SUMMARY
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MANILA, Philippines – The 2015 NBA Free Agency period is officially underway!
It’s finally that time of the year when each NBA franchise scrambles to improve their roster or retain key guys on their team. Over the next few weeks, the landscape of the grandest basketball league in the world could change in a moment’s notice.
Last year, that took place when LeBron James returned home to Cleveland. While James, a free agent again this year, is expected to remain with the Cavaliers, there are still a number of NBA superstars, All-Stars, and role players who basketball fans all over the world will closely follow over these next few days as they negotiate for new contracts.
Some of those names include James’ former teammate Dwyane Wade, LaMarcus Aldridge, Kevin Love, Marc Gasol, and many more.
Make sure to visit this page regularly as we update all of you with the latest on NBA free agency.
Day 4:
LaMarcus Aldridge chooses the Spurs
Arguably the most coveted free agent this summer, All-Star LaMarcus Aldridge has decided to sign a 4-year, $80 million deal with the San Antonio Spurs, Yahoo! Sports reported.
Aldridge, 29, is coming off a career season where he averaged 23.4 points and 10.2 rebounds a game. Since being drafted, he’s spent all 9 years of his career with the Portland Trail Blazers.
In the end with Aldridge, the lure of the Spurs monolith — and his Texas home — were too difficult to overcome.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) July 4, 2015
I’m happy to say I’m going home to Texas and will be a Spur!! I’m excited to join the team and be close to my family and friends.
— Lamarcus Aldridge (@aldridge_12) July 4, 2015
Aldridge told the Trail Blazers on Saturday, July 4, that his decision would come down to choosing between the Spurs and Phoenix Suns, who also aggressively pursued him. Miami, Los Angeles, Houston, and Dallas also talked to Aldridge.
The Spurs are now also reportedly going after free agent forward David West, hoping he can be enticed by the veteran’s minimum and an opportunity at winning an NBA championship.
Future Hall-of-Famer Tim Duncan said a few days ago he would return to the Spurs this season, making the team, with Aldridge’s addition, one of the favorites to win the Western Conference and NBA title.
Day 3:
DeAndre Jordan picks Mavericks over Clippers
The biggest news of the day came out of Dallas, where DeAndre Jordan will be playing professional basketball over the next 4 years on an $80 million deal, it was reported.
Jordan, who was choosing between the Mavs and LA Clippers, will leave Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, and Doc Rivers for Chandler Parsons, Dirk Nowitzki, and Rick Carlisle.
“We think he is going to be our best player for years to come,” Dallas owner Mark Cuban said to ESPN.com.
Jordan, who also met with the Lakers and Knicks, was number one in the NBA in field goal percentage last season (71%) and topped the league in rebounds as well with 15 a game. Jordan was considered as an All-Star reserve and in the discussion for Defensive Player of the Year.
This move hurts the Clippers, who don’t have enough cap-space to go after a premier big man to replace Jordan. Some reports indicate they plan to check if David West is still available. West is reportedly interested in signing with the Wizards or Spurs.
Rondo to the Kings on one-year deal
Controversial point guard Rajon Rondo is going to Sacramento after agreeing on a one-year, $9.5 million deal with the Kings, it was reported.
Rondo has seen his production dip in recent years and has established a bad reputation around the NBA as a stubborn player who often gets into arguments with his coaches. Rondo was traded to the Dallas Mavericks last season after spending all of his career in Boston, but was benched by the playoffs.
Rondo, 29, has career averages of 10.8 points, 8.3 assists, and 4.7 rebounds a game.
Robin Lopez joins Carmelo in New York
The New York Knicks solidified their starting center position by agreeing to a 4-year, $54 million deal with free agent big man Robin Lopez, it was reported.
Lopez will join a Knicks team that has an All-Star in Carmelo Anthony, a lottery pick in Kristaps Porzingis, and a solid shooting guard in Arron Afflalo, who signed just days ago.
Lopez averaged 9.6 points and 6.7 rebounds a game last season with a PER of 16.26.
Derrick Williams to the Knicks, Gary Neal chooses Washington
Former no. two overall pick Derrick Williams has agreed to a two-year, $10 million deal with the New York Knicks, it was reported.
Williams has career averages of 9.3 points and 4.3 rebounds a contest but has been highly regarded as a disappointment ever since being taken so high in the 2011 NBA Draft out of Arizona.
In Washington, Gary Neal has agreed to a one-year, $2.1 million deal with the Wizards. Neal, 30, averaged 10.1 points a game last season.
