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2022 Free Agents - Carsen Edwards

Summary
Edwards was the #33 overall pick in the 2019 draft after leading Purdue to a successful run in the NCAA tournament. He got some decent guaranteed money on his first contract, but wasn't able to finish that contract as he was waived by Memphis after being traded from Boston.

Overall, Edwards has struggled to make an impact in the NBA. At only 6'0", Edwards height does him no favors on either end of the court as it makes it more difficult for him to shoot over defenders or finish inside, and hinders him from being a reliable defender. The hope for Edwards was that he could be a legitimate shot creator, if not for others at least for himself. He has good handles and the ability to create some separation, but he hasn't been able to hit shots at a high rate. He has only hit 30% from three in the NBA, and under 46% from two. 

In '21-'22, Edwards hit 38% from three in the G-League and scored over 26 points per game, and the Pistons rewarded him with a contract near the end of the season. If he can hit shots at that rate in the NBA, he could potentially make a roster as a spark-plug scorer type.
 
Cap Considerations
Edwards has a $1.8 million team option for 2023-2024, which is non-guaranteed even if the Pistons pick up this option, and if the Pistons decline this option he will be a restricted free agent with a $2.1 million cap hold and Qualifying Offer, and Non-Bird Rights. Using his Non-Bird rights, the Pistons would only be able to offer a starting salary of $2.1 million.

However, if the Pistons decline his option it likely means that they would not have interest in re-signing him, as there would be no benefit to doing so versus just picking up the option. Therefore, if they decline his option they most likely will not give him a QO, and thus he would be an unrestricted free agent.

Other teams would then have multiple ways to sign Edwards as even teams without cap space could use any of the Non-Taxpayer MLE, Taxpayer MLE, Room MLE, or Bi-Annual Exception to sign him. If he hits free agency, Edwards would likely only have offers for the minimum, and may not even get fully-guaranteed offers.

Potential Teams: Wizards, Pistons, Kings, Thunder, Cavaliers

Predicted Contract: 1-year, $1.9 million (non-guaranteed) with the Wizards

Last updated: 4/14/2022

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