UNC Alumni in the NBA: Looking at a few Tar Heel free agents

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SALT LAKE CITY, UT – APRIL 21: Raymond Felton #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder brings the ball up court against the Utah Jazz in the first half during Game Three of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Vivint Smart Home Arena on April 21, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images) /

Raymond Felton

2018-19 Stats (33 GP): 4.3 ppg, 1.0 rpg, 1.6 apg on .407/.328/.923

After averaging 11.5 minutes in only 33 appearances this past season, it’s fair to say that Felton, now 35, is nearing the end of his career, at least in the sense of his viability as an NBA backup point guard.

For each of the last five seasons, the former national champion was a net negative for his team, with the Mavericks (2014-16), Clippers (2017), and Thunder (2017-19) all performing significantly better with him on the bench compared to whenever he was on the court.

Considering that he, at this point of his career, is a negative defender and a subpar scorer, it’s hard to envision many NBA teams — if any — wanting to offer him a substantive contract for the 2019-2020 season. If anything, he would sign somewhere for the vet minimum, valued at approximately $2.6 million. Re-upping with the Thunder, who are in need of cheap rotation players given their massive tax bill, is certainly in the cards, although they probably have better options at the guard spot considering how many players are available on the marketplace.

Still, a return shouldn’t be ruled out.

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