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Mark Medina
| USA TODAY
LeBron, Shaq and Durant highlight NBA free agency’s greatest moments
SportsPulse: NBA free agency is upon us and what better way to celebrate than to call in USA TODAY Sports’ Jeff Zillgitt to highlight some of the most memorable player movement in league history.
NBA free agency is open for business.
Following an unusual season that was suspended in March because of COVID-19, restarted in a bubble in Orlando, Florida, and concluded just more than a month ago, free agency began only a month before the next season is scheduled to start on Dec. 22.
There are many big names and not a lot of teams with salary-cap space, but free agency should be busy as teams want to put together rosters in advance of training camps, which are slated to open on Dec. 1.
Here are players who reached deals with teams during free agency.
Saturday’s deals
Veteran forward Serge Ibaka, who won a title with Toronto in 2019, agreed to a two-year, $19 million deal with the Los Angeles Clippers, a person familiar with the agreement told USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly until the contract is official. Ibaka averaged 15.4 points and 8.2 rebounds and 51.2% shooting from the field and 38.5% on 3-pointers for the Raptors last season. Ibaka helps reduce the loss of Montrezl Harrell to the Los Angeles Lakers.
— Jeff Zillgitt
With Thompson suffering a season-ending injury to his right Achilles, the Golden State Warriors have applied for the Disabled Player Exception worth $9.3 million, a person familiar with the details told USA TODAY Sports. The person was granted anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss an internal matter.
This will give the Warriors an additional spending tool to sign a player because they have already established that Thompson won’t be available on their roster for the 2020-21 season.
— Mark Medina
Guard Brad Wanamaker agreed to one-year, $2.25 million deal with the Warriors, a person familiar with the details told USA TODAY Sports. The person was granted anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss a deal that is not official.
The Warriors pursued Wanamaker in hopes of bolstering their backcourt amid Klay Thompson’s season-ending injury to his right Achilles. Wanamaker will likely have a significant backup point guard role behind Stephen Curry, as well as provide spot minutes at shooting guard.
Little can mitigate Thompson’s absence. In both roles, Wanamaker should be a serviceable shooter and defender. The Warriors also made this signing at a relatively low price. They still have a taxpayer mid-level exception worth $5.7 million.
— Mark Medina
Veteran forward Tristan Thompson and the Boston Celtics came to terms on a two-year, $19 million deal, his agent Rich Paul of Klutch Sports told USA TODAY Sports. Thompson averaged 12 points and 10.1 rebounds for Cleveland last season. The Celtics pick up more frontcourt depth with a strong defender and rebounder. Thompson has spent his entire career with the Cavaliers and won a title in 2016.
— Jeff Zillgitt
The Lakers continue to strengthen their roster through trades and free agency. They champions managed to retain Kentavious Caldwell-Pope on a three-year, $40 million deal, his agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, told USA TODAY Sports. Pope averaged 9.3 points during the regular season but bumped that to 10.7 in the playoffs and 11 in the Finals while playing outstanding defense.
— Jeff Zillgitt
Veteran guard Rajon Rondo agreed to a two-year, $15 million deal in principle with the Atlanta Hawks, a person familiar with the details told USA TODAY Sports. That person was granted anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss a deal that was not official. The person added the deal does not have any player or team options.
Rondo opted out of his player option worth $2.7 million with the Los Angeles Lakers fully aware that he would have plenty of interest for his smart playmaking and accountable leadership style. Despite season-long issues with his health and shooting, the Lakers remained enamored with Rondo’s intangibles that included his passing, in-game adjustments and mentorship. Rondo became more consistent during the Lakers’ playoff run after missing the first chunk of the NBA season restart because of an injured right thumb and back.
Rondo is expected to become a positive veteran presence for third-year guard Trae Young, who made his first All-Star appearance last season after improving from his rookie to sophomore season in points (19.1 to 29.6), shooting percentage (41.8 to 43.7), assists (8.1 to 9.3) and minutes (30.9 to 35.3).
— Mark Medina
Avery Bradley came to terms on a two-year, $11.6 million deal with the Miami Heat, a person familir with the agreement told USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly until the deal is official. The Heat have a team option on the second yeBradley remains a solid defender and 3-point shooter, and the Heat front office is trying to make sure the team has the talent to get back to the NBA Finals.
