Corey Brewer agrees to $24 million deal to return to Rockets

Free-agent guard Corey Brewer has agreed to a three-year, $24 million contract with the Houston Rockets, league sources told Yahoo Sports.

Brewer had exploratory talks with the Los Angeles Lakers, Sacramento Kings and New York Knicks, but his goal had been to return to the Rockets.

After a midseason trade from Minnesota, Brewer anchored the bench on the Rockets' run to the Western Conference finals.

Brewer, 29, averaged 11.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.1 steals in 56 games with the Rockets after the trade.

The Rockets still have the financial flexibility to acquire free agent LaMarcus Aldridge and believe Brewer's deal strengthens their case to him. Houston has sign-and-trade scenarios that could help facilitate a deal for Aldridge, should he decide to sign with the Rockets. The Rockets are competing with several teams, including the Spurs, Suns, Blazers and Lakers, for the All-Star forward.