In Patrick Beverley, The Sixers Finally Get A Quality Backup Point Guard
For years Sixers fans have yearned for a proper Backup PG. Last year there really was not one. Tyrese Maxey took up the role of PG when Harden left the floor. But it was not a natural fit for Maxey’s skillset. He did as well as he could, but they badly needed someone who can run the offense, allowing Maxey to do what he does best. But it seems they have finally gotten that. According to Woj, they agreed to a one-year deal with veteran PG Patrick Beverley.
Patrick Beverley has agreed to a one-year deal with the 76ers, his agent Kevin Bradbury with @LIFTSPORTSMNGMT tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2023
The 34-year olf PG is going into his 12th season in the NBA. He spent the first several seasons of his pro-career playing overseas. But at 24 he made the NBA and has been a dependable role player ever since. Last season between the Lakers and Bulls he averaged 6.2 points and 2.3 assists per game. He started the season with the Lakers but was traded to the Magic. They waived him, and he signed with the Bulls. After he arrived the 26-33 Bulls turned things around a bit and made a push for the playoffs.
They went 13-9 down the stretch and got the 10th seed and a spot in the play-in games. Demar DeRozan told reporters Patrick Beverley played a large part in the turnaround.
“The man does everything. (It’s) electrifying, especially when we’re at home. It gets the crowd going, and you’ve got to feed off of that when you see a guy sacrificing himself for big plays and to save a possession. It carries over from there.”
Patrick Beverley is spelled H-U-S-T-L-E pic.twitter.com/41NxdOq5t3
— Bulls Talk (@NBCSBulls) March 19, 2023
…
And that is the story of everywhere Beverley lands. What he lacks in production, he makes up for with the things that don’t get measured. He is known as a trash-talker who will both rile up his opponent and get his teammates going too. The type of guy you usually hate when he is on the other side, but love when he wears your team’s jersey.
This still leaves the question of who the starting PG will be though. James Harden is destined to be traded. As already mentioned Tyrese Maxey is not the best fit for PG.
While Patrick Beverley is a great asset to have, if he is your starting PG it leaves a lot to be desired. He has never been much of a scorer, and at 34 he is even less so now. At this point, he is much better suited to come off the bench, where his tenacity and defense could be very valuable still.
It is the first move of the Sixers’ season. It alone is not enough to turn things around. Sixers fans are still waiting on what will happen with James Harden, and even Tobias Harris. The news of Damian Lillard wanting a trade further throws a wrench into that. But for now, they at least have an answer to who the backup PG will be.
Tracking All The NBA Free Agency News and Moves
NBA Free Agency is always an adventure. Officially “Legal Tampering” begins at 6 pm. But we all know there were talks going on long before then. Every year there are deals suddenly agreed to moments past when teams can officially negotiate. Are we to believe that they negotiated these complicated deals in just a few minutes? It’s why it was ridiculous that the Sixers got penalized multiple second-round picks for “tampering” with James Harden and PJ Tucker. Because everyone tampers.
And we are once again here. And due to the recent Harden news, plus whatever is going on with Tobias Harris, it could be a very interesting free agency for the Sixers. Even if none of the moves they make are technically free agents. It is looking like Harden will be heading to the Clippers. But there is also word the Knicks could be in on him too.
But it is not just the Sixers with a lot of choices to make. Damian Lillard is once again flirting with asking out, though he has not done so yet. Kyrie Irving could be on the move. We already had some big trades with Chris Paul being traded twice and Bradley Beal heading to the Suns. And over this Holiday weekend, there are sure to be many more moves that shake up the NBA.
What are the Sixers going to do? Will they accomplish the dream and land Damian Lillard? Could it be some other star coming back? Or will they get no one of that level back? What about Tobias Harris, could he be moved as he seems to want? And where will all the other big names around the NBA land?
You can keep track of everything the Sixers do, as well as the other big news going on in the NBA Free Agency right here.
Bradley Beal Traded To Suns
One of the first big shoes to drop this offseason was the Bradley Beal trade. For years Beal was like Dame, meaning he was noncommittal about whether he wanted to be traded or not. But he finally made the call, asked out, and landed with the Suns. In exchange, the Wizards got a boatload of picks, as well as Chris Paul and Landry Shamet.
Beal, Isaiah Todd and Jordan Goodwin to the Suns for Chris Paul and Landry Shamet. Suns are sending cash too, per sources.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 22, 2023Chris Paul Traded to Warriors for Jordan Poole
Chris Paul was not long for the Wizards though. They flipped him to the Warriors, in exchange for Jordan Poole. The Warriors got to dump that Jordan Poole contract before it officially started, and they get Chris Paul. And the Wizards get even more picks to continue their rebuild, even if they are now stuck with Poole’s contract.