Tobias Harris stays with Orlando
After signs previously pointed that he was heading elsewhere, Tobias Harris has agreed to return to the Orlando Magic on a 4-year, $64 million deal, it was reported.
Harris averaged 17.1 points and 6.3 rebounds a game last season while nailing 36.1% from downtown. It was reported that he would look for a new team after Orlando hired Scott Skiles – his old coach in Milwaukee – and there were many teams after his services, namely the Boston Celtics, Detroit Pistons, Sacramento Kings, and Portland Trail Blazers.
Houston Rockets to bring back Corey Brewer, Patrick Beverley
Cory Brewer and Patrick Beverley have agreed to return to the Houston Rockets, it was reported.
Brewer is going to return on a 3-year deal that pays him $23.4 million, while Beverley’s contract is at 4 years and for $23 million (the fourth year is a team option).
Both guys were key players for the Houston Rockets last season, with the team clinching the no. two seed in the West and making it to the Western Conference Finals. Brewer averaged 11.5 points a game and was key in the playoffs, where he scored 15 or more points in 7 games.
Beverley missed Houston’s last 16 games due to an injured wrist, but remains one of the best on-ball defenders in the NBA at his point guard position today. Last season, he averaged 10.1 points, 3.4 assists, and 4.2 rebounds a game.
Marco Belinelli agrees to deal with Kings
Italian shooting guard Marco Belinelli and the Sacramento Kings have agreed on a 3-year, $19 million deal, it was reported.
Belinelli, 29, is going to leave San Antonio after spending the last two years of his career with the Spurs. Last season, he averaged 9.2 points a contest and shot 37.4% from downtown.
Wesley Matthews heads to Dallas on 4-year deal
Wesley Matthews is on his way to becoming a Dallas Maverick after agreeing on a 4-year, $64 million deal with the team, it was announced.
The former Trail Blazer also met with officials from the Sacramento Kings but passed on their reportedly richer offer. Toronto was also interested. The 28-year-old shooter is coming off a season-ending Achilles injury in March, cutting off an impressive campaign where he averaged 15.9 points and shot 39% from downtown.
Day 2:
Dwyane Wade is back in Miami
The Miami Heat completed their most important goal of the offseason by getting franchise player and Heat all-time leading scorer Dwyane Wade back. The 3-time NBA champion agreed to a one-year deal worth $20 million, giving Miami head coach Erik Spoelstra a starting unit that could compete for the Eastern Conference title next season.
Wade hasn’t played all 82 games in each of the past 3 regular seasons, but did average 21.5 points, 4.8 assists, and 3.5 rebounds a game when healthy last season.
Robinson bound for Brooklyn, Davis agrees with Blazers
Journeyman Thomas Robinson, the fifth overall pick in the 2012 NBA draft, has agreed to a two-year, deal for the veteran’s minimum with the Brooklyn Nets, it was reported.
Robinson, who helped lead the Kansas Jayhawks to the 2012 NCAA tournament finals, averaged 8.8 points and 7.7 rebounds a contest in 22 games with the Philadelphia 76ers last season.
The Portland Trail Blazers continued their re-build towards life without Aldridge by agreeing to a 3-year, $20 million deal with big man Ed Davis.
Davis, 25, averaged 8.3 points and 7.6 rebounds a contest with the Los Angeles Lakers last season.
Monta Ellis joins Paul George in Indiana
Free agent shooting guard Monta Ellis agreed to a 4-year, $44 million deal with the Indiana Pacers, it was reported.
Ellis, who was recruited heavily by Pacers president Larry Bird, turned down a 4-year, $48 million offer from Sacramento. He joins an Indiana team that has an All-Star in Paul George, a quality two-way veteran in George Hill, and a lottery draft pick in Myles Turner.
With Dallas last season, the 6-foot-3 Ellis averaged 18.9 points and 4.1 assists a contest.
Monroe agrees to max deal with Bucks
Greg Monroe has agreed to a 3-year, $50 million deal with the Milwaukee Bucks, multiple media outlets reported.
The third year of Monroe’s contract is a player option. According to reports, the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers, and Portland Trail Blazers also offered max contract deals but Monroe chose to go to Milwaukee for a better shot at winning.
The Bucks made the playoffs as a sixth seed last NBA season and has an impressive core featuring Michael Carter-Williams, Khris Middleton, Jabari Parker, and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Monroe averaged 15.9 points and 10.2 rebounds a game with the Detroit Pistons last season.
