
NBA free agency has already kicked off, even though players can’t officially sign contracts yet. Verbal agreements have been made by some players, while the NBA world is still waiting on some dominoes to fall. Here is a recap of everything we know so far.
Some may have seen it coming, but it was still shocking that James headed out west and is now a Laker. James hasn’t said much publicly about the move yet, but his relationship with Magic Johnson and the city of Los Angeles sold him on the move.
Russell Westbrook flew home from Hawai’i to host a party, which initially got the big time rumors swirling. George announced at the party that he would be returning. The deal is a max contract for George, but is extremely friendly to the Thunder, who signed him for three years with a player option for a fourth. This means he won’t be on the free agent market next year when he could make a lot more money. The official deal is four years for $137 million (via ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski).
The Rockets almost made the NBA Finals and very well could have had Paul stayed healthy throughout the whole series. He returns to try and make his first NBA Finals appearance of his career. He signed a four-year deal worth $160 million.
To no one’s surprise, Durant has signed another “1+1” deal which means that he will likely be in the same situation next year.
A few years ago, Jordan almost signed with the Mavericks only to reconsider and go back to the Clippers. With the Clippers clearly in rebuild mode, Jordan goes to Dallas in his native Texas. He will be part of a rebuild there as well.
Jokic has blossomed into a star and the Nuggets are trying to lock him down long-term. With a young and growing team, the Nuggets seem to be on the right path to make the playoffs this season and compete in the future.
Ariza leaves a void at the forward spot for the Rockets and joins a team with a lot of young forwards in the Suns.
More will be updated as we go along with NBA free agency.
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