— Jeff Zillgitt
First, Gordon Hayward decided not to finish his final season with Boston at $34.1 million, and then he reached a four-year, $120 million deal with Charlotte.
Jae Crowder was instrumental in Miami’s run to the NBA Finals earlier this year. Now he’ll get a chance to help Phoenix make the playoffs for the the first time since 2010. Crowder, an unrestricted free agent, has agreed to a three-year, $30 million deal to join a team looking to build a playoff-caliber roster.
– Duane Rankin, The Arizona Republic
Forward Jeff Green agreed to a one-year deal with the Brooklyn Nets, a person familiar with the terms told USA TODAY Sports. That person was granted anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss a deal before it became official.
The Nets are finding ways to bolster their supporting cast for Kevin Durant and Kyrie Iriving. Green offers positional versatility both as a wing defender and scorer as well as a paint defender and post-up scorer. Durant has also remained close friends with Green ever since the two played together in Seattle and Oklahoma City (2007-2011).
— Mark Medina
Forward Bobby Portis agreed to a two-year, $8 million deal with the Milwaukee Bucks, a person familiar with the details told USA TODAY Sports. The person was granted anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss a deal that was not official. The person added that Portis holds a player option on his second season.
The Bucks have made several moves before and during free agency, both to bolster their chances at winning an NBA title and convincing two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo to a sign a super-max contract, which he is eligible to do beginning Dec. 1. The Bucks acquired Jrue Holiday from New Orleans in exchange for Eric Bledsoe, George Hill, their 2025 and 2027 first-round picks, as well as the rights to swap first-round picks in 2024 and 2026.
— Mark Medina
Guard Fred VanVleet plans to stay with Toronto on a four-year, $85 million deal, his agent Brian Jungreis USA TODAY Sports. VanVleet turned himself from undrafted player in 2016 to one of the best free agents available in 2020.
— Jeff Zillgitt
Paul Millsap will re-sign with the Denver Nuggets on a one-year, $10 million deal, a person familiar with the deal told USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak until the contract was official. Millsap provides a strong veteran presence and keeping him softens the losses of Jerami Grant and Mason Plumlee.
— Jeff Zillgitt
Bucks add backcourt depth with Augustin
Guard D.J. Augustin intends to sign a three-year, $21 million contract with the Milwaukee Bucks, a person familiar with the details told USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly until the contract was official. Augustin has been a reliable guard in the league for years, and the Bucks will rely on his experience in the backcourt. He averaged 10.5 points and 4.6 assists for Orlando last season.
— Jeff Zillgitt
Forward Maurice Harkless agreed to a one-year, $3.6 million deal with the Miami Heat, a person familiar with the details told USA TODAY Sports. The person was granted anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss a deal that is not official. The person added that Harkless turned down more lucrative offers elsewhere because he considered Miami to be a better fit both for his role and being closer to his family.
Harkless, a nine-year veteran, played on the Los Angeles Clippers and the New York Knicks last year. He has averaged 7.2 points on 45.5% shooting and 3.3 rebounds, while also offering dependable perimeter defense.
— Mark Medina
Guard Kris Dunn bolted Chicago for Atlanta on a two-year deal, a person with direct knowledge of the agreement told USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because he wasn’t authorized to speak until Dunn signed a contract.
Chicago Bulls guard Denzel Valentine signed his one-year, $4.6 million qualifying offer with the team, meaning he will be an unrestricted free agent following the 2020-21 season. New Bulls GM Arturas Karnisovas is interested to see how Valentine plays in new coach Billy Donovan’s system.
Guard Michael Carter Williams will re-sign with Orlando on a one-year deal worth nearly $3 million, a person with direct knowledge of the deal told USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because he wasn’t authorized to speak until the contract was official.
— Jeff Zillgitt
Guard Raul Neto, who spent last season with Philadelphia, reached a one-year, $1.8 million deal with Washington, a person familiar with the details told USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly until the deal was official.
— Jeff Zillgitt
Friday’s deals
The New Orleans Pelicans will acquire center Steven Adams from the Oklahoma City Thunder in a multi-team trade, a person familiar with the details told USA TODAY Sports. The person was granted anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss a deal before it was official.
