SAN ANTONIO ? Jacque Vaughn, who played a key reserve role in the New Jersey Nets backcourt last season, has signed a free-agent contract with the San Antonio Spurs.

Vaughn, a 6-foot-1, 190-pound former Kansas University point guard, reached agreement with San Antonio on Wednesday, the first day of the free-agent signing period. The Spurs also extended offer sheets to centers Francisco Elson and Jackie Butler.

Vaughn, who signed a one-year contract for the league minimum, will compete with Beno Udrih for the backup point guard job.

Vaughn, 31, played for the Nets the past two seasons.

Last year, he averaged 3.4 points and 1.5 assists per game in 80 contests. In his career, he also has played for Utah (four years), Atlanta (two years), and Orlando (one year).

He tied a career high with 23 points on Feb. 1, 2005, against the Chicago Bulls. He also appeared in the 1998 NBA Finals with the Jazz against the Bulls.