Bobcats awarded Brendan Haywood off waivers

Charlotte, NC – Former North Carolina Tar Heel Brendan Haywood is returning to his home state to play for the Bobcats.

Charlotte claimed the veteran center off waivers from the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday. He was waived Thursday by the Mavs under the amnesty program.

A first-round draft pick in 2001, Haywood spent the first 8 1/2 seasons playing for Washington. He was traded to the Mavericks in February 2010.

Last season, the 7-foot Haywood averaged 5.2 points and six rebounds over 54 games. He has career averages of 7.2 points and 6.2 boards.