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Ian Begley, who writes for ESPN New York, tweeted early Wednesday that the Nets will pursue Allen Crabbe, the hot shooting 6'6" shooting guard Allen Crabbe of the Trail Blazers.
The 76ers, Nets and Kings are among the teams interested in Portland restricted free agent Allen Crabbe, sources say.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) June 29, 2016
Crabbe, 24, is one of several restricted free agents who pundits have long thought would wind up with big offers this summer. Evan Fournier of the Magic is another. The Blazers can match any offer, but if the offer is so high, would they? One Portland writer suggested that in a bidding war, Crabbe could command a huge contract.
@highkin @DMarang I see him hitting 15-17m. Depends on what happens with similar players and when he makes decision. Blazers should match.
— Oliver Maroney (@OMaroney) June 29, 2016
Sean Highkin of Bleacher Report notes that the Blazers have a lot of cap space and a very rich owner in Paul Allen.
The Blazers are SO far under the cap I can't imagine them not matching any offer sheet Allen Crabbe gets
— Sean Highkin (@highkin) June 29, 2016
Crabbe had a breakout season last year in Portland, often teaming up with Damian Lillard. Crabbe shot 39.3 percent from three-point range, and averaged 10.3 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.2 assists off the bench. In two previous seasons in Portland, Crabbe had averaged a little more than three points a game, but he's always been a strong shooter from deep.
In an interview at the end of last season, Crabbe had expressed interest in returning to the Pacific Northwest but made no commitments.
"Obviously Portland has my rights. (I) definitely wouldn't mind coming back and playing with them next year, but just gonna have to wait and see. ... I think it'll be pretty exciting."
Free agency begins Friday.