NBA Rumors: Veteran Forward Wants Celtics Move In 2019 Free Agency

Jared Dudley will enter free agency this summer and could be set to move to his eighth different franchise in his 12th season in the NBA. He spent current campaign with the Brooklyn Nets where he averaged 4.9 points and 2.6 assists playing 20 minutes per game in the regular season but the Boston Celtics are being touted as a potential destination next season.

The 33-year-old veteran forward also played 20.5 minutes per game as the Nets went down 4-1 to the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs. He is keen to return to the Nets in the summer but admits that they should go “big-game” hunting for the top free agents entering the market, namely, Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson among others.

"I loved my New York situation here," Dudley said last week, via the New York Post. "I'd have no problem coming back here. I don't say that on every exit interview. Brooklyn has to do what's best for them. If I'm them, I'm going big-game hunting for the big fish, then you can fall in line."

According to Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe, Dudley is keen to return to his college city and sign with the Celtics next summer. He played 59 games for the Nets this season, starting 25 and shooting just over 35 percent from beyond the arc.

The Celtics are potentially going to have a summer of change if Irving decides to leave in free agency. The other possibility is the six-time All-Star re-signs and the Boston franchise make a trade for Anthony Davis, which could see a number of young players on the roster traded as part of the package.

Dudley, meanwhile, has been praised for his contribution to the Nets team this year, helping them make the post-season for the first time since the 2014-15 season. Head coach Kenny Atkinson praised the forward’s leadership qualities in December and indicated that he would want Dudley on his team for longer than just one season.

"He does little things that are hard for people to see on the floor," Atkinson told The Athletic in December. "He opens up discussion, and he engages the coaches because of his vibrant personality. Then, he engages the other players. It's unique. I haven't been around a guy that vocal and that energetic in terms of his leadership.

"You want Jared Dudley on your team because the IQ is off the charts and he plays so hard. He's been quite honestly a pleasant surprise," Atkinson said.