In this series “Stay or Go”, we at The Brooklyn Game examine the players on this Nets roster that have a decision to make — and what the Nets can do. Today’s look is at Alan Anderson.
What the Nets can offer Alan Anderson:
Anderson has a player option next season for just over $1.06 million. If he declines this option, the Nets can offer him either part of or their entire taxpayer mid-level exception for around $3.3 million next season, or they can make him an offer using his non-Bird Rights, or around $1.4 million for up to four years.
If they offer him the mid-level taxpayer exception, Anderson can be signed for a maximum of three years with a maximum starting salary of $3.278 million with 4.5% raises each season thereafter.
This scenario is unlikely Nets GM Billy King has all but said the Nets will reserve this exception for Shaun Livingston. If the exception isn’t used on Livingston, it’s possible that the Nets use a portion of it on Anderson, depending on his market value. The more likely scenario is the Nets re-signing Anderson using his Non-Bird Rights.
Why Alan Anderson would stay:
Anderson stays with the Nets if he doesn’t get better offers elsewhere. The 31-year old Anderson will be looking to capitalize off of his strong season in Brooklyn where he played in a career high 78 games. If there aren’t any strong offers on the open market, he will remain a Net.
He may also elect to stay if the Nets give him a long-term deal. Remember that last summer, Jason Kidd pushed for Anderson’s signing. Kidd trusted Anderson this season due to his strong defense and occasional shot making. Anderson may reward Kidd’s trust by staying in Brooklyn for at least another season.
Why Alan Anderson would go:
Anderson will leave if he fields a better or longer offer on the open market. Anderson is a player who gives max effort every minute he’s on the court and excels at defending the perimeter. When he’s taking open in-rhythm shots, he can be very effective.
Would a team give him a contract worth more than $2 million annually? The Nets can’t.
Prediction:
Anderson will go. A smart general manager will see that Anderson’s basic stats lie: he’s a much better shooter than the 33.9% three point mark he posted this season. Defensively, it’s hard to find someone who gives more effort than Anderson.
If put into the right system where he gets open shots, Anderson is certainly worth $2-3 million per year. Also remember that last summer, he originally signed for $1.8 million, then took a pay cut when Andrei Kirilenko became available for the full taxpayer mid-level exception. I expect him to go for the money this time around.