FULL TRADE DETAILS:
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) June 22, 2023
Warriors receive:
Chris Paul
Wizards receive:
Jordan Poole
2030 1st-round pick
2027 2nd-round pick
WOW. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/LeqJNCipZDKristaps Porzingis Traded to Memphis, Marcus Smart to Memphis
One of the more surprising moves so far has been Porzingis landing in Boston. The Wizards have been incredibly busy, this time pulling off a 3-way deal that sent Porzingis to the Celtics, Smart to the Grizzlies, and bringing back a 2nd-round pick and players to Washington.
Celtics receive:
- Kristaps Porzingis (via Wizards)
- No. 25 pick in 2023 Draft (via Grizzlies)
- 2024 first-round pick (top-four protected, via Warriors)
Grizzlies receive:
- Marcus Smart (via Celtics)
Wizards receive:
- Tyus Jones (via Grizzlies)
- Danilo Gallinari (via Celtics)
- Mike Muscala (via Celtics)
- No. 35 pick in 2023 Draft (via Celtics)
John Collins Traded to Utah Jazz
And John Collins was finally moved. The Hawks have been trying to dump him for a while. They finally got a buyer. The Utah Jazz sent them Rudy Gay and a Future 2nd. But more importantly, they took the 3 Year $78 million off the books for the Hawks.
ESPN Sources: The Hawks are finalizing a trade to send F/C John Collins to the Jazz for Rudy Gay and a future second-round pick. Atlanta’s largely unloading Collins’ three years, $78M for some roster building flexibility and alignment with looming changes to salary cap. pic.twitter.com/CpAfTNXKMq
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 26, 2023Kings Re-Sign Harrison Barnes
The Kings got to hold onto one of their key players. They gave the 30-year old Forward a 3 Year deal worth $54 million. The Kings took the 3 seed in the West last season. They drew a tough match with the Warriors in the first round and lost in 7 after leading 2-0 at one point. By bringing back Barnes they hope to recapture last seasons magic.
Sacramento Kings forward Harrison Barnes – a key part of the franchise’s rise into Western Conference contention – has agreed on a new three-year, $54 million contract extension, his agent Jeff Schwartz of @Excelbasketball tells ESPN. pic.twitter.com/JCT4RUayt7
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2023Bulls Re-Sign Nikola Vucevic
The Bulls also got to hold onto one of their key pieces. They resigned Nikola Vucevic to a 3-year $60 million deal. He first joined the Bulls in 2021 when they acquired him from the Magic. He was expected to be part of a Bulls re-emergence with Demar Derozan, Lonzo Ball, and Zach Lavine, but it has not yet worked out. There are rumors both Lavine and Derozan could be moved. But for now, Vucevic is staying in Chicago.
The Chicago Bulls and center Nikola Vucevic are nearing a three-year, $60 million contract extension, league sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. pic.twitter.com/xYo9vF0Gk1
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 28, 2023James Harden Opts Into Deal, Expected to be Traded
The biggest news Sixers-wise heading into Free Agency is Harden’s decision to opt-in and seek a trade. Woj reported last night about 24 hours before Free Agency starts. Earlier in the offseason word was that he would opt out. But apparently, he did not like what his free agent market looked like. So instead he went down this road. We will see how it pans out for him and the Sixers.
Nets Trade Joe Harris to Pistons
*Details of picks have been corrected. It was originally reported the Nets were getting two picks. Instead they are sending two picks, to get Joe Harris’ money off the books. The nets get a $19.8 million trade exception after moving Harris.
Clarify: The Nets are trading Joe Harris AND two second-round picks to the Pistons, per sources.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2023Sixers Not Planning to Extend Maxey This Summer
The Sixers are not looking to extend Maxey, yet. He is still part of the future plans. But waiting until next off season to do the extension gives them flexibility cap wise.
The Sixers are not planning to extend Tyrese Maxey this summer, sources told ESPN. He is still seen as a big part of their future, but the team wants to delay an extension for him to preserve flexibility.
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) June 30, 2023Draymond Green Returns To Warriors for 4-Years $100 million
There had been some speculation at one point that last year would be his last year with the Warriors. But he is not going anywhere. After they got rid of Jordan Poole, who Green famously got into a fight with, they bring their long-time big man back to continue anchoring their defense.
