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Nets: Five Reasonable Free Agent Targets in 2017

By Tj Porreca

Feb 19, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets new general manager Sean Marks speaks to the media during a press conference before a game against the New York Knicks at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 19, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets new general manager Sean Marks speaks to the media during a press conference before a game against the New York Knicks at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Patrick Patterson – Toronto Raptors

Patrick Patterson has bounced around in his career. He was drafted by the Houston Rockets, then had a stint with the Sacramento Kings, before being traded to the Toronto Raptors.

Patterson has settled in Toronto, and said in the past how much he enjoys the situation north of the border. Due to that, it may be tough to pry him out of Toronto, but it would be an interesting scenario for the Nets. Whereas a big man like Noel brings size and utilizes his size, Patterson is slightly different. Patterson is nearly a 37 percent three point shooter in his career, and has developed a mid-range game as well.

Patterson would bring a different type of offense to the Nets compared to a player such as Noel. Patterson is also more of a veteran, as he will be 28 when he hits free agency.

Certainly at this stage of their respective careers, Noel has more upside. But Patterson will be unrestricted, meaning the Nets wouldn’t have to sign him and then wait to see if Toronto matches, while potentially losing out on others. Patterson could be signed outright.

After being traded multiple times in his career, Patterson may prefer to stay in Toronto. But the Nets may be able to get a unique reserve in Patterson, in 2017.

Next: Former Celtics Forward

Jared Sullinger – Toronto Raptors

The aforementioned Patrick Patterson will have a new teammate in Toronto this season: Jared Sullinger. The former first round pick of the Boston Celtics signed a one-year deal with the Toronto Raptors, worth approximately $6 million.

Sullinger goes to Toronto as a low-risk move. Yes, he’s battled injuries in the past, but the nature of the deal — just the one year at a low salary — makes this an interesting move by Masai Ujiri. Sullinger signed a prove-it type deal, and if he “proves it” so to speak, he will have a better outlook when he hits free agency once again next season. Sullinger has to stay healthy, but he has showed ability in the past, provided he is able to stay on the floor.

If Sullinger stays healthy and produces in a big way this upcoming season for Toronto, he would be set to cash in next offseason. If the Nets were to miss out on restricted players — such as Noel or various others — as was the case this offseason with Allen Crabbe and Tyler Johnson, Sullinger could be an option.

At this point in his career, health questions seem to follow Sullinger because of his injury history. A full healthy year in Toronto would be a good step for Sullinger as he prepares to hit free agency again  next offseason.

Next: A Former Net