Brooklyn Nets free agent guard Shaun Livingston will head to the Golden State Warriors for a three-year deal worth approximately $16 million, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports. The deal is for the full mid-level exception.
It was unlikely that the Nets would retain Livingston, given their ability to only offer him the taxpayer mid-level exception, worth roughly $10 million over three years. Brooklyn’s inability to sign Livingston to a bigger deal was a major factor in his departure, according to David Aldridge:
Just got off the phone w/ Shaun Livingston. "Long time coming," he said. Brooklyn's contract limitations (only had taxpayer MLE) big factor.
— David Aldridge (@daldridgetnt) July 2, 2014
The third deal is partially guaranteed, according to a report by USA TODAY SPORTS.
Livingston had the best season of his career in Brooklyn, averaging 8.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.2 assists in 26 minutes per game. He also put up career highs in games played, games started, steals, steals per game, points, and player efficiency rating.
Go get ’em, Livingston. For Warriors fans, check out our exclusive feature with Livingston, in which he explains how his upbringing as a biracial kid in a city largely separated on the lines of racial and social classes, below. He also breaks down how he sees the floor in real time.
