FREE AGENCY OPENS: CHRIS PAUL WAIVED; JAMES HARDEN STAYS IN LA
NBA free agency is now open! Hang out here and track the news and rumors, with some hopes that perhaps the quiet Portland Trail Blazers will make an appearance. Here is the latest.
Completed Deals
- James Harden will agree to a 2 year, $70 million deal to stay with the LA Clippers. (Woj)
- Alex Len agrees to return to the Kings for 1 year, $3.3 million. (Shams)
- Patrick Williams agrees to stay with the Bulls for 5 years, $90 million with a player option. (Shams)
- Obi Toppin has agreed to stay in Indiana for 4 years, $60 million. (Woj)
- Max Christie has agreed to a 4 year, $32 million deal to stay with the Lakers. (Woj)
Blazers Rumors
- Jerami Grant has repeatedly been listed as a player that might be available in trade talks. Anthony F. Irwin says the Lakers have been in discussions with the Blazers about Grant, but there is no corroboration from a national media member so far. The Lakers and Mavericks are often mentioned as destinations (and in related news, see the Klay Thompson update below).
NBA News and Rumors
- The Golden State Warriors have waived Chris Paul, who is now a free agent.
- The Detroit Pistons hired J.B. Bickerstaff as their new head coach, filling the final NBA vacancy.
- Bobby Marks reports that the Bulls can’t give away Zach Lavine, even if they offer to attach a future first round pick.
- Adrian Wojnarowski claims that LeBron James is willing to consider a reduced contract if the Lakers can sign a player James Harden, Jonas Valanciunas, or Klay Thompson with the MLE
- Rumors are all over about the statuses of Paul George and Klay Thompson. Philadelphia, and Orlando are common destinations for George, and Chris Haynes reports that Philly is pushing hard, but George is still on good terms with the Clippers and could return. The Lakers and Mavericks seem to be in the lead for Klay, and the Warriors do not seem in the running to re-sign him.
- Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is in demand, and not expected to return to the Nuggets. Philadelphia and Orlando are leading candidates to sign him.