Jason Collins, the first openly gay NBA player, may soon play again for the Brooklyn Nets franchise.  A day after acquiring Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Jason Terry, Nets coach Jason Kidd is targeting the free agent center, Yahoo! Sports reports.

Brooklyn needs dependable role players that won't cost much.  Collins, 34, has proven his reliability throughout his career and can provide a physical, defensive presence off the bench.

Having a close relationship with Kidd and Nets assistant Lawrence Frank doesn't hurt, either.  Collins played with Kidd under Frank when the Nets were in New Jersey.  Returning to the Nets franchise would be a homecoming for the 7-footer, who was drafted 18th overall in 2001 by the Nets.

He also played with Garnett and Pierce in Boston last season.  A Yahoo! Sports source said Garnett felt frustrated when Boston traded Collins to the Washington Wizards in February.

Collins made headlines in May by revealing his sexuality in a Sports Illustrated editorial and becoming the first openly gay NBA player.  There was an overwhelming show of support following Collins' announcement.  Bill Clinton, Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash, Tony Parker and President Barack Obama were among notable figures who congratulated him for his courage.

Even his potential next NBA coach offered support.

Collins finished last season with the Wizards.  He's been an itinerant player since the Nets traded him in 2008 and played brief stints with the Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves and Atlanta Hawks, too.

Collins becomes a free agent on July 1.