Breaking: The Warriors and Draymond Green have agreed to a four-year, $100 million contract with a player option in the final season, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/XNcS6ZaV4N
— ESPN (@espn) June 30, 2023Breaking: The Warriors and Draymond Green have agreed to a four-year, $100 million contract with a player option in the final season, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/XNcS6ZaV4N
— ESPN (@espn) June 30, 2023Kyle Kuzma Re-signs With Wizards
Most of the Wizards’ off-season has been them trading players away. Bradley Beal, Kristaps Porzingis, and then Chris Paul after just acquiring him. Now they finally bring someone back. Kyle Kuzma is staying in Washington on a 4-year $102 million deal.
Free agent F Kyle Kuzma has agreed on a four-year, $102M deal to return to the Washington Wizards, co-head of @CAA_Basketball Austin Brown tells ESPN. Kuzma took a shorter deal with Lakers three years ago — and now cashes in after a career-year with Wizards. pic.twitter.com/Ox7TQDcb6z
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2023Kyrie Irving Is Staying in Dallas
Perhaps the hardest predict player in Basketball did something people would have found surprising a few months ago. He resigned with the Dallas Mavericks. He joined them midway through last season after forcing his way off the Nets. The Mavs quickly spiraled, though that is not all his fault. But he will return to continue playing with Luka Doncic. He gets a 3-Year $126 million deal.
Free agent Kyrie Irving has agreed to a three-year, $126 million contract to return to the Dallas Mavericks, with a player option in third season, @TheAthletic @Stadium learned.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2023Trailblazers Sign Jerami Grant for 5-years $160 Million
Anything that happens with the Blazers will be of interest to Sixers fans. We are waiting to see if Dame Lillard will actually request a trade. Id Jerami grant enough to convince him to stay? Who Knows. But that is where Grant is heading. He gets a nice payday with a %-year deal worth $160 million.
Breaking: Jerami Grant and the Trail Blazers are in agreement on a 5-year, $160 million contract, his agent tells @ramonashelburne. pic.twitter.com/gWIplRRyI6
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 30, 2023Georges Niang Leaves Philly for Cleveland
Georges Niang is a Sixer no longer. Though by the end of last season, he was not seeing the court too much anyway. He got a 3-year $26 million deal. This writing was a bit on the wall once Nick Nurse was hired. Niang is not really a fit for what Nurse likes his wing players to do on defense.
Free agent F George Niang has agreed on a three-year, $26 million contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers, his agents Mark Bartelstein and Andy Shiffman of @PrioritySports tell ESPN. Niang leaves Sixers for another Eastern contender. pic.twitter.com/PsF6euvmQV
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2023Khris Middleton Staying With the Bucks
Not surprising, but Middleton is staying with the Bucks. The only question would have been if the Bucks would be nervous about the recent injury history of Middleton. But the pair of his, Jrue, and Giannis has worked too well for them, so they bring him back on a 3-Year $102 million deal.
Three-time All-Star Khris Middleton has agreed on a new three-year, $102 million deal to stay with the Milwaukee Bucks, his agents Mike Lindeman and Jeff Schwartz of @excelbasketball tell ESPN. Middleton keeps franchise a championship contender with his return. Player option. pic.twitter.com/o2E7vXXQj8
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2023Shake Milton to the Timberwolves
The Shake Milton era is over in Philly. we will always have that Clippers game where he looked like a superstar. But his offense has been far too inconsistent, and he gives you less than nothing on defense. So Philly let him walk. He signed with the Wolves on a 2-year $10 million deal.
Free agent guard Shake Milton has agreed to a deal with Minnesota, source tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2023Gabe Vincent Heading to the Lakers
Gabe Vincent is getting a change of scenery. The former Heat guard, who loved to give the Sixers big problems, is heading to the Lakers. He gets a 3-year $33 million deal to join Lebron James and Anthony Davis out west.
Gabe Vincent has agreed on a 3-year, $33M deal with the Lakers, per @ShamsCharania pic.twitter.com/AAMTjsNElp
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 30, 2023Nuggets Lose Bruce Brown to the Pacers
Denver is a bit cash-strapped, so they won’t be able to hold onto all the pieces of their championship team. And the first guy to leave is Bruce Brown. He gets 2-year $45 million from the Pacers to head out to Indiana. And the Nuggets lose a guy who gave them double-digit points off the bench.
ESPN reporting with @malikaandrews: Free agent Bruce Brown has agreed on a two-year, $45M deal with the Indiana Pacers, his agents Ty Sullivan and Steven Heumann of @CAASports tell ESPN. Denver — limited in what it could pay — loses a key piece to its repeat hopes.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2023Fred VanVleet Signs With the Rockets
One of the options people threw around to replace James Harden is off the board. Fred VanVleet is signing a 3-year $130 million deal with the Rockets. Because of his connections to Nick Nurse, many thought he could land with the Sixers. But that was not to be. He got way too good of a deal from the Rockets, that the Sixers would not be able to come close to matching right now.