Arron Afflalo goes to New York on two-year, $16 million deal
The New York Knicks hit their first jackpot of the offseason by agreeing to a two-year, $16 million deal with free agent Arron Afflalo, ESPN reported.
Although he had a down season last year split between the Denver Nuggets and Portland Trail Blazers, Afflalo is one of the best two-guards in the NBA today. Just two seasons ago with the Orlando Magic, he averaged 18.2 points and 3.6 rebounds a contest while shooting 43% from downtown.
Afflalo, 29, will join a rebuilding Knicks team that has Carmelo Anthony draft pick Kristaps Porzingis.
Day 1:
Crowder stays in Boston for $35 million
Jae Crowder is going to stay with the Boston Celtics after agreeing on a 5-year, $35 million deal, it was first reported by RealGM.
Crowder averaged 7.7 points and 3.6 rebounds a game last year.
Draymond Green stays with defending champions
The Golden State Warriors retained their ultimate glue guy by agreeing to a 5-year, $85 million deal with Draymond Green, it was reported.
Green averaged 11.7 points, 8.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists a game last season while becoming one of the best defenders in the NBA. His versatility at the 4 position enabled the Warriors to dominate the regular season (67-15) and go small against Cleveland in the finals, turning that series to their side.
Green also had a number of triple-doubles last season, the latest in the Game 6 clincher against Cleveland: 16 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists.
Millsap remains in Atlanta after agreeing on 3-year deal
All-Star forward Paul Millsap is remaining an Atlanta Hawk after agreeing to a 3-year, $59 million deal, media outlets reported.
Millsap turned down a 4-year, $80 million deal with the Orlando Magic to remain with Atlanta, which earlier today lost swingman DeMarre Carroll to the Toronto Raptors and agreed to acquire big man Tiago Splitter on a trade with the Spurs.
It’s a huge pay day for the 30-year-old Millsap, who averaged 16.7 points and 7.8 boards a game last season.
Iman Shumpert staying with Cavs for $40 million
Guard Iman Shumpert and the Cleveland Cavaliers have agreed on a 4-year, $40 million deal, media outlets reported.
The fourth year on Shumpert’s deal is a player option. Earlier today, the Cavs re-signed both Kevin Love and Tristan Thompson.
Brandan Wright agrees to $18 million deal with Memphis
Free agent big man Brandan Wright has agreed to a 3-year, $18 million deal with the Memphis Grizzlies.
Wright, 27, averaged 7 points and 4.9 rebounds a contest last year, and is expected to be the main back-up to big men Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol (assuming he’s re-signed).
Pierce to become a Clipper for 3-year deal
Future NBA Hall-of-Famer Paul Pierce is packing his bags for Hollywood after agreeing to a 3-year, $10 million deal with the Los Angeles Clippers, according to multiple media reports.
Pierce, who was offered a 2-year, $6.6 million deal to return to the Washington Wizards, is going to Los Angeles where he will be coached by Doc Rivers. The two were together when Boston won an NBA title in 2008.
Pierce, 37, averaged 11.9 points and 4 rebounds a game last season with the Wizards and became the team’s designated clutch shooter in the postseason.
The third year on Pierce’s deal with Los Angeles is a player’s option.
Amir Johnson, Jonas Jerebko to Boston; Kyle Singler re-signs with OKC
The Boston Celtics agreed to a two-year, $24 million deal with big man Amir Johnson and agreed to a two-year, $10 million deal with Jonas Jerebko, multiple media outlets reported.
In Oklahoma City, the Thunder re-signed free agent shooter Kyle Singer to a 5-year, $25 million deal, according to Yahoo.
Tyson Chandler to join Phoenix Suns on 4-year, $52 million deal
Veteran big man Tyson Chandler is set to join the Phoenix Suns on a 4-year, $52 million deal, Yahoo! reported.
Chandler, 32, averaged 10.3 points and 11.5 rebounds a contest with the Dallas Mavericks last season. Despite his advancing age, the former no. two overall pick remains a valuable rim protector and one of the best pick-and-roll finishes in the NBA today.
Chandler also has championship experience, having won an NBA title with the Mavericks in 2011.
Suns to keep Brandon Knight with $70 million deal
The Phoenix Suns are set to keep their main acquisition in this year’s NBA trade deadline after agreeing to a 5-year, $70 million deal with Brandon Knight, Yahoo! Sports reporteed.
