The Brotherhood continues to shine brightly in the NBA spotlight, as three former Duke Blue Devils — Mason Plumlee, Tyus Jones, and Luke Kennard — each secured fresh NBA contracts this offseason, reinforcing the storied program’s influence at the professional level. The moves come at a crucial point in all three players’ careers, bringing veteran experience and depth to their new respective franchises.
Plumlee, 35, inked a 1-year, $3.6 million deal with the Charlotte Hornets, marking a return to the East Coast and a potential leadership role on a young squad. Known for his rebounding and high basketball IQ, Plumlee’s presence is expected to aid in developing younger bigs and provide quality bench minutes.
Meanwhile, Tyus Jones joined the Orlando Magic on a 1-year, $7 million contract. After years of proving his steadiness as a backup in Memphis and Washington, the former NCAA Champion will now have a real opportunity to earn a starting spot. Orlando has admired Jones’s elite assist-to-turnover ratio and composure — traits that could elevate the Magic’s playoff hopes in a loaded Eastern Conference.
Luke Kennard rounds out the trio by signing a 1-year, $11 million contract with the Atlanta Hawks. Kennard’s shooting ability, particularly from deep, is among the best in the league. The Hawks, looking to space the floor better around Trae Young, see Kennard as an ideal fit in a dynamic offense.
For the Duke program, these signings are more than just career milestones for former players. They reinforce the message Coach Jon Scheyer continues to preach: Duke develops pros. The school isn’t just a launchpad to the league, but a place where players learn how to extend their careers by adapting, growing, and leading — all values nurtured within the program.
Blue Devil fans around the world have celebrated the news, with social media buzzing about the Brotherhood’s continued presence in the league. “Once a Blue Devil, always a Blue Devil,” one fan posted on X (formerly Twitter), echoing the pride shared throughout the fanbase.
Kennard, Jones, and Plumlee have each taken different journeys since leaving Durham, but the bond to Duke remains unshaken. Whether it’s a bounce-back opportunity, a new city, or a veteran role, each signing represents a new chapter for a former Blue Devil determined to make the most of his NBA opportunity.
As the 2025–26 NBA season approaches, their progress will be closely followed by Duke fans and scouts alike. For younger Blue Devils like Cooper Flagg and Cameron Boozer watching from college, it’s further proof that the Brotherhood’s strength endures — and success after Duke is more than just a dream.
In a summer filled with college basketball headlines and NBA shakeups, these three signings quietly but powerfully remind us that Duke’s impact never fades — it only evolves.
