The Brooklyn Nets on Sunday agreed to a three-year contract extension with veteran shooting guard Caris LeVert.
Most people have cake, do an activity or maybe have a nice dinner for their birthday. For Caris LeVert, you can add signing a contract extension to the list of things to do on that special day.
Late Sunday night, NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski tweeted out that the Brooklyn Nets and LeVert agreed to a three-year $52.5 million contract extension. As a member of the 2016 draft class, he was eligible for an extension, one that’ll kick in next season.
Brooklyn Nets guard Caris LeVert has agreed to a three-year, $52.5 million contract extension, league sources tell ESPN. LeVert turns 25 today.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 26, 2019
The 6-foot-7 guard out of the University of Michigan is entering into his 4th season with the team. He’s also general manager Sean Marks’ first draft pick.
LeVert’s early NBA career has been marred with injuries. During his rookie year, LeVert missed some time due to a leg injury he was rehabbing from college. That injury was a big reason why he fell to the Nets at pick No. 20.
Last season, although D’Angelo Russell became the face of the team for the year, LeVert was the team’s best player early on. He was on pace to have a year that would have had him in the “Most Improved Player” conversation. However, he suffered a gruesome lower leg injury against the Timberwolves in November. Before the injury, LeVert was averaging 18.4 points and 4.3 rebounds per game while shooting at a clip of 47.5% from the field.
Caris would come back before the season ended. However, he took a while to get up to speed. He did seem to get his groove back once the playoffs rolled around.
Although the Nets lost in five games to the Philadelphia 76ers, Caris played outstanding. LeVert averaged 21.0 points, 3.0 assists, one steal, and 4.6 rebounds in the series. He dropped 26 points in Game 3 and 25 points in Game 4.
As many people tuned in to see the budding rivalry between the two teams spurred on by Jared Dudley and Ben Simmons, Caris’ abilities and skillset were put on full display. The slashing LeVert’s keen ability to finish at the rim as well as create his own shot is a big reason why the Nets are so high on him. He’s also developed a nice rapport in the pick & roll game with teammate Jarrett Allen.
With the Nets and LeVert agreeing to an extension, it’s clear they envision Caris as part of their future. The Nets now have a core consisting of Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant, DeAndre Jordan, Spencer Dinwiddie, and now LeVert all signed up for at least the next three years.
The team may not contend for a title this season, however, the addition of KD to this core in 2020 definitely puts them in title contention.
Caris was also one to spread the good birthday news by posting a video on Twitter.
No better feeling to start off Year 25. Brooklyn, I can’t wait for what’s next. pic.twitter.com/AyDj4yDqx4
— Caris LeVert (@CarisLeVert) August 26, 2019
