Report: Free-agent forward Andray Blatche to sign with Nets

Howard Beck of the New York Times reported on Saturday that Brooklyn Nets coach Avery Johnson was scheduled to travel to Houston to meet with free-agent forward Andray Blatche, late of the Washington Wizards. Blatche, who was amnestied by Washington, is working out in Texas with former coach/player John Lucas.

Now, ESPN’s Marc Stein reports that a deal between the two parties is imminent.

Team in pole position to sign Andray Blatche, I'm told, is indeed Brooklyn. Blatche told HoopsWorld he'll have a new team this week—
Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) September 05, 2012

Sources close to process say Nets confident of completing Blatche signing this week. @HowardBeckNYT reported that parties met over weekend—
Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) September 05, 2012

The 6’11″ Blatche entered the league out of high school in 2005 and has flashed considerable skill (he averaged 16.8 points and 8.2 rebounds just two seasons ago), but maturity issues have kept him from realizing his potential. He is still due $23 million from the Wizards, so the Nets likely would only have to pony up the veteran minimum.