It will be tough for Eduardo Najera’s friends to top this birthday gift.
On Friday, the day he turned 32, Najera officially agreed to a contract with New Jersey, the former Nugget confirmed by phone around noon on Friday.
The reserve forward will sign for four years, $12 million. In the third season, $1 million of the contract is nonguaranteed. But the enticing fourth year is completely guaranteed. Najera was an unrestricted free agent.
The signing ends a four-year marriage between Najera and Denver, including last season, when he averaged 5.9 points and 4.3 rebounds in 21.3 minutes. Here, Najera was a fan favorite and a favorite’s of George Karl.
“I got to tell you, I had a great time in Denver,” Najera said. “I was impressed by the support that we got from the fans. I got to know many people there, as well as in the organization, (owner) Stan Kroenke, and everyone is great. And you know I love coach Karl. It’s hard to leave.”
Najera made it clear that he wanted to return to Denver, and the Nuggets wanted to have him on the team next season, but Denver is over the salary cap as it is, making it tough to match the numbers — and years — offered to the 32-year-old by New Jersey.
Last season, Najera evolved as a 3-point threat, making 53 of 147 attempts for 36.1 percent, second-best of Nuggets regulars. In his eight previous seasons combined, he made just 14 3s, attempting 55.
Now he will come off the bench for a upspring New Jersey team, which traded star forward Richard Jefferson, but still has Vince Carter, as well as young talent in guard Devin Harris and forward Yi Jianlian.
“I think we could be the underdogs in the East, and I truly believe we can make some noise,” the newest Net said.
Benjamin Hochman: 303-954-1294 or bhochman@denverpost.com