Free agent G Fred VanVleet has agreed on a three-year, $130 million contract with the Houston Rockets, @KlutchSports CEO Rich Paul and agent Erika Ruiz tell ESPN. Rockets land ex-Raptors All-Star in his prime at 29 years old. pic.twitter.com/B6WwPmLYq1
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2023Joe Ingles Signs With Magic
Another guy we have often heard Sixers fans covet the past few years is off the board, Joe Ingles is leaving the Bucks to sign with the Magic on a 2-year $22 million deal. After spending his whole career with the Jazz, he spent last year with the Bucks. He missed the start of the season and then went on to play about 20 minutes a game, shooting over 40% from deep and averaging 6.9 pts per game.
Free agent F Joe Ingles has agreed on a two-year, $22 million contract with the Orlando Magic, his agent Mark Bartelstein of @PrioritySports tells ESPN. An accomplished role player and presence for a young Magic roster. pic.twitter.com/LdYzJdGbcF
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2023Jakob Poeltl Returns to Toronto
Jabob Poeltl is staying with the Raptors. Poeltl started his career with the Raptors back in 2016. But he was traded to the Spurs in the Kawhi Leonard trade. But he returned last year in a deadline deal. He gets 4-years $80 million to stick around in Toronto.
ESPN Sources: Free agent C Jakob Poeltl has agreed on a four-year, $80 million contract to stay with the Toronto Raptors. Poeltl is represented by Michael Tellem and Sam Goldfeder of @excelbasketball. Deal includes a player option.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2023Cam Johnson Returning to Nets
The Nets are holding onto Cam Johnson. He came to Brooklyn as part of the Kevin Durant deal last year, along with Mikal Bridges. Now he gets a 4-year deal worth $108 million. He averaged 16.8 points per game after joining the Nets last season.
Restricted free agent F Cam Johnson has agreed on a four-year, $108 million deal to stay with the Brooklyn Nets, his agent Steven Heumann of @CAA_Basketball tells ESPN. Nets keep a young cornerstone acquired in deadline deal with Suns.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2023Dennis Schroder Joins The Bulls
Dennis Schroder is swapping purple and gold for red and black. After spending last season with the Lakers, he has signed a 2-year deal with the Lakers worth $26 million. He averaged 12.5 points and 4.5 assists per game last season. Now he replaces Fred VanVleet as the Raptors’ main PG.
Dennis Schröder has agreed to a two-year, $26M deal with the Toronto Raptors, per @wojespn pic.twitter.com/dPg70RQ9kn
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) July 1, 2023Rui Hachimura Staying With the Lakers
They may have lost Schroder, but they holding onto Rui Hachimura. He returns to the Lakers on a 3-year $51 million deal. He gave the Lakers a few 20-point nights in the playoffs. But he also had some nights where he scored in single digits.
Rui Hachimura has agreed to a three-year, $51 million deal to return to the Lakers, per @ShamsCharania pic.twitter.com/zHE5Vb8ehF
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) July 1, 2023Coby White Stays With Bulls on 3-year deal worth $33 million
Coby White has decided to stay in Chicago after his rookie deal expired. The shooting guard has averaged 12.6 points per game over 4 seasons with the Bulls. That was good enough to earn him a 3-year deal worth $33 million.
Coby White has agreed to a three-year, $33 million deal to return to the Chicago Bulls, per @ShamsCharania pic.twitter.com/mf8nMzZep0
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) June 30, 2023Caris Levert Signs Extension with the Cavs
Caris Levert is sticking with the Cavs. He joined them two years back as part of a deal that sent Ricky Rubio to the Pacers. Since then he has averaged 12.4 points per game. He gets a 2-year deal worth $32 million.
Caris LeVert has agreed on a new two-year, $32 million contract with the Cavs, per @wojespn pic.twitter.com/cUfY6LgxNg
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) June 30, 2023Seth Curry Signs With Mavs on 2-Year Deal
Seth Curry is going back to the Mavs. The Mavs are actually who he signed his last contract with. But then he was traded to the Sixers in the Josh Richardson deal, then later to the Nets in the James Harden deal. Now that the original contract has expired, he has once again signed with the Mavs. The details of what the MAvs are paying him are not yet reported.
