NBA Free Agency Off To A Hot Start
What a world we live in where NBA teams aren’t allowed to contact free agents until 6pm on June 30th, yet hours, sometimes days, before the deadline we have reported deals for millions of dollars. So, so interesting.
With the clock officially striking 6pm, free agency officially began and got off to a hot start with some big stars coming off the board early.
Brooklyn Does What The Knicks Couldn’t
The Nets got their dream duo in Durant and Kyrie Irving. KD will reportedly sign a 4-year, $164 million deal. Irving will join him on a 4-year $141 million deal.
Two. Max. Slots. pic.twitter.com/2uQujMF7hJ
— Paolo Uggetti (@PaoloUggetti) June 30, 2019
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As an accessory to these two moves, the Nets are also bringing in DeAndre Jordan.
Celtics New Ring Leader
By now Celtics fans are probably helping Kyrie pack his bags and move his stuff to Brooklyn, so the Celtics needed a new point guard. The man for the job is Kemba Walker. The UCONN alum will sign a 4-year, $141 million contract with Boston.
There’s been a changing of the point guards in Boston. ☘️ pic.twitter.com/miBwsnqH47
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) June 30, 2019
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The Big Easy Gets A Big Time Shooter
JJ Redick is set to sign a 2-year, $26.5 million deal with the New Orleans Pelicans. The Pelicans were rumored to be in on Al Horford, but signing Redick takes up their cap space instead.
Middleton Stays Put
Kis Middleton and the Bucks reached a 5-year, $178 million deal that includes a player option. This move, along with Brook Lopez signing a 4-year, $52 million contract means that Malcolm Brogdon is likely out the door.
Scary Terry Heads South
Terry Rozier may not have been the premier Celtics point guard on the market, but he’ll suffice for the Charlotte Hornets. The two reached a 3-year, $58 million contract.
Indiana Pacers Pull Off A Big Sign and Trade
Malcom Brogdon will ink a 4-year, $85 million deal with the Bucks and will be sent to the Pacers in exchange for a first round pick and two future second-round picks.
A Few Notable Players Staying Put
Free agency doesn’t automatically mean players leaving for new teams. No there are a few guys who chose to stick around where they were
The Unicorn, Kristaps Porzingi, is staying in the Big D on a 5- year $158 million deal
Harrison Barnes ultimately chose to stay in Sacramento with for a cool $85 million over four years.
Terrence Ross is staying in Orlando on a 4-year, $54 million deal.
Damian Lillard signed a 4-year, $196 million extensions with the Blazers.
Tobias Harris is staying in Philly for 5 years,$180 million.
All this occurred in just the first hour of free agency so stay tuned for more big moves.
-Dillon Leary