The New Jersey Nets signed guard Keith Bogans and waived small forward Larry Owens, the team announced Wednesday.
Bogans, 31, started all 82 games for the Chicago Bulls last season, averaging 4.4 points and 1.8 rebounds in less than 18 minutes a game. Bogans is a defense-first guard, and Bulls fans often complained about the lack of offense from the 2-guard spot last season. When the Bulls signed Rip Hamilton this offseason, they waived Bogans.
The 6-foot-5 eight-year veteran holds career averages of 6.7 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game.
"Keith will give us defensive toughness and experience," Nets general manager Billy King said in a statement. "He will add depth and versatility to our perimeter."
A league source said Bogans will receive the veteran league minimum salary.
The Nets are thin at guard with rookie MarShon Brooks out indefinitely with a broken toe and short-handed at small forward with DeShawn Stevenson dealing with a knee issue.
Owens played in seven games with the Nets after being signed as a free agent in January. The 29-year-old averaged 1.9 points per game.
Mike Mazzeo if a frequent contributor to ESPNNewYork.com.