Seth Curry has agreed on a two-year deal with the Dallas Mavericks, per @wojespn pic.twitter.com/FRDkXzAtHn
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) July 1, 2023Cam Reddish To The Lakers on 2-Year Deal
It seems the Lakers are once again having a full makeover of the pieces around Lebron and Davis. That makes 3 seasons in a row. They are already bringing in Gave Vincent. Now they add Cam Reddish to the bench after he averaged 11pts in 27.6 minutes per game last season with the Trail Blazers. It’s a 2-year deal, but the money is not yet known.
Cam Reddish has agreed to a two-year deal with the Lakers, per @ShamsCharania pic.twitter.com/rshoj56QEx
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) July 1, 2023Taurean Prince Also Joins the Lakers
The Lakers also added Forward Taurean Prince, who played the last 2 seasons with the Timberwolves. In 22.1 minutes per game, he averaged 9.1 points, and shout 38% from 3-point range. Now he joins a Lakers team finally trying to capitalize on having Lebron James and Anthony Davis for the first time since the Bubble year.
Free agent F Taurean Prince has agreed to a 1-year, $4.5 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, his agents Steven Heumann and Richie Beda of @CAA_Basketball tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2023Derrick Rose Joins The Grizzlies
Derrick Rose is taking his talents to join the volatile Memphis Grizzlies. There should be playing time there for him, at least to start the season, with Ja Morant starting the season suspended. He has missed large parts of the last two seasons from ankle injuries. Last season he played just 27 games and averaged only 5.6 points per game. He will get a chance to bounce back in Memphis. The deal is reportedly worth $6.5 million.
Derrick Rose has agreed to a two-year deal with the Grizzlies, per @wojespn
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 1, 2023
D-Rose back in Memphis 🌹 pic.twitter.com/AQukACPaaBJosh Richardson Returns to the Heat
Josh Richardson started his career with the Heat before he was traded to the Sixers in the Jimmy Deal. Since then he has hopped around between the Mavericks, Celtics, Spurs, and Pelicans. But now returns to Miami on a 2-year deal, reportedly worth $5.92 million. There is a player option on the 2nd year of the deal.
Free agent Josh Richardson has agreed on a two-year deal with the Miami Heat, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Richardson returns to the franchise that drafted him in 2015.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2023Wizards Continue Fire Sale, Send Monte Morris To the Pistons
Yet another Wizards player is on the move. They are sending PG Monte Morris to the Pistons for a 2nd round pick. The deal also creates a $9.8 million trade exception for them. Morris spent the first 5 years of his career in Denver. But he was traded from them last season just in time to miss out on playing with the Championship team.
The Wizards have traded Monte Morris to the Pistons, sources tell @ShamsCharania.
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) July 1, 2023
Washington will receive a future second-round pick from Detroit in return, sources tell @JLEdwardsIII. pic.twitter.com/BgqtofxCpjHeat Offload Victor Oladipo to the Thunder
The Miami Heat continue to shed salary. They are sending Victor Oladipo to the Thunder, where he had played for a season back in 2016, and sending two 2nd round picks with him for the sole purpose of shedding his salary. Oladipo at one point looked like an NBA All-Star, and the Heat acquired him a couple of years back with hopes he could form an elite duo with Jimmy Butler, but it was not to be. He played just 54 games in 3 seasons with. Now they are giving up picks to create a $9.5 million trade exception.
Oklahoma City is acquiring Victor Oladipo and draft compensation to absorb his $9.45 million expiring contract, sources tell ESPN. Miami creates a trade exception of $9.45M with the deal.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2023The Miami Heat are trading Victor Oladipo to the Oklahoma City Thunder, per @ShamsCharania pic.twitter.com/NPrW0LgkQB
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) July 1, 2023Tyrese Haliburton Signs Massive Deal with Pacers
Oh, what could have been. There are reports the Sixers could have had Tyrese Haliburton in a Ben Simmons trade before they traded him for James Harden instead. If that was the case, obviously they turned him down. Now Tyrese Haliburton is getting paid by the Pacers, who acquired him from the Kings instead. He gets a 5-year Max deal worth up to $260 million. He averaged 20.7 points and 10.4 assists per game last year.
Tyrese Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers have agreed on a five-year, maximum contract extension that could be worth up to $260 million, per @wojespn pic.twitter.com/vYAPjNDUoh
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) July 1, 2023Desmond Bane Gets Max Extension with Grizzlies
Speaking of Max Extensions, Desmond Bane gets one as well. 5-years $207 million to stick around in Memphis. He was a big part of the team that took the 2nd seed in the West last year, despite Ja Morant missing a chunk of games. He averaged 23.5 points per game last season. He will be expected to carry the load to start the season again with Ja M orant startin g the season out suspended.