The Pelicans are still ironing out the other parameters of the deal. But the trade involves sending future first- and two second-round picks to the Thunder, something Oklahoma City has prioritized receiving in the past year in various deals. OKC has at least a dozen first-round picks through 2026, and accumulated three first-round picks this week in trades with the Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns and Philadelphia 76ers. As part of their original deal
The Pelicans acquired Adams to make life easier both for his frontcourt mate (2019 No. 1 overall pick Zion Williamson) and backcourt players (Most Improved recipient Brandon Ingram and veteran J.J. Redick). Adams provides dependable defense, screen-setting and passing from the center position.
As for the rest of the deal, the teams involved could include the Milwaukee Bucks, Dallas Mavericks, Detroit Pistons and Denver Nuggets, though details are still being finalized. The Pelicans previously agreed to a deal this week that entailed trading Jrue Holiday to Milwaukee for guard Eric Bledsoe, forward George Hill, Milwaukee’s 2025 and 2027 first-round picks as well as the rights to swap its first-round picks in 2024 and 2026.
– Jeff Zillgitt and Mark Medina
Restricted free-agent guard De’Aaron Fox has agreed to a five-year, $163 million extension with the Sacramento Kings, The Athletic reported. This gives the Kings a long-term solution at point guard. Fox, 22, is one of the talented young playmakers in the league. He averaged 21.1 points, 6.8 assists, 3.8 rebounds and 1.5 steals while shooting 48% from the field. Fox can improve his 3-point shooting, but it’s obvious the Kings and first-year GM Monte McNair are believers. The deal, according to ESPN’s Bobby Mark, could increase from $170 million to $196 million if Fox makes first-, second- or third-team All-NBA and the salary cap continues to increase.
– Jeff Zillgitt
Forward Danilo Gallinari, one of the prizes in this year’s free-agent class, plans to sign a three-year, $61.5 million contract with the Atlanta Hawks, according to a person familiar with the agreement. The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly until the deal is official. Gallinari, who turned 32 in August, had a fine season for Oklahoma City in 2019-20, averaging 18.7 points and shooting 40.5% on 3-pointers. Atlanta is trying to accelerate its plan by adding more talent and compete for a playoff spot this season.
– Jeff Zillgitt
Forward Jerami Grant reached a three-year, $60 million deal with Detroit, a person with direct knowledge of the deal told USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly until the deal is official. Agent Mike Kneisley negotiated the deal. New Pistons GM Troy Weaver continues to make significant changes. Grant leaves Denver, which had a similar offer ready to present.
– Jeff Zillgitt
Washington forward Davis Bertans will remain with the Washington Wizards on a five-year, $80 million deal, a person familiar with the details told USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly until the deal is official. The Wizards wanted to keep Bertans, an outstanding 3-point shooter, and went out of their way to make sure he stayed in D.C.
– Jeff Zillgitt
Brooklyn’s Joe Harris developed into one of the league’s best 3-pointer shooters last season, shooting 42.4% from that range. Brooklyn made sure he stayed, reaching a four-year, $75 million deal with the Nets, his agent, Mark Bartelstein, told ESPN.
– Jeff Zillgitt
The Los Angeles Clippers plan to bring forward Marcus Morris back on a four-year, $64 million deal, a person with knowledge of the situation told USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak until the contract is official. Morris is a solid two-way player who averaged 16.7 points and shot 40.8% on 3-pointers last season.
– Jeff Zillgitt
Guard Goran Dragic is headed back to the Miami Heat on a two-year deal worth $37.4 million, according to a person with direct knowledge of the situation. The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly. The second year of the deal is a team option. This was not an unexpected deal as the Heat and Dragic were on the same page. Dragic, who struggled with a plantar fascia tear during the Finals, averaged 16.2 points and 5.1 assists and shot 44.1% from the field for Miami last season. The Heat consider Dragic a key piece of returning to the Finals.
– Jeff Zillgitt
Guard Wesley Matthews agreed to a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, a person with the details told USA TODAY Sports. The person was granted anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the news before it was official. The Lakers acquired Matthews on their bi-annual exception worth $3.6 million.
