NBA Rumors: Nets Must Not Take Resident Star Swingman For Granted

The Brooklyn Nets were seen as one of the big winners last NBA offseason after acquiring three key personnel in Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and DeAndre Jordan. Without question, the Nets have become one of the favorites in the Eastern Conference although they can only immediately utilize two of the three with KD still recovering from injury.

The full potential of the Nets will likely come into play by the 2020-21 NBA season. With all hands on deck, there seems to be little to no reason for head coach Kenny Atkinson to make a serious run at the NBA title. But in basketball, a team's success does not entirely depend on one or a couple of players. Brooklyn garnered success previously from the likes of Jarrett Allen, Spencer Dinwiddie, Joe Harris, and Caris LeVert -- all of whom are expected to still be critical pieces in their campaign.

Of those remaining original names, LeVert is someone the Nets need to keep an eye on. The 24-year-old is entering the final year of his four-year contract where he is due a measly $2.6 million. He is due to become a restricted free agent next summer, joining other young but promising names such as Pascal Siakam, Jayley Brown and Brandon Ingram in the free-agent market.

Being a restricted free agent, the Nets could match any offer for the 20th overall pick of the 2016 NBA Draft, the New York Post reported. But one of the concerns for Nets general manager Sean Marks would be the likely expensive pitches from other teams. Some teams have big money to spend and seeing how LeVert looms as one of the promising future All-Stars, it would not come as a surprise if he was dangled a big one.

“I’d love to play here as long as possible,” LeVert said. “I love the city of Brooklyn, I love the coaches and the team here. So whatever we decide to do, I’ll be happy with.”

For the coming season, LeVert may not yet feel the impact of the coming of Irving, Durant, and Jordan. He will find himself playing alongside a new backcourt partner in Irving and it will be interesting how such would impact his game. Regardless, he isn't worried about it and all he cares about is helping his team succeed, NBA.com reported.

“I don’t think there will be any pressure,” said LeVert. “Basketball is a fun game.”