Desmond Bane and the Memphis Grizzlies have agreed on a five-year, $207M max contract extension, per @wojespn pic.twitter.com/jSe1lM5tpT
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) July 1, 2023Max Strus Heads to Cavs in 3-team Sign and Trade
The Heat are moving another of their big pieces around Jimmy Butler. They are moving Max Strus to the Cavs in a sign-and-trade. Strus gets a 4-year deal worth $63 million to join Donovan Mitchel and Darius Garland. The Cavs get Cedi Osman and Lamar Stevens from the Cavs. And the Heat get a 2nd round pick and a $7 million trade exception. The Heat seem to be shedding salary for something, but what they are planning to do with all the caps they are freeing up is not yet known. Presumably, they want to make a play on Dame Lillard if he becomes available. Now after losing Strus, Vincent, and Oladipo, they pretty much need that to happen if they are going to stay competitive.
Free agent Max Strus has agreed on a four-year, $63M sign-and-trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers, agent Mark Bartelstein of @PrioritySports tells ESPN. In three-team deal, Heat get a second-round pick and Spurs acquire Cedi Osman, Lamar Stevens and a second-rounder. pic.twitter.com/xKAmqlx3aF
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2023Jaxson Hayes Signs with the Lakers
Another new face is joining the Lakers. Backup center Jaxson Hayes is signing with LA to be part of what is yet another bench makeover for the Lebron James era Heat. He spent the last 4 years mostly coming off the bench for the Pelicans but now lands a 2-year deal with the Lakers.
Hayes will have a player option on the second year, sources tell ESPN. Lakers land the ex-Pelicans 7-footer to fortify their frontline. https://t.co/YglEWrKkAS
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2023Dennis Smith Jr Signs With Nets
Dennis Smith Jr is on to his 6th team in his career. He started out with the Mavs, but then was traded to the Knicks as part of the Porzingis deal. Since then the Knicks flipped him to the Pistons for Derrick Rose. After that, he signed with the Trailblazers. When they cut him, he signed with the Hornets. He averaged just 8.8 points per game last year in Charlotte. Now he joins the Nets, who reportedly made him a priority target this offseason.
Dennis Smith Jr. has agreed to a one-year deal with the Brooklyn Nets, per @ShamsCharania pic.twitter.com/1OYmnkuLJ8
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) July 1, 2023Kings Land EuroLeague MVP Sasha Vezenkov
Euro-League MVP Sasha Vezenkov is coming over to the States to join the Kings. He averaged 17 points and 6.1 rebounds per game last year with the Olympiacos. The Kings gave him a 3-year $20 million deal. Vezenkov was born in Bulgaria, but played in Greece for most of his career so far. He is 27-years old.
Reigning EuroLeague MVP Sasha Vezenkov has agreed on a three-year, $20 million deal with the Kings, per @wojespn pic.twitter.com/Yn6HPdwidl
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 1, 2023Dame Lillard Asks For Trade to Miami
Dame Lillard finally committed to asking for a trade, after years of being non-committal. The bad part for Sixers fans, he wants to go to Miami. Could the Sixers still swoop in? I suppose so. But usually, when a player wants to go somewhere, they get their way in the NBA. And the fact the Heat were busy shedding salary all yesterday suggests they were anticipating this. The Sixers have the best asset of any team interested in Dame, Tyrese Maxey. That won’t matter though if Dame says he will only go to Miami.
DeAngelo Russel Returns to the Lakers
After adding a bunch of new faces to the Lakers around Lebron and Davis, they are bringing one guy back. He returns on a 2-year $37 million deal. Russell joined the Lakers via trade in February last season. He averaged 17.4 points and 6.1 assists across 17 games last season. Though those numbers dipped in the playoffs. He should continue to be their starting point guard.
Free agent G D’Angelo Russell has agreed on a two-year, $37 million contract to stay with the Los Angeles Lakers, co-heads of @CAA_Basketball Austin Brown and Aaron Mintz along with Antonio Russell tell ESPN. Deal has player option. Lakers secure their starting point guard. pic.twitter.com/ScrZHD7Jio
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2023Patrick Beverly Signs With the Sixers
The Sixers’ first move of Free Agency was to sign a backup PG. They bring in Patrick Beverley, to finally give themselves a reliable Backup PG. He agreed to a one-year deal.
