The Nets have rescinded their qualifying offer to free agent wing Kessler Edwards, sources tell Michael Scotto of HoopsHype (Twitter link). The move makes Edwards an unrestricted free agent instead of a restricted FA.
The 44th overall pick in the 2021 draft, Edwards spent most of his rookie year on a two-way contract, then was signed to a standard deal right before the end of the regular season in order to make him playoff-eligible.
Edwards showed some promise in his first NBA season, averaging 5.9 points and 3.6 rebounds per game in 48 appearances (20.6 MPG). The former Pepperdine standout posted a .412/.353/.842 shooting line and even made 23 starts when the team’s depth was impacted by injuries and COVID-19.
While the Nets will no longer have the ability to unilaterally match any offer Edwards receives, they still hold his Non-Bird rights and could re-sign him. The club previously declined his minimum-salary player option in order to make him a restricted free agent, signaling that there was interest in a longer-term deal.
Brooklyn’s motives for pulling Edwards’ QO now are unclear, but it’s possible that with Kevin Durant‘s and Kyrie Irving‘s situations still up in the air, the club wanted to maximize its roster flexibility and not risk Edwards accepting his $1,837,966 qualifying offer — doing so would have locked in his salary for 2022/23 and given him the ability to veto a trade through the 2023 deadline.
Sad situation, because I do see the Nets wanting to hold onto him.
The one person who should sign his QO right now before it’s pulled is Bridges on the Hornets. He may have just ruined his life in addition to his girlfriend’s life by his vile behavior, but he should sign it while it’s still there because no one else will touch him at this point. The Hornets will probably have an out due to his conduct but he probably should sign it while he can.
He still has a court date, but I admit it does not look good for him.
They already rescinded his QO
Good length, could turn into a solid role player. I can see A lot of teams interested
BKN must have reversed course on Kessler as a player. By declining the option, it appeared they were willing to risk paying him more this season to lock him up long term. Now, the possibility of him making 1.8 mm scares them.
No, I don’t think that’s it. I think with the uncertainty they are hesitant to lock up anyone who couldn’t be traded at this point.
That’s true of anyone they sign. They can’t be traded until December/January if they do. Are they moving forward with the Mills and Claxton contracts at much larger numbers?
Maybe Bulls will take a flyer on him, they need help on the wing.
Yes. They have half of their MLE left. Should use it