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Summary
Despite playing pretty well for the Nets in the 2019 playoffs, Dudley was unable to make any meaningful on-court contributions to the Lakers over the past two seasons. The former wing turned stretch big just hasn't hit enough shots or shown enough overall life on the defensive end to get consistent minutes for the Lakers.

After suffering a torn MCL, Dudley missed the majority of this past season and his NBA career could be over. Even before the injury, I expected Dudley to retire after this season. Dudley will turn 36 this summer, and based on his production in recent years I don't know what kind of interest he would get as a free agent.

Dudley is a thoughtful player that seems to be well-liked by his teammates, and while some guys have turned that skill into a couple extra years of career earnings, I'm not sure Dudley can, or even wants to, try and continue his career.
 
Cap Considerations
Dudley will be an unrestricted free agent with a $1.7 million cap hold and Early Bird rights. Since the Lakers will be operating over the salary cap, they will retain Dudley's Early Bird rights until he is re-signed or signs elsewhere. The Lakers could offer Dudley a starting salary of up to 5% more than the average salary (likely around $10 million) using the Early Bird exception, which should be more than enough should they wish to bring him back.

Other teams will have multiple ways to sign Dudley as even teams without cap space could possibly use any of the Non-Taxpayer MLE, Taxpayer MLE, or possibly even the Room MLE or Bi-Annual Exception to sign him. It's most likely Dudley would only demand the  minimum. There's also the possibility that Dudley retires after this season.

Potential Teams: Lakers, Nuggets, Bucks, Celtics, Jazz

Predicted Contract: Retire

If he doesn't retire: 1-year, $2.6 million ($1.7 million cap hit) with the Lakers

Actual Contract: Retire
Dudley retired as expected and joined the Nets' coaching staff.

Last updated: 9/4/2021

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