Kris Humphries finally makes it to Brooklyn

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Kris Humphries probably never thought he'd see the move to Brooklyn from New Jersey through.

The 6-9 power forward has been with the Nets since he was acquired from Dallas during the 2009-10 campaign, and it likely felt like an eternity as he waited for the franchise to finally show some signs of stability.

"I was with the team before we went to Newark [in 2010]," Humphries said at the Nets' training facility Friday. "I was with the team when they started talking about [owner Mikhail] Prokhorov taking over and all that stuff and going to Brooklyn, when they broke ground and all that. I've been here for the whole process.

"I'm excited to go in there, and play and be a part of it and get it going. It's kind of strange that all this has happened."

Humphries, who inked a two-year, $24-million deal this week, is coming off a career year and has flourished under coach Avery Johnson's tutelage. He averaged a double-double, averaging 13.8 points and 11 rebounds in 62 games. He's hopeful of improving on those numbers in 2012-13 and is thrilled to be a part of the buzz the Nets are creating around the league.

"I'm excited to be back," he said. "It's going to be unbelievable, the whole Brooklyn thing. We've got a lot of new guys and it's going to take a minute to figure everything out. I know the coaching staff is busy and I'm just excited to be here."

Humphries had to wait it out during free agency thanks to the Nets' pursuit of Dwight Howard.

Once they were out of the chase for the Orlando Magic's superstar, they turned their attention to re-signing Humphries and center Brook Lopez. Humphries' name was mentioned as a possible part of a sign-and-trade with the Cavaliers during those Howard trade rumors, but he said he never was asked if he'd accept a trade to Cleveland.

His name was also tossed around in Charlotte as a potential fit there, but he said he wasn't close to going anywhere else.

"It's the nature of the business," Humphries said. "I wanted to be back, so I'm glad that I'm here. A lot of things get floated around in the air and ultimately, it's Billy [King] and Avery's job to put together the best team. So I feel honored to be back, and I'm excited about getting together with my new teammates and getting it going."