NBL 2020/21: Lamar Patterson only back in Brisbane if deal suits both parties
Bringing Lamar Patterson back to Brisbane has to be financially viable for the Bullets.
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The Brisbane Bullets want star import Lamar Patterson back for the new NBL season, but they won’t break the bank to re-sign the American swingman.
Patterson has taken the competition by storm in his two seasons with the Bullets and has made successive All-NBL First Teams.
However, with less money on offer next season and ongoing travel complications and restrictions due to COVID-19, Patterson is no certainty to return despite his desire to again don a Bullets singlet.
“Lamar knows how much we would love to have him back, and we know how much he would love to come back to us,” Bullets assistant general manager Sam Mackinnon said.
“However, it has to be financially the right deal for the club and the player.”
Following the completion of the Bullets’ 2019-20 NBL season, 28-year-old Patterson joined Puerto Rican club Piratas de Quebradillas but has since returned to the United States.
The Bullets have five players – Will Magnay, Nathan Sobey, Jason Cadee, Matt Hodgson and Tyrell Harrison – contracted for next season.
Mackinnon said with the new season not starting until December 3, the Bullets had plenty of time to add to their roster.
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Bullets coach Andrej Lemanis said: “We have a tremendous core of players already and look forward to building out the roster via the upcoming free agency period.
“I’ve spoken many times to the wonderful connection that has built up between the team and our amazing fans over the past few years – it will be great to reconnect with everyone in December and continue our journey together.”
Guard Cam Gliddon left the Bullets last month and is set to join South East Melbourne Phoenix.
Also tipped to be Phoenix-bound is New Zealand international Reuben Te Rangi, who has spent the past four seasons at the Bullets.
Te Rangi’s veteran countryman Mika Vukona has also departed Brisbane.
Originally published as NBL 2020/21: Lamar Patterson only back in Brisbane if deal suits both parties