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Certain NBA players have more at stake during the playoffs than championship pipe dreams and bragging rights.

Like money, for instance.

Free agency is simple for players with defined values. Superstars are guaranteed max contracts. Even the most unfathomably unimpressive postseasons won't change what we think about a Stephen Curry or Chris Paul.

The process is more complicated for those who aren't ascribed a clear net worth—who exist in a grayer area. They need every opportunity to drum up interest. Strong performances during the playoffs, in front of a national audience, can add millions to the bottom line of their next contract.

Does Luol Deng coax $72 million out of the Los Angeles Lakers last summer if he doesn't go boom during the Miami Heat's 14-game playoff safari? Would the Brooklyn Nets have hurled almost $75 million at Allen Crabbe, and would the Portland Trail Blazers have matched, if he didn't bring his 40-plus percent three-point stroke with him to the 2016 postseason?

For our purposes, the livelihoods of these deals aren't totally tied to the postseason. These players, who would be headed to the Association's spring dance as of April 3, are looking to build upon impactful regular-season resumes.

They have done enough up until now to assure themselves substantial raises, but their ability to replicate that production in the playoffs will determine just how much.