The Lakers were looking to add wing depth after trading Danny Green and the No. 28 pick to Oklahoma City for Dennis Schröder. The Lakers are also expecting to lose Avery Bradley after he declined his player option.
Matthews, a 13-year veteran, averaged 7.4 points and 2.5 rebounds with the Milwaukee Bucks last season.
– Mark Medina
Mason Plumlee agreed to a three-year, $25 million deal with Detroit, his agent Mark Bartelstein said. The addition gives the Pistons frontcourt depth. Plumlee averaged 7.2 points and 5.2 rebounds in 17.3 minutes per game for Denver last season but had a diminished role in the playoffs. New Pistons general manager Troy Weaver continues to reshape the roster following a draft in which the Pistons had three first-round picks.
– Jeff Zillgitt
Guard Jordan Clarkson agreed to a four-year, $52 million deal to stay with the Jazz, a person familiar with the deal told USA TODAY Sports. That person was granted anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the deal before it was official.
The Jazz acquired Clarkson last season in a deal for Dante Exum, and Utah has since become pleased with his consistent bench scoring. Clarkson averaged 15.6 points on 46.2% shooting.
– Mark Medina
Dwight Howard, who won his first championship last season with the Los Angeles Lakers, will join the Philadelphia 76ers, a person with direct knowledge of the agreement told USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because he wasn’t authorized to speak until the deal is official. Howard resurrected his career with the Lakers, averaging 7.5 points and 7.3 rebounds in 18.9 minutes per game. He will be a solid backup for Joel Embiid as new Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey reshapes the roster.
– Jeff Zillgitt
Guard Rodney Hood agreed to a two-year, $21 million deal to return to the Portland Trail Blazers, a person with knowledge of the details told USA TODAY Sports. The person was granted anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss a deal that is not official. The person added Hood’s second year on his contract is non-guaranteed.
The Blazers have shown trust and loyalty in Hood after he injured his left Achilles tendon 21 games into last season. Hood averaged 11.0 points on 50.6% shooting and 3.4 rebounds before his injury.
–Mark Medina
Montrezl Harrell is leaving the Clippers but he will still call Los Angeles’ Staples Center home after agreeing to a two-year, $20 million deal with the Lakers. Harrell is coming off a career season that earned him the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year Award.
Other free-agent deals
– Justin Holiday reached an agreement to stay with the Indiana Pacers on a three-year, $18.8 million deal, a person with knowledge of the deal told USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because he wasn’t authorized to speak until the contract is official.
– Derrick Favors, who played for New Orleans last season, will sign a contract with Utah, a person with direct knowledge of the deal told USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because he wasn’t authorized to speak until the contract is official. Favors played for the Jazz for eight-plus seasons before switching teams.
– Malik Beasley plans to sign a four-year, $60 million contract with Minnesota, The Athletic reported.
– Derrick Jones will leave Miami and join Portland on a two-year, $19 million contract, The Athletic reported.
– Center Jakob Poeltl will stay with San Antonio on a three-year deal worth nearly $18 million, his agents told reporters.
– Meyers Leonard reached a two-year deal with Miami, according to The Associated Press.
– Milwaukee guard Pat Connaughton agreed to a two-year, $8.3 million contract, according to ESPN.
– Garrett Temple is on track to sign a one-year, $5 million deal with the Chicago Bulls, his agent, Mark Bartelstein, told reporters.
– Dwayne Bacon agreed to a two-year deal with Orlando for nearly $3.3 million, a person with direct knowledge of the deal told USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because he wasn’t authorized to speak until the contract is official.
– Patrick Patterson will re-sign with the Los Angeles Clippers on a one-year deal, his agent Sam Goldfeder of Excel Sports said.
– Trey Burke agreed to a three-year deal with Dallas, ESPN reported.
– Christian Wood agreed to a three-year, $41 million deal with Houston, the Detroit Free Press reported.
– JaMychal Green agreed to a two-year, $15 million deal with Denver, The Athletic reported.
– Josh Jackson agreed to a deal with the Detroit Pistons, a person familiar with the details told USA TODAY Sports. The person was granted anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss a deal that is not official.