Jason Collins signs with Nets for rest of season

NEW YORK -- Jason Collins, the NBA’s first openly gay players, has been signed for the rest of the season by the Brooklyn Nets.

The 7-foot center had finished his second 10-day contract, which meant the Nets had to sign him for the remainder of the season if they wanted to keep him.

Collins has five points, six rebounds and six steals in eight games since signing his first deal on Feb. 23.

He’s been a reliable veteran big man on a team that has lost center Brook Lopez for the season and has recently been without Kevin Garnett because of back spasms.

Collins is playing his 13th season in the league, including six previous seasons with the Nets.