Knight, 23, put up 17 points and 5.2 assists a contest last season splitting time between the Suns and Milwaukee Bucks. He also shot 42% from the field and 38% from downtown.
Knight struggled in his 9 games with Phoenix where he averaged just 13.4 points a game and shot 36% from the floor, but that was mostly due to an ankle injury he didn’t recover from until season’s end. His numbers are expected to increase with a training camp to get used to his teammates.
Kevin Love, Tristan Thompson to return to Cavs
The Cleveland Cavaliers are a step closer to bringing back the team that was the second seed in the East last season by agreeing to new deals with Kevin Love and Tristan Thompson.
Thompson, who turned down a $52 million deal last offseason, agreed to a contract that will reportedly pay him in excess of $80 million this time around. Thompson averaged 8.5 points and 8 rebounds a game last season, but those numbers improved in the playoffs – 9.6 points, 10.8 rebounds (4.4 offensive) – when the big man had to play more minutes in the absence of Love.
Love announced in a letter he wrote for The Players Tribune that he would return to Cleveland on a reported 5-year, $110 million deal. Although he didn’t have what some would consider a great season in 2014-2015, Love still put up 16.4 points and 9.7 rebounds a contest in 79 games.
With Cleveland already having money tied up to Love, Thompson, Kyrie Irving, Anderson Varejao, and Timofey Mozgov among others, as well as having to pay free agents LeBron James, Iman Shumpert, and maybe JR Smith, the team is expected to pay a lucrative tax bill.
Jimmy Butler agrees to $95 million deal with Bulls
The Chicago Bulls and Jimmy Butler agreed on a 5-year, $95 million deal that will keep the All-Star in the Windy City, multiple media outlets reported.
Butler, who was a restricted free agent that turned down a 4-year, $44 million offer last offseason, has the opportunity to opt out of his new contract after the fourth year.
Butler averaged 20 points. 5.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists a game last season for Chicago, winning the NBA Most Improved Player of the Year award.
The Los Angeles Lakers were also reportedly interested in acquiring the swingman.
Khris Middleton to stay with Bucks for $70 million deal
Swingman Khris Middleon has agreed to a 5-year, $70 million deal with Milwaukee, multiple media outlets reported. The former Texas A&M standout had his best campaign last season, putting up 13.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.5 steals per game – all career-highs – and shot 41% from downtown.
DeMarre Carroll to move up north after agreeing to deal with Raptors
DeMarre Carroll is set to move to Toronto, Canada, after agreeing on a 4-year, $60 million deal with the Raptors, Yahoo! Sports reports.
Carroll, who made a combined $8 million in his first 6 years in the NBA, averaged 12.6 points and 5.3 rebounds a game for the top-seeded Atlanta Hawks last season. He also shot 48% from the field and 40% from downtown while earning a reputation of being one of the best defenders in the NBA.
Danny Green agrees to 4-year deal with Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs continue to win. A contract which will be considered one of the best bargains in a few years when the NBA salary cap space goes above the roof, Danny Green agreed to a 4-year, $45 million deal with San Antonio.
Green is an elite 3-point shooter who made 44% of his attempts from downtown in addition to averaging 11.7 points and 4.2 rebounds a game last season. He’s also a terrific defender that, paired with Kawhi Leonard, brews trouble for San Antonio’s opposition.
Yahoo! has also reported that the Spurs will trade big man Tiago Splitter to Atlanta, further opening up cap space to acquire Aldridge. If the Spurs get a commitment from the All-Star big and add him to a roster that has Green, Leonard, a returning Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili, and Tony Parker, San Antonio could become the biggest threat to Golden State’s title defense.
Nets to re-sign Brook Lopez and Thad Young
The Brooklyn Nets retained key pieces of their rotation last year by agreeing to a 4-year, $50 million deal with forward Thad Young and a 3-year, $60 million arrangement with center Brook Lopez.
My family & I are extremely happy 2 continue being a Net. Thanks 2 all of my fam, friends, & fans 4 ur support. The GRIND doesn’t stop here.
— Thad Young (@yungsmoove21) July 1, 2015
Though injured often in the past, Lopez still averaged 17.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per contest last season with a PER of 22.76. Young, on the other hand, put up 14.1 points and 5.4 boards a contest.
Dunleavy stays a Bull with 3-year deal
Chicago Bulls sharpshooter Mike Dunleavy is staying with the franchise after agreeing to a 3-year, $14.4 million deal, Yahoo! Sports reported.
