by Marcel Mutoni / @ marcel_mutoni
38-year old Derek Fisher is on his way back into the NBA, according to multiple reports.
After he was released by the Dallas Mavericks in December, Fisher is expected to re-join the OKC Thunder, where he posted 6.3 points and 1.3 assists in 20 playoff games last season. The move comes after OKC traded away Eric Maynor.
Per ESPN:
The veteran guard will sign with the team Monday for the remainder of the season, according to multiple league sources. The Thunder declined comment late Sunday.
Fisher appeared in nine games this season with the Dallas Mavericks before asking for his release in December because the 38-year-old — after suffering a knee injury — wanted to return home to his family in Los Angeles. Fisher, who won five championships with the Los Angeles Lakers, was viewed as a key locker room presence by Oklahoma City coach Scott Brooks as the Thunder made it all the way to the Finals, losing to the Miami Heat in five games. In recent weeks, Fisher — who doubles as NBA Players Association president — has been working out of the NBPA offices in advance of the player vote during All-Star Weekend to oust union chief Billy Hunter.
In addition to his locker room presence, the veteran Fisher averaged 8.6 points and 3.6 assists in 25 minutes during his brief 9-game stint with Dallas earlier this season.
UPDATE: As expected, the OKC Thunder have made the signing official. Terms of the deal were undisclosed. From the press release: “We are excited to welcome Derek back to the Thunder organization,” said general manager Sam Presti. “He contributed to our team in various ways last season, and we are looking forward to him joining us again.”
