Brooklyn Nets release former Maryland guard Greivis Vasquez

The Brooklyn Nets have waived former Maryland guard Greivis Vasquez, the team announced Wednesday.

Vásquez signed a one-year, $4.3 million contract with the Nets, his sixth NBA team, in July. Appearing in just three games this season, Vásquez recorded seven points and five assists in 39 minutes of action for the Nets.

Nets general manager Sean Marks released the following statement:

"Greivis did everything we asked of him and more to try to get back on the court at full strength. The passion, grit and perseverance he has shown since he joined the team have been remarkable. We are thankful to Greivis for all of his efforts and wish him well in the future.”

Vásquez’s release comes as little surprise as the veteran guard will undergo surgery soon to repair a recurring ankle injury. Vasquez was previously sidelined for over three months after he had surgery to remove a bone spur and “loose bodies” from his right ankle.

The former Maryland star withdrew from Olympic competition in Rio this summer because of team doctors's recommendations.

The Venezuelan averaged 16 points, 5.7 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game during his revered four years in College Park, but his NBA career has been less stable. Playing in Memphis, New Orleans, Sacramento, Toronto, and Milwaukee before his brief stop in Brooklyn, Vásquez has averaged 9 points, 4.8 assists, and 2.5 rebounds per game in his seven-year professional career.

At just 29 years of age, Vásquez’s career probably isn’t over. CSN reported in August that Vasquez would like to return to the D.C. area, and while the Wizards could be a good fit, there’s nothing else linking these two teams.

With Steve Blake now playing in Australia, this leaves three Maryland products in the NBA: Alex Len, Diamond Stone and Jake Layman.