Shaun Livingston developed into one of the MVPs of the Brooklyn Nets' 2013-14 season. The point guard had a breakout year thanks to the troublesome ankles of Deron Williams. After a blowout knee injury in 2007, many questioned whether or not Livingston would play basketball again. Now entering free agency, he is fixing to have a nice pay raise come his way.
Livingston had career-highs across the board this season playing 76 games and averaging 8.3 points and 3.2 rebounds per game. He was essential to the turnaround success Brooklyn had. He started 54 games either playing alongside Williams or filling in for him while the veteran was out with injury. He exceled as a result and fueled the post Jan. 1 run the Nets had to get themselves into the playoffs. Now, the point guard's stock has skyrocketed, leaving many teams to prepare a raise in order to pull him way from Brooklyn.
Livingston played last season on an $884,293 salary last season and will get much more than that in his next deal. However, it remains to be seen if that contract will come from Brooklyn. The Nets are aware they need insurance to Williams. There have been plenty of trade rumors surrounding Williams, but with his contract and injury history, not deal will be made. Instead, the Nets need someone who can constantly be filling in for Williams since he is almost guaranteed to miss time.
Brooklyn would be wise to bring Livingston back considering he will still be affordable even with a pay raise. He functioned well in Jason Kidd's offense and would be a strong veteran on a squad with a small window to win a championship. However, the Nets love spending money and could make a move on a more marquee player instead.
ESPN.com is linking the Nets to several free agents this summer. Kyle Lowry and Eric Bledsoe are the best available, but neither player will come off the bench. It is also unlikely they could function sharing time with Williams. Mario Chalmers could be an option in more of a Livingston style role. He does not have the stats to dictate a large contract, but could work well pairing with Williams like Livingstone did last year. Ramon Sessions is another player that could operate in the same role.
The Nets have a lot of decisions to make this offseason, but Livingston could be the biggest. Losing Pierce would be a blow, but not a disaster. Livingston proved he is a necessity for the Brooklyn Nets.
