is time to put my health and family first.”

The power forward spent the first nine years of his career with the Portland Trail Blazers before moving to Spurs, where he played for five-and-a-half years.

He has averaged 19.4 points, 8.2 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game in his career.

Earlier in the day, the Nets snapped up the services of Jahlil Okafor and Sekou Doumbouya from Detroit Pistons in return for centre DeAndre Jordan, four second-round picks and $5.78 million in a trade deal.