LaMelo Ball Signs Max Extension with the Hornets
Yet another Max Extension has been handed out to one of the NBA’s young rising stars. Lamelo Ball scores a 5-year max deal worth up to $260 million. Injuries have plagued his young career thus far. He played just 36 games for the Hornets last year. But there is no denying his talent when he is on the floor. In those 36 games, he averaged 23.3 points and 8.4 assists per game. Enough to earn him a mega deal, with the hopes he will be more healthy going forward.
LaMelo Ball is finalizing a five-year designated maximum contract extension with the Hornets that is worth up to $260 million, per @ShamsCharania pic.twitter.com/YnPql4xghH
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) July 1, 2023Austin Reaves Sticks With the Lakers
Playoff hero Austin Reaves is not going anywhere. He signed a 4-year deal worth $56 million to stick with the Lakers. There are a lot of complicated details in the trade, which Shams explains below. But the important part of the Lakers hold onto a key piece of their playoff run last season. He scored 16.9 points per game in the playoffs. Lakers have now brought back both Rui Hachimura, DeAngelo Russell, and Reaves. On top of that, they added Gabe Vincent, Tauren Princ, and Cam Reddish.
More details: Reaves’ new deal contains a player option on Year 4, a 15 percent trade kicker, and the maximum advance allowable, per sources. The Lakers included everything they legally could to make sure Reaves stayed in Los Angeles. https://t.co/dEkgGQAanw
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2023Brook L:opez Resigns with Bucks
The Bucks are doing their part to keep their core together, even after the first-round loss. They already resigned Khris Middleton, and now they get Brooks Lopez to return as well. He signed a 2-year, $48 million deal. Meaning the group of Giannis, Middleton, Holiday, and Lopez sticks together for now. He averaged 15.9 points per game last season.
Brook Lopez has agreed to a two-year, $48M deal with the Milwaukee Bucks, per @ShamsCharania pic.twitter.com/1HeS3sKq2s
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 1, 2023Knicks Trade Obi Toppin to Pacers
The Knicks are trading their former 8th overall pick. They took him in the 2020 draft, and hopes were high that he could be an impactful player. But despite showing flashes of that potential, h has struggled to get minutes on the Knicks, whose star has been rising the past couple of years. They now send him to the Pacers in exchange for a couple of 2nd round picks, as well as a $6.8 million trade exception. Last season he averaged just 7.8 points per game.
Knicks are finalizing a trade to send Obi Toppin to the Pacers for two future second-round picks, per @wojespn pic.twitter.com/lxa1tYql5D
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 1, 2023Dillon Brooks Gets Big Deal with Rockets
The NBAs biggest heel is heading for Houston. Dillon Brooks joins Fred VanVleet on the Rockets after they gave him a 4-year $80 million deal. Brooks made a name for himself for all the wrong reasons this past offseason. Between his trash talk and the complete inability to back it up, he came away looking really silly. He played a large part in the Grizzlies post-season collapse. To the point they decided they wanted nothing to do with him, and let him walk in free agency with no offer. Now he finds a new home in Houston. We will see if he learned anything.
Free agent G Dillon Brooks has agreed on a four-year, $80 million contract with the Houston Rockets, his agent Mike George of @OneLegacySports tells ESPN. Rockets have now landed two targets in free agency — Fred VanVleet and Brooks. pic.twitter.com/dJHLWvwFjX
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2023Russel Westbrook Sticks With the Clippers
Things have not gone well for Russell Westbrook the past couple of years. He struggled a bit with both the Wizards and the Lakers. To the point many questioned if he was over the hill. But landing with the Clippers clearly gave him a boost. He came on strong in the playoffs last year. He averaged 23.6 points and 7.4 assists per game in the Clippers series vs the Suns. They still lost, but not by lack of effort from him. It was enough to convince them to keep him around as the starting PG. The Clippers give Westbrook a 2-year $8 million deal.
Free agent Russell Westbrook has agreed on a two-year, nearly $8M deal to stay with the Clippers, agent Jeff Schwartz of @Excelbasketball tells ESPN. Deal includes player option. Clippers were eager to bring back 9-time All-Star after his late season run as starting point guard. pic.twitter.com/ycN4Mc6G1I
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2023Jalen McDaniels Leaves Philly for Toronto
The Sixers have lost another bench player. After both Shake Milton and Georges Niang both left in free agency, Forward Jalen McDaniels followed suit. He signed a two-year $9.3 million deal with the Raptors. The Sixers traded once beloved Wing Defender Mattise Thybulle for McDaniels last season. At first, he looked like a good fit. But he could hardly stay on the floor in the Celtics series. Some thought he would be a better fit in Nick Nurse’s system, but now we won’t get to find out.
