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Shaun Livingston has revived his career in a remarkable way. He went from a top prospect to a gruesome injury to reinventing himself as a very valuable backup point guard in this league. The Brooklyn Nets are hoping to bring back the valuable reserve after he helped fuel a small ball lineup last season that helped them climb from the depths of the Eastern Conference standings to the 6-seed by season's end. However, the Nets know it will take an act of kindness from Livingston.
During a press conference on Tuesday to discuss the Jason Kidd situation, Nets' general manager Billy King said it's "going to be difficult" for the Nets to keep Livingston.
King says he knows it's "going to be difficult" to keep Shaun Livingston.
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) July 1, 2014
King says if Shaun Livingston gets a huge deal the #nets can't match he will hug him and wish him well
— Lenn Robbins (@LennRobbins) July 1, 2014
Due to the lack of "Bird rights" on Livingston and the luxury tax penalties and implications of the Nets' expensive roster endeavors, Brooklyn can offer a minimum deal or the taxpayer's mini mid-level exception. Livingston was on a minimum deal with the Nets last season, and the mini-MLE would net him three years and $10 million total.
Several teams, including the Hornets, Spurs, Wolves, Magic, and Kings, are said to be interested in Livingston. They can all exceed the mini-MLE option that Brooklyn can offer, meaning Livingston will have to likely take less money if he wants to remain on the Nets.