Jared Dudley, who will be a free agent this summer, said it’s “possible” that he returns to the Nets next season, as he tells Marc Stein of The New York Times (via the scribe’s latest newsletter).
“I do think if it was up to (head coach) Kenny (Atkinson) and even (GM) Sean Marks, I think they would like me back,” Dudley said. “But they’ve got a Plan A, a Plan B and a Plan C — as they should. That doesn’t mean I can’t fit into that. But they’re close…
“It’s just set up for one All-Star player to come in and take this team from a six seed to a two seed within one year. They have the infrastructure — good owner, good GM, good coach. The practice facility is one of the best in the league. The arena is one of the best in the league. You’ve got draft picks, cap space, you’re in New York City. And the young talent — when it comes to 25 and under, if it’s not the best talent in the league it’s second or third.”
Brooklyn has just $32MM in guaranteed contracts on the books for next season against a $109MM projected salary cap. That figure does not include Allen Crabbe‘s $18.5MM player option, which he’s likely to invoke.
Dudley added that he believes the top free agents will consider the Nets, telling Stein that Brooklyn should be placed in the conversation among the marquee destinations in the NBA.
“The Clippers can do two max slots. So can Brooklyn,” Dudley said. “I didn’t promote every team I’ve ever been on…I’m not here just to toot Brooklyn’s horn. I’ve sold Brooklyn to other players just because you’d want the same thing. Players want to know the good organizations from the bad.”
The Knicks are also expected to open up two max contract slots. Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving are rumored to be their top targets, but Dudley believes the Knicks won’t be the only team in town to get a meeting with each player.
“I would be shocked if the Nets don’t get a sit-down,” Dudley said.
Been hearing Dudley praise the Nets a lot lately almost sounds like if he’s helping run the team? Hmmm… I wonder would he retire and go work with the Nets?
From what they say about him on the radio, hell probably end up on TV Analysis.
Dudley is working on his next contract with them. That’s what he’s really doing.
Could this dude just go back to irrelevancy where he belongs? He just comes off like a guy desperate for attention.
Why can’t he just say nice things about people who have treated him well?
Jared really coming out here saying if it was up to coach they want me back lmao bro you’re like a 34 year old bench player
The only reason anyone knows his name is because he got in a fight with Jimmy Butler.
jared dudley.
Fake news
I think KD signs with the Knicks. But the Nets should get someone. Great organization, and they’ve done a fantastic job turning things around.
I think Middleton would be a good and realistic addition to the team.
they need kd.but not for baby cry irving.
Nobody Dudley should just be quiet, not interested in his opinions.
No way Nets jump to #2 EC next year even if they sign KD & Kyrie… a big if, but even.
No way they pass Bucks, Sixers, Raptors or Celtics, so keep on dreaming!
If for some strange reason, Allen Crabbe declined his option would the Nets still have his full Bird rights? They could make a “deal” to sign him for a longer deal for more money after they sign an additional top free agent.
Yep, turning down player/team options doesn’t change the form of Bird rights a team holds on a player (would only be a factor if a team waived a player on a non-guaranteed contract).
Why would you even want to do that? Crabbe isn’t that good.
I wouldn’t say he’s wrong…both LAC and BKN are great locations with young talent, a well-run FO, and good coaches. Still, if I was BKN I’d probably rather re-sign D’Angelo than get Kyrie; seems like that team has a good culture/vibe to it already. Depending on how far the Celtics go, it might be the best option for Kyrie to stay anyways (coming from a biased Celtics fan)