Dunleavy, 34, remains one of the best 3-point shooters in the NBA today after nailing 44% of his attempts from downtown last season. With Jimmy Butler expected to remain in a Chicago uniform, the Bulls will still have a lethal team in the East next season even with a new head coach in Fred Hoiberg.
Just talked to Dunleavy: "I’m thrilled to be back. It’s a really fair deal. I’m looking forward to playing for (Hoiberg) and love our team."
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) July 1, 2015
Dragic keeps his talents in South Beach for 5-year, $90 million deal
The Miami Heat have already completed half of their mission this free agency by agreeing to a 5-year, $90 million deal with key trade deadline pick-up Goran Dragic, multiple media outlets reported.
Dragic, who could have made more from the Heat, agreed to a deal just below the max to give the team flexibility in order to re-sign Dwyane Wade, who’s looking for big pay day from the franchise. The Slovenian playmaker can opt out of his deal after the fourth year.
Splitting time between the Heat and Phoenix Suns last year, Dragic averaged 16.3 points, 4.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds a contest with a PER of 17.47. At the prime of his career, Dragic, 29, will be the main floor general of the Heat next season and for the ones to follow. With a full offseason and training camp to better get used to the team, Dragic’s numbers should improve in 2015-2016.
Wade remains the final domino to fall for the Heat this offseason. If he returns, the team should have a formidable core of him, Dragic, Chris Bosh, Hassan Whiteside, and Luol Deng leading the way.
Al-Farouq Aminu agrees to 4-year, $30 million deal with Trail Blazers
As first reported by Yahoo! Sports, free agent forward Al-Farouq Aminu has agreed to a 4-year, $30 million deal with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Last season with the Dallas Mavericks, Aminu averaged 6 points and 5 rebounds a game but his contributions on the court go beyond the numbers with his hustle and steady defense. Aminu was the latest of Portland’s additions, coming days after the team acquired Gerald Henderson and Noah Vonleh from the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Nicolas Batum, and picking up Mason Plumlee from the Nets during the NBA Draft.
Leonard to stay with Spurs on 5-year deal
The Spurs secured a major piece for their future by agreeing on the framework of a 5-year, $90 million deal with reigning NBA Defensive Player of the Year and 2014 NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard.
Leonard averaged 16.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.5 steals a contest despite being hounded by injury last season.
“I have every intention of signing with the San Antonio Spurs,” Leonard said in a statement reported by Yahoo!, who broke the deal.
San Antonio is also going to try to persuade Aldridge to sign with them, with a meeting set to take place on Wednesday evening (PH time). Leonard, Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich, general manager R.C. Buford, Tim Duncan, and Tony Parker will be present for San Antonio’s pitch.
Anthony Davis agrees to 5-year, $145 million extension with Pelicans
Just minutes after the clock hit midnight on July 1, it was reported by Yahoo! and ESPN that New Orleans Pelicans superstar Anthony Davis had signed a 5-year, $145 million extension with his team.
NOLA, I am here to stay! Just getting started… #6MoreYears #TakeFlight pic.twitter.com/Kni8WpikEA
— Anthony Davis (@AntDavis23) July 1, 2015
Davis, who averaged 24.4 points and 10.2 rebounds a game last season with a PER of 30.8, was named First-Team All NBA just a few months back. His new deal gives him the opportunity to opt out after the fourth year, allowing him to be an unrestricted free agent by 2020.
Davis’ Pelicans were swept by the Golden State Warriors in the 2015 NBA playoffs’ first round.
Other news: the Dallas Mavericks have already met with free agents Wes Matthews and DeAndre Jordan. It was reported that Matthews is seeking for a $15 million-per deal, but the Mavs offered $3 million below that. Jordan is also set to meet with the Lakers, Clippers, and Knicks.
The Cavaliers are reportedly interested in Tayshaun Prince, while the Indiana Pacers are set to meet Monta Ellis with a 3-year deal likely to come out between both sides in the next day or so.
The Lakers have already met with Aldridge and both Kobe Bryant and Jeanie Buss were present for the meeting. According to reports, it went “really well.” LA is also set to meet with free agent Greg Monroe, who’s drawn interest from the Knicks and Bucks.
Chicago is expected to retain Jimmy Butler, while the Nets are close to negotiating new deals with Brook Lopez and Thad Young.
– Rappler.com
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