Nets waive Outlaw, sign forward Udoka

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J, (AP) -- The New Jersey Nets have waived veteran forward Travis Outlaw and signed veteran free agent forward Ime Udoka.

General manager Billy King announced Thursday that Outlaw was released and designated their amnesty player in a move that should take roughly $7 million off the Nets' salary cap. The moves came a day after the Nets' bid to acquire Dwight Howard of Orlando fell apart.

Outlaw was signed to a five-year, $35 million contract last summer and appeared in all 82 games, starting 55. He averaged 9.2 points and 4.0 rebounds. The 8-year veteran has played in 482 NBA regular season games with the Trail Blazers, Clippers and Nets, averaging 9.5 points and 3.5 rebounds.

Udoka is a journeyman who has played for five teams in his seven-year NBA career, with his most recent stop being a 20-game stint in San Antonio last season where he had 14 points and 19 rebounds in 130 minutes of action.

Udoka has career averages of 5.2 points and 2.9 rebounds in 316 games. The undrafted Portland State product also has played for the Lakers, Knicks, Trail Blazers and Kings.

New Jersey posted a 24-48 record last season.