If Jason Kidd isn’t back with the Nets next season, some of Brooklyn’s free agents will likely be less inclined to return as well, reports Roderick Boone of Newsday. Specifically, Boone mentions that Shaun Livingston‘s offseason plans could be altered if Kidd departs from the organization.
Livingston’s decision to sign with the Nets for the veteran’s minimum last summer was largely tied to his relationship with Kidd, a source confirmed to Boone. Since Brooklyn is a taxpaying team and only own Livingston’s Non-Bird Rights, the Nets will only be able to offer him a contract with a starting salary of $3.278MM. After resurrecting his career last season, Livingston could likely grab a higher payday somewhere else.
For the time being, the Nets and Bucks are not close on a deal that would send the second-year coach packing to Milwaukee, a source tells Sam Amick of USA Today (Twitter link). As we passed along earlier, however, Kidd still isn’t anticipated to be coaching Brooklyn next season. Teams can begin discussions with free agents on Tuesday, and although the Nets are interested in bringing Livingston back, Kidd’s seemingly imminent departure might make a pursuit more difficult.
…aaaannnnddd why would the Nets care about the future plans of a easily replaceable utility player like Livingston? lol
I think you’re underestimating him a bit, he played an important role as the starting PG/SG at times and quality bench player. His per 36 was 12/5/5 and he’s a quality defensive guard. Teams will be after him.