3 Brooklyn Nets targets the Boston Celtics should pursue this summer

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 05: Spencer Dinwiddie #8 and Jarrett Allen #31 of the Brooklyn Nets high-five during the second quarter of the game against Oklahoma City Thunder at Barclays Center on December 05, 2018 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

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Boston Celtics (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

Caris LeVert

This past off-season–before Jaylen Brown received his four-year max extension–I saw Caris LeVert’s recent extension as a starting point of Brown’s contract. While the two were both drafted in 2016, the differences in their situations would ultimately dictate their earning potential:

"On the Brooklyn Nets, Caris LeVert has primarily been a secondary offensive weapon. While he has the ability to run and stretch the floor, he has oft been left in the shadows of “superior” options in D’Angelo Russell and Spencer Dinwiddie. Now, with Kyrie Irving and — in 2020-21– Kevin Durant in the fold, the fourth year pro will continue to be an, at best, tertiary option. Brown’s starting point for his next contract will rise dramatically if he is able to put it all together for the Boston Celtics this upcoming season. Unlike LeVert, there doesn’t appear to be a glass ceiling for how high Brown can fly."

Ainge didn’t wait to see how Brown would improve, instead gambling on the #3 pick in the 2016 NBA Draft. So far it has paid off, but LeVert’s deal now looks like a bargain in comparison.

At $17 million a year annually, cobbling together salaries for LeVert could be an option unless he is put into a larger deal. Combining his and Dinwiddie’s salaries would make for an even swap for Gordon Hayward‘s $34 million cap figure in 2020-21.

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