The New Jersey Nets have waived Croatia guard Zoran Planinic, paving the way for his return to Europe and an expected move to Tau Ceramica in Spain.

Planinic, New Jersey's first-round pick in 2003, is a versatile player who was expected to have his playing time cut after New Jersey drafted both Connecticut's Marcus Williams, who will likely back up point guard Jason Kidd, and athletic guard Hassan Adams in June.

In 148 career games over three seasons, Planinic recorded 2.5 points, 1.3 rebounds and 1.1 assists. Last year, he averaged 2.5 points and 1.3 boards in 56 games.

He was having an excellent EuroBasket last year but got hurt early in Croatia's quarter-final game against Spain and watched most of the contest from the bench as his team suffered an agonising defeat in overtime.

Planinic is one of Jasmin Repesa's key players as Croatia attempt to qualify for next year's EuroBasket in Spain.

He will have to pass a medical at Tau before he joins the team no what is expected to be a three-year contract.