Free agent Jalen McDaniels has agreed to a two-year, $9.3 million deal with the Toronto Raptors, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2023Knicks Bring in Donte DiVincenzo
It seems like the Knicks are now collecting Villanova Alumni. They already had Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart. Now they add Donte DiVincenzo to their backcourt. They gave him a 4-year deal worth $50 million. It gives them a much-needed lift when it comes to outside shooting. He shot 39.7% from deep with the Warriors last year.
Free agent G Donte DiVincenzo has agreed on a four-year, $50 million contract with the New York Knicks, Jason Glushon of @GlushonSM tells ESPN. DiVincenzo reunites with his Villanova title teammates Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart to bolster the Eastern Conference semifinalists. pic.twitter.com/MSr1wXS4GC
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2023Clippers Acquire KJ Martin From Rockets
KJ Martin is on the move. Last year with the Rockets he broke out, averaging 12.7 points and 5.5 rebounds per game while shooting 57& from the field. His rising star attracted the Clippers, who swapped two 2nd round picks for him. He joins Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and Russel Westbrook. There are of course also reports they are interested in James Harden as well.
ESPN Sources: The Los Angeles Clippers are acquiring Houston Rockets forward K.J. Martin in a trade for two future second-round draft picks. pic.twitter.com/p5k1QG5stI
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2023Domantas Sabonis Signs Extension With Kings
After already resigning Harrison Barnes, the Kings also made sure to hold onto their All-Star Center for the foreseeable future. They and Domontas Sabonis agreed to a 5 -year extension worth $217 million. He was still under contract, but this would have been his last year. So now he instead gets about a $20 million raise this season, and 4 more years on his deal.
Sacramento Kings All-NBA C Domantas Sabonis has agreed to a contract renegotiation and extension for a total of $217M over five years — including $195M in new money, his agents Greg Lawrence and Jason Ranne tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/JL9Yic3Zi8
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 2, 2023Eric Gordon Chooses The Suns Over Other Contenders
Eric Gordon was sought after by a few contenders this off-season. But it is the Suns who land him. He joins a team that already had Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, DeAndre Ayton, and Bradley Beal. The former 6th man of the year should be able to get a fairly large role off the bench, that may not have necessarily been there with the Warriors, another team seeking his services. He averaged 10.2 points per game in the playoffs last year with the Clippers.
Eric Gordon has agreed to a deal with the Suns, per @ShamsCharania pic.twitter.com/bn1R9i2qCy
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 2, 2023Jordan Clarkson Signs Extension with Jazz
Jordan Clarkson and the Jazz have agreed to an extension. He had one year left on his current deal and was set to be paid $14.3 million. Now the deal has 3 years left on it for a total of $55 million. He has played for the Jazz since 2019. But in an increased role last year, after they traded away Donovan Mitchel and Rudy Gobert, he saw his numbers go up. Last season he averaged 20.8 points per game.
Jordan Clarkson is finalizing a three-year, $55M contract renegotiation and extension with the Jazz, per @ShamsCharania pic.twitter.com/rxvXrWOTnM
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) July 2, 2023Cody Zeller Signs 1-Year Deal with Pelicans
After spending last season with the Heat, Cody Zeller heads to the Pelicans on a 1-year deal worth $3.1 million.
Cody Zeller is signing a 1-year, $3.1M deal with the Pelicans, per @ShamsCharania pic.twitter.com/ZlcyJabcwm
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) July 2, 2023Anthony Edwards Signs Extension With T-Wolves
The T-Wolves had been quiet this offseason. Seems like that was because they were saving up to pay their young star. They and Anthony Edwards agreed to the 5-year rookie maximum. It’s worth up to $260 million. Edwards was their 1st overall pick in 2020. He averaged 24.6 points per game last season. Enough to make his first All-Star game. And it immediately pays off with him getting a massive extension.
Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards has agreed on a five-year designated rookie maximum deal that could be worth $260 million, his agents Bill Duffy and Joe Branch of WME tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/d0UTdqFgD9
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 3, 2023Sixers Sign Mo Bamba
Sixers fans love themselves a backup center. And the Sixers have signed a pretty decent one. Mo Bamba and the Sixers agreed to a one-year deal. For those concerned this means they will move on from Paul Reed, they already gave the Restricted Free Agent a qualifying offer. Meaning they have a chance to match any deal another team offers Reed. So there is a decent chance they could carry both backup big men on the roster next year. Bamba is a more of a replacement for Montrez Harrell who opted out of the deal with the Sixers.
Mo Bamba has agreed on a one-year deal with the 76ers, per @wojespn pic.twitter.com/g4UFotOi0g
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 6, 2023