LaMarcus Aldridge will make a dramatic comeback to the NBA after doctors cleared him to rejoin the Brooklyn Nets, it was revealed on Friday.
Seven-time All-Star Aldridge announced his immediate retirement in April after experiencing a major health scare.
Aldridge revealed that he played against the Los Angeles Lakers while dealing with an irregular heartbeat – an issue that became worse following the 126-101 defeat for the Nets.
Now he is reported to have agreed a one-year deal worth $2.6million, with the 36-year-old eager to get back into action.
In a statement to ESPN, Aldridge said: "I retired in April based on what I believed was the wisest precautionary decision for my personal health at the time, but further testing and evaluation by several top physicians has convinced the doctors, myself and the Nets that I'm fully cleared and able to return to the rigours of the NBA.
"I loved my brief time with Brooklyn and am excited to rejoin the team in pursuit of a championship."
There was no immediate comment from the Nets, who earlier in the day requested waivers on forward Alize Johnson.
The about-turn in Aldridge's plans was not quite as surprising as his initial announcement that his career was over, with recent reports having suggested it was in the offing.
Aldridge only joined the Nets at the end of March as a free agent, averaging 12.8 points in five games after agreeing a contract buyout with the San Antonio Spurs.
He said at the time of his retirement that, despite doctors dealing effectively with his immediate health concern, the aftermath of the Lakers game "was still one of the scariest things I've experienced".
He added, back in April: "For 15 years, I've put basketball first, and now it is time to put my health and family first."
Aldridge, drafted second in the 2006 draft by the Chicago Bulls, was swiftly traded to the Portland Trail Blazers and had nine seasons in Oregon before moving on to San Antonio.
He has career per-game averages of 19.4 points and 8.2 rebounds, with a game high of 56 points, hitting 352 double-doubles.
He stands 49 points short of reaching 20,000, an early target for when he gets back on the court.
