Brooklyn Nets: Grading the Caris LeVert contract extension

The Brooklyn Nets gifted Caris LeVert a shiny new contract extension on his birthday, let’s take a look at the details of the contract and grade it accordingly.

Caris LeVert, when healthy, and that’s going to be a recurring theme in this article, is a player primed for stardom. However, he’s yet to make that next proverbial step for the Brooklyn Nets and the sole reason behind that has been injury complications. He’s missed 78 games through his first three seasons in the NBA, but that also does not mean he’s going to be injury-prone for the duration of his career—he’s just had no luck in that regard thus far.

As I mentioned, he’s a player that many expect to enjoy a breakout campaign as the Nets’ second-option initiating the offense. He’s got the physical attributes combined with quick footwork, improved playmaking abilities and a shooting touch that lacks consistency but is still respectable enough to complement his overall offensive dynamic.

That breakout campaign may have already happened a season ago, but again, injures derailed what likely should have been. His new contract extension is an incredibly team-friendly deal if durability isn’t a question and for the type of player he is when healthy, it’s a downright steal.

In an era where albatross contracts are the norm for players of LeVert’s magnitude—again, health concerns are a factor—this contract proves the culture that has been set in Brooklyn played its part. With a free agency class that isn’t exactly stellar, especially compared to recent memory, looming in the balance, LeVert arguably turned down millions to stay a Brooklyn Net.

Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving both left money on the table, now LeVert has done the same. This is going to be a big year for LeVert and the team as a whole, if injuries aren’t a problem this upcoming season, both parties could enjoy a breakout season.

Grade: A