🚨 Things got off to a quick start last night when the free agency period officially opened at 12:01 a.m. eastern time. This year teams are not waiting on Lebron's decision as over $500 million dollars in contracts were agreed upon in the first 30 minutes. Most big name stars have already made their decisions so we will cover what has happened so far and what we have to look forward to going into Monday morning. Remember that nothing is final until players can sign on July 6th. Until then these are nothing more than handshakes that have been broken in the past. Looking at you DeAndre Jordan. 👀
❶ Paul George resigns with OKC for 4 years $137M
This was the most surprising signing so far for most NBA analyst. Everyone knew there was a chance that Paul George would be convinced to resign with OKC, but nobody was expecting a four year commitment. Russell Westbrook has to be ecstatic that he will be playing beside PG13 for at least the next three years ensuring that the Thunder should remain competitive in the Western Conference.
This must also be a learning lesson for all NBA teams. The Los Angeles Lakers were banking on PG still coming to them after a one year stint in OKC when the Lakers decided not to trade for him last year. Now they have missed out on a top 15 talent in the league all because they misread the situation. Let's see if this puts more pressure on them to get Kawhi Leonard.
❷ Chris Paul resigns with Houston for 4 years $160M
Everyone expected Chris Paul to be back in Houston next year after a pretty successful first season there. The only concern was whether the Rockets would provide a respectful offer. Considering he is 33 years old and has prior injury history working against him the team wanted to keep him around, but not tie up future flexibility on a max deal.
Looks like common ground was found as it was reported that Chris was looking for a five year deal while the Rockets were aiming for three years. Hopefully this works out well for both sides and Chris Paul can continue to compete healthy at a high level for the next four years.
❸ Kevin Durant resigns with Golden State for 2 years $61.5M
No surprise here as KD said during the season that he would be resigning with the Warriors. They just needed to sit down and figure out the numbers. His two year max deal has a player option in the second year that will give him the option to resign again for more money.
Kevin has shown that he is willing to sign a team friendly deal, which he has done again. This also works out for him as well as it sets up the opportunity to decline next years option and resign a 5 year max deal worth roughly $220 million.
❹ Lebron James signs with...💬
As NBA fans have become accustomed to we are patiently waiting on Lebron's decision. There are reports that he and his agent Rich Paul spoke with the Cavs at midnight, but nobody knows the context of the call. It was also reported this morning that Lebron's team including his agent will be meeting with the Philadelphia 76ers executives today in Los Angeles.
Now is there mutual interest from James on joining the 76ers or is this another power move forcing the Lakers to give whatever the Spurs want to land Kawhi Leonard? Only time will tell. Stay tuned...
❺ Kawhi Leonard traded to...💬
We know plenty of teams are interested, but the Spurs are playing hardball as they should. They are holding out until teams meet their demands. Most NBA analyst agree that there are three teams in the running for his services. They are the Philadelphia 76ers, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers. NBA executives believe that Lebron would love to pair up with Kawhi so rumor has it that the 76ers are planning to pitch this possibility to James' team during their meeting.
❻ Tervor Ariza signs with Phoenix for 1 year $15M
I wanted to address this move because I believe it has huge implications for the Houston Rockets. Trevor Ariza was a big part of why they had the best record in the NBA last year and took the Warriors to a game seven in the Western Conference Finals. Without Ariza I do not see the Houston Rockets being as competitive next year unless they can find a quality replacement. It will be interesting to see how they decide to fill this void.
Other Free Agency News❗
Players making moves
- DeAndre Jordan signs with Dallas for 1 year $24M
- Doug McDermott sings with Indiana for 3 years $22M
- Omri Casspi signs with Memphis for 1 year ($$ unknown)
- Ersan Ilyasova signs with Milwuakee for 3 years $21M
Players resigning with current teams
- Nicola Jokic resigns with Denver for 5 years $148M
- Will Barton resigns with Denver for 4 years $54M
- Fred VanVleet resigns with Toronto for 2 years $18M
- Aaron Baynes resigns with Boston for 2 years $11M
- Gerald Green resigns with Houston for 1 year $2.4M
- Derrick Rose resigns with Minnesota for 1 year minimum deal
- Rudy Gay resigns with San Antonio for 1 year $10M
- Marco Belinelli resigns with San Antonio for 2 years $12M
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