Woj: Nets rescind qualifying offer to Markel Brown

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(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
 (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

Update — 7/6/16: The Vertical reports that the Nets have rescinded their qualifying offer to Markel Brown, making him an unrestricted free agent. There will likely be some buzz around Brown soon enough, but with the potential acquisitions of Tyler Johnson and Allen Crabbe (although both seem to be on tenuous ground as we type this update), Brown was always the odd man out with Bojan Bogdanovic, Jeremy Lin, Caris LeVert, and Isaiah Whitehead.


The Brooklyn Nets will tender Markel Brown a qualifying offer, which makes him a restricted free agent this summer, reports Zach Lowe of ESPN. Brown, the Nets’ high-flying second rounder, was one of the few remaining mysteries for Brooklyn heading into free agency. Although Brown averaged just 15.8 minutes per game in 2015-2016, a slight decrease from his rookie campaign, he produced effectively when given the opportunity.

His averages, 5.9 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game, aren’t particularly eye-popping, but Brown contributed some of the best individual efforts for the Nets this season. Although freakishly athletic, Brown has struggled with him jumper since he was drafted, something the Nets looked to improve with the mid-season hire of shooting coach David Nurse last season.

The former Oklahoma State standout’s future with Brooklyn was unknown, but he spent much of the spring attending events alongside Brook Lopez, Chris McCullough, Sean Kilpatrick, and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and frequently appears in their training photos on Instagram. So, unless another team offers Brown something ridiculous, he’ll likely return to the borough for his third professional season.

Brown’s 21 point, 8 rebound, and 7 assist effort against the Denver Nuggets in early February showed a brief glimpse of guard’s potential — could he achieve it under new head coach Kenny Atkinson?

Zach Lowe — ESPN