Report: Nets sign McInnis to back up Kidd

The Newark Star-Ledger is reporting that the former Cleveland Cavalier will sign a one-year deal worth $3.5 million to back up All-Star Jason Kidd. The paper says the contract includes a player option for the 2006-07 season at $3.7 million.

NBA free agents cannot officially sign until the league and union finalize details on the new six-year collective bargaining agreement. The moratorium was scheduled to end Thursday, but has been pushed back and could end as early as next Monday.

McInnis averaged 12.8 points and 5.1 assists in 76 games for the Cavaliers last season, but saw his playing time cut considerably late in the campaign.

The 30-year-old North Carolina product has also played for Denver, Washington, the Los Angeles Clippers and Portland in eight NBA seasons. He has averaged 10.6 points and 4.6 assists in 456 career games.