Nothin' But Nets
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Should the Brooklyn Nets re-sign Nik Stauskas?

By Chris Milholen

BOSTON, MA - APRIL 11: Nik Stauskas #2 of the Brooklyn Nets handles the ball against the Boston Celtics on April 11, 2018 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 11: Nik Stauskas #2 of the Brooklyn Nets handles the ball against the Boston Celtics on April 11, 2018 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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NBA free agency season starts July 1. It was reported Thursday the Brooklyn Nets will not tender Nik Stauskas a qualifying offer, making him an unrestricted free agent. But Stauskas’ agent indicated that doesn’t close the door to the Nets.

The Brooklyn Nets have seven free agents on their roster.

According to Michael Scotto of The Athletic, Nik Stauskas will move from restricted to unrestricted free agent status this summer.

But according to Stauskas’ agent, not being tendered is not the same as the Nets moving on from Stauskas:

According to Brian Lewis of the New York Post, Stauskas’ agent Mark Bartelstein acknowledges the respect Brooklyn has for Stauskas and how Joe Harris‘ decision won’t affect Nik’s decision., telling the post that Stauskas’ return to Brooklyn is not an either/or scenario involving Harris.

"I know [general manager] Sean [Marks] and the organization in general likes Nik a lot. We’ll see how things play out over the next two days. We’ll be keeping the lines of communication open for the next few days. I know the Nets like Nik a lot. We’ll see how the roster shapes up."

This raises the question. Should the Brooklyn Nets re-sign the sharpshooting guard? Lets take a look at his play this season.

Notable games at a Brooklyn Net

Stauskas was acquired by the Brooklyn Nets in a trade last December. The trade sent Trevor Booker to the Philadelphia 76ers for Stauskas, Jahlil Okafor and a 2019 second-round pick.

After his arrival in Brooklyn, Stauskus played good minutes off the bench. In his Nets debut on Dec.15, Stauskas scored 22 points in a 120-87 loss to the Toronto Raptors. This game proved the 6-foot-6 guard can light up the scoreboard.

On Dec. 27, Stauskas tied the Nets’ record for most 3s off the bench in a game. He went 7-for-10 from behind the arc ending his night with 21 points. Despite the 3-point shooting performance, it was not enough for Brooklyn, which lost to the Pelicans 128-113.

After that game, Stauskas went cold and failed to put up another double-digit point performance until late January. On Jan. 27, he scored 15 points in 33 minutes of play in a loss to Minnesota. The next game, Stauskas scored 12 points in a loss to the New York Knicks.

The sharpshooter went on a long cold streak in February, leading to being benched for the second half of March.

In the Nets season finale against the Boston Celtics, the shooting guard scored 18 points in 35 minutes of play.

What Stauskus brings to Brooklyn Nets

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The Canadian guard, who was selected as a lottery pick in 2014, has not proved himself. He has struggled to get good minutes during his short career in the NBA but there is enough play to judge his talent.

He is an offensive player who can really light up the scoreboard. Stauskas is a good scorer who is not afraid to shoot the three-ball at any situation in the game. He can sometimes shoot the 3-ball a little too much, resulting in cold streaks.

His offensive play includes more than just shooting behind the arc. He can drive and is a consistent free-throw shooter. Stauskas can also pull up off the dribble from mid-range.

He is a good passer, but can sometimes be careless with the ball. He is able to make good cutting passes and likes to move the ball on the offensive end.

His defense has been solid but not consistent. He is a good lock-down defender, but has tendencies to let opposing guards blow by him. Stauskas is a steal threat and reads passes well.

The big question. Should Brooklyn Nets re-sign him?

Stauskas’ market value is not a big one. He is not expected to be targeted heavily but can be a great bench asset for many teams including the Nets.

Now, Brooklyn should not make a move for Stauskas until Joe Harris makes his own free agency decision.

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    • Harris, who has had a great two season with Brooklyn, should be the Nets free agent priority this offseason. Brooklyn is likely to re-sign Harris, who can be signed outside of available cap space with his early Bird rights.

    Harris had already indicated he wanted to return to the Nets. The complication is that if the Nets want to add a free agent or make another trade, they need to wait to make a decision on Harris because they have the right to exceed the cap to retain him.

    It wouldn’t make sense to burn up the available cap room on Harris when the Nets don’t have to do so.

    If Harris does not re-sign with Brooklyn, the Nets the should look into signing Stauskas. The wing position is very important for Brooklyn due to their small-ball offense. The Nets need a wing who can shoot the 3-ball confidently and who can drive. Stauskas fits those needs.

    Now, if Harris does re-sign with Brooklyn, Nets general manager Sean Marks can weigh it out. The Nets won’t need Stauskas, but they can still re-sign in for a good deal.

    Overall, Brooklyn should wait on Harris’ decision before making a decision on Stauskas. Harris has shown more potential than Stauskas and brings more to the table. If Harris’ re-signs with Brooklyn, then Marks can let Stauskas test the market.

    If Brooklyn are unable to bring back Harris, then re-signing Stauskas should happen but for a good price.

    Stauskas’ market value can be estimated around $2 million to $3 million a year.

    Next: Nets best 10 players from 1st NBA decade

    The new league year starts at midnight Sunday, with a moratorium in place while the new salary cap is finalized that ends July 6.