Nothin' But Nets
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Matchmaking: Brooklyn Nets and Free Agent Guards

By Sean Costello

Mar 31, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bojan Bogdanovic (44) shoots the ball against Utah Jazz guard Rodney Hood (5) during the first half at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 31, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bojan Bogdanovic (44) shoots the ball against Utah Jazz guard Rodney Hood (5) during the first half at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 12, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (5) drives to the basket as Orlando Magic forward Terrence Ross (31) defends during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (5) drives to the basket as Orlando Magic forward Terrence Ross (31) defends during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

As of late, rumors of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope wearing ‘Brooklyn’ across his chest come next season have been swirling. After a 98-96 win over the Detroit Pistons on March 21, Kenny Atkinson had nothing but praise for Caldwell-Pope. Atkinson commended his hard work and hustle on defense, which was one of the reasons these rumors began to pick up some fuel.

RELATED STORY: Why Caldwell-Pope Would Fit Perfectly on Nets

It’s hard to say how much Caldwell-Pope is worth, but he definitely can be an intriguing player and a nice third option for the Nets. Reports surfaced earlier this season that ‘KCP’ and the Pistons began talking about a contract extension, but the Pistons were not willing to give him over $20 million per season. With the salary cap rising and plenty of cap space available, the Nets without a doubt can give Caldwell-Pope the payday he’s seeking. The only question remains is: should they?

Caldwell-Pope’s ceiling and ability to continue growing are also some things the Nets should consider. The 24-year-old is averaging 14.1 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.2 steals per game this season. Those are all-around solid numbers that could help Jeremy Lin in the backcourt, or allow someone else to play alongside Lin if the Nets choose to place Caldwell-Pope at the small forward position instead.

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It’ll be interesting to see if the Nets go after Caldwell-Pope in free agency, but if they do, they must be smart. The Nets will have a tough time keeping Lin, Caldwell-Pope and Lopez all together unless someone takes a pay cut.

Like Ben McLemore, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is also a restricted free agent, which is a bit of a tough topic among Nets fans, after the team missed out on Tyler Johnson and Allen Crabbe last season due to their respective teams matching.

Next: Looking at 2017 Free Agent Power Forwards

There are many factors that will go into the Nets’ approach to go after Caldwell-Pope, including who else they attempt to add to their roster. Nevertheless, Caldwell-Pope can be a big help for a Nets team that has just recently started to come into their own on defense. If Caldwell-Pope is a member of the Nets next season, his presence can provide a big lift for the Nets out on the wing defensively.

Verdict: Match

NOTE: Reports of Caldwell-Pope being arrested for a DUI came out last month, which could affect his free agency.