Nets sign Tyler Zeller to 2-year deal, adding depth at center

Zeller projects as a capable back-up big man to Timofey Mozgov.

The Brooklyn Nets have signed free agent big man Tyler Zeller to a two-year deal, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Nets Daily confirmed the signing shortly thereafter, adding that the second year of his contract is non-guaranteed.

The 27-year-old Zeller averaged just 3.5 points and 2.4 rebounds off the bench for the Celtics last season, missing more than 30 games due to a lingering sinus infection. Boston waived him and his $8 million contract just before the guarantee date in order to make room for Gordon Hayward, but two seasons ago, Zeller averaged 10 points and almost six rebounds in a fully healthy season for the Celtics.

What the Nets get

Depth at the center position. Brooklyn took on Timofey Mozgov as part of the Brook Lopez, D’Angelo Russell trade. But Mozgov — as lean as he looks in Eurobasket hoops — can’t play all 48 minutes. Rookie Jarrett Allen, who is recovering from a hip injury, can’t be expected to play much his first season, either.

Enter Zeller, a capable NBA big man who will set tough screens, roll to the basket and grab rebounds as a blue collar center in Brooklyn.