Caris LeVert ‘very close’ to return

Caris LeVert remains sidelined for the Brooklyn Nets, but the shooting guard could be back on the floor soon.

First, LeVert made the big step to participating in contact portions of practice. Usually, that signifies a player is close to game-ready.

Second, LeVert is on Brooklyn’s three-game road trip, which took them to Minnesota on Monday after the Nets played in Houston on Saturday. (They go back to Texas for Thursday to take on Dallas.)

LeVert continues to participate in contact portions of practice and has even done 5-on-5 work, which Kenny Atkinson told reporters prior to Monday night’s game against the Timberwolves, according to Brian Lewis of the New York Post.

Atkinson added LeVert “looked really good” and he “is feeling really good.”

According to Alex Schiffer of The Athletic, Atkinson said LeVert is “very close.”