Sources: Corey Brewer returning to Houston Rockets on three-year deal

— -- The Houston Rockets have struck a deal to retain swingman Corey Brewer, according to league sources.

Brewer and the Rockets on Friday agreed to terms on a three-year deal worth $23.4 million, according to a source.

Brewer, sources said, had serious talks with both the  Sacramento Kings and  New York Knicks before talks with the Rockets gained steam.

The 29-year-old, who emerged as a key contributor in Houston after the Rockets acquired him via trade from the Minnesota Timberwolves in December, ultimately came to terms Friday afternoon.

The Rockets had three unrestricted free agents:  Josh Smith, Jason Terry and Brewer.

When the season ended, all three wanted to return with the hopes of pushing the Rockets to another deep playoff run.

Brewer averaged 11.5 points during the regular season, and then in the postseason he had seven games in which he scored 15 or more points. Brewer scored a career playoff-high 22 points against the Dallas Mavericks in Game 4 of the Western Conference first-round series.

The Rockets liked Brewer's veteran leadership and his ability to defend guards and put pressure on the opposing defense with his quick driving style.

In an eight-year career with the Timberwolves, Mavericks, Denver Nuggets and Rockets, Brewer has averaged 10.2 points and 1.4 steals in 25.8 minutes per game.