Jason Collins Being Considered to Join Brooklyn Nets

Sources tell NBC that the NBA veteran was reportedly in "good shape" during his private workout

Jason Collins could be very close to making his return to the basketball court.

Sources tell NBC News that the Brooklyn Nets are considering signing the free-agent veteran center. If he does join the NBA team, Collins would make history as the first active openly gay player in American professional sports.

The 35-year-old, who came out last April in Sports Illustrated, has not played since last year after finishing the regular season with the Washington Wizards.

Sources added that the Nets held a private workout with Collins during the All-Star Break in Los Angeles, which is also the athlete's hometown. If the team does sign Collins, who reportedly was in "good shape," it would be for a 10-day contract, which is essentially a tryout.

Collins has been a part of six different teams over a 12-year professional career, but spent the majority of his time with the Nets when they played in New Jersey.

Collins openly discussed his sexuality in an essay he penned for SI and revealed why he waited before opening up to the public.

"I'm a 34-year-old NBA center. I'm black and I'm gay," Collins began. "I didn't set out to be the first openly gay athlete playing in a major American team sport. But since I am, I'm happy to start the conversation. I wish I wasn't the kid in the classroom raising his hand and saying, ‘I'm different.' If I had my way, someone else would have already done this. Nobody has, which is why I'm raising my hand."