Nets reportedly expected to target Kentavious Caldwell-Pope this summer

The Brooklyn Nets have had to give the majority of their two-guard minutes to some combination of Randy Foye, Sean Kilpatrick, and Joe Harris this season, but help could be on the way as soon as the summer.

According to a report by Brian Lewis of the New York Post on Wednesday, the Nets are expected to make Detroit Pistons guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope “a top priority” this offseason.

Caldwell-Pope, 24, is averaging 14.2 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game in 2016-17 and is known as one of the NBA’s top young wing defenders. He will become a restricted free agent after the season, having failed to reach an extension with the Pistons before the October 31 deadline last year.

Lewis adds that the Nets have roughly $33 million to spend this summer and could offer Caldwell-Pope a four-year deal worth up to $103 million. But the former No. 8 overall pick’s desire for a big payday appeared to be a major reason why he was unable to land a in-season extension, and the Pistons can still offer him the most money (plus an extra fifth year) and match any offer sheet he signs. As such, hopefully the talent-barren Nets aren’t doomed to go down the same path they went last offseason with their failed RFA pursuits of fellow guards Allen Crabbe and Tyler Johnson.

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