Wild Start To NBA Free Agency
NBA free agency opened just 2 days ago on August 2nd and there have already been numerous deals that may change the landscape of the NBA for seasons to come.
Lonzo Ball and Demar Derozan To Chicago
Lonzo Ball was acquired by Chicago in a sign-and-trade deal with the Pelicans. The deal sent Garrett Temple and Tomas Satoransky to the Pelicans. Ball’s contract is four years worth $85 million. Demar Derozan is also headed to Chicago on a three year $85 million dollar deal.
Chicago has now pieced together a lineup that they can build around their star Zach Lavine who has been without much help for the past few seasons.
The Bulls also signed former Laker guard Alex Caruso.
Heat Make A Splash
The Heat’s biggest signing came on Day 1 when they signed star point guard Kyle Lowry. This is a huge move for the Heat who have been adding star power to go alongside Jimmy Butler.
The Heat also signed P.J. Tucker, who is coming off of a championship as a starter for the Milwaukee Bucks. Tucker will look to step into a bigger role in Miami next season.
The Heat also re-signed sharpshooter Duncan Robinson who is coming off of a great season.
Victor Oladipo will also return to Miami after struggling to stay healthy. Oladipo is undervalued because of his injury struggles the past few seasons. Oladipo is an all pro caliber player. If he can return to form the Heat will have a solid squad next season.
Curry Signs A Massive Deal
Stephen Curry has shown he is committed to the Warriors by signing a four year $215 dollar extension. Curry stated the Warriors are committed to winning and that is what is most important to him. This is a big deal for Golden State after it seemed they were beginning to shift their focus to the future after using their 2 first round picks instead of trading them away.
Lakers Bolster Their Roster
After a somewhat disappointing season for the Lakers it was pretty obvious the Lakers were going to make moves to make a run at the championship. It started after the Lakers worked a blockbuster trade to acquire Russell Westbrook and send Kyle Kuzma and Montrezl Harrell to the Wizards.
In free agency the Lakers signed Trevor Ariza, Wayne Ellington, Kent Bazemore, Kendrick Nunn, Carmelo Anthony, and re-signed Dwight Howard.
These are some pretty significant moves after trading away Kuzma who played a big role in the Lakers rotation. It seems that everyone wants their chance to play with Lebron James and Carmelo is going to finally get his opportunity to play with James after they have been discussing teaming up for years.
Malik Monk is also a significant signing and is somewhat surprising considering most people expected Monk to return to the Hornets.
Kemba To The Knicks
Kemba Walker is returning to the place where “Cardiac Kemba” was born. Kemba Walker hit one of the most iconic stepback jumpers in college basketball history when Uconn defeated Pittsburgh in the Big East Tournament.
Now Kemba will be looking to create more highlights at the Garden as he was just bought out by the Thunder and signed with the New York Knicks.
Kemba will be joining Evan Fournier who also signed with the Knicks as a free agent.
