When we published our recap of Day 4 of the NBA’s 2021 free agent period on Thursday, I noted that the pace seemed to be slowing and that it would likely be our last daily roundup unless Friday was especially busy.
As it turns out, Friday was a pretty active news day, so we’re back at least once more tonight with our recap of all the day’s biggest NBA headlines.
Let’s dive in…
Here are Friday’s most noteworthy free agent deals and contract extension agreements:
Kawhi Leonard agreed to re-sign with the Clippers, though the two sides are still working through the terms of his new contract.- Kevin Durant agreed to a four-year, maximum-salary extension with the Nets that will be worth nearly $198MM.
- Jimmy Butler agreed to a four-year, maximum-salary extension with the Heat that projects to be worth more than $186MM.
- Reggie Jackson agreed to a two-year, $21.6MM deal with the Clippers.
- Andre Iguodala agreed to return to the Warriors on a one-year, minimum-salary deal.
- Justise Winslow agreed to a two-year deal with the Clippers that will reportedly come out of the team’s taxpayer mid-level exception.
- Willy Hernangomez agreed to a three-year deal with the Pelicans.
- Omer Yurtseven signed a two-year, minimum-salary deal with the Heat.
- DeAndre’ Bembry agreed to a one-year, minimum-salary deal with the Nets.
- Javonte Green agreed to a two-year deal with the Bulls.
The NBA’s 2021 free agency moratorium ended at 11:00am CT on Friday, allowing teams to complete the free agent deals and trades they’d tentatively agreed upon earlier in the offseason. Plenty of teams took advantage of the ability to officially make moves — the Lakers and Heat were among the teams that announced several signings.
A number of big-money contract extensions were formally completed today, including maximum-salary deals for Warriors guard Stephen Curry (story), Hawks guard Trae Young (story), and Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (story).
Some of the summer’s biggest free agent signings also became official, including John Collins‘ five-year deal with the Hawks, Jarrett Allen‘s five-year deal with the Cavaliers, Norman Powell‘s five-year deal with the Trail Blazers, Duncan Robinson‘s five-year deal with the Heat, Chris Paul‘s four-year deal with the Suns, and Mike Conley‘s three-year deal with the Jazz, among others.
Finally, the league started processing trade calls, including the Suns‘ acquisition of Landry Shamet, the Hornets‘ acquisition of Mason Plumlee, the Heat‘s sign-and-trade for Kyle Lowry, and the massive five-team deal that sent Russell Westbrook to the Lakers and Spencer Dinwiddie to the Wizards.
Here are several more of the day’s notable headlines:
- The Grizzlies agreed to trade Grayson Allen to the Bucks in exchange for Sam Merrill and a pair of future second-round picks.
- Bulls restricted free agent Lauri Markkanen told a Finnish reporter he’s seeking a change of scenery and a “fresh start.”
- The Lakers announced they’ve signed head coach Frank Vogel to a contract extension.
- The Celtics have engaged in contract discussions with free agent guard Dennis Schröder.
- The Thunder officially completed their buyout agreement with Kemba Walker and placed him on waivers.
- The Pistons waived Rodney McGruder.
Previously:
This is a good analysis of Kembas outlook. He’s definitely going to be monitored. Probably best to let the stem cell treatment do it’s work. Let him rest and get healthy. Seems it’s always going to be an issue. So it’s best to work with him to manage his minutes. Wishing him the best, stay strong Kemba.
link to nypost.com
ggooollllddddd!!!!!!
Was it so expected it isnt news? That was actually a pretty good game, and maybe the closest of any GM games since 92.
If you look up ” Addition by subtraction” in the dictionary it says get Lauri Markkanen off your basketball team. Another fantastic Gar-Pax failure.
I’m still gonna say part of it is the way he is used.
He’s a 40% 3pt shooting big.
He shot 54% on corner 3s but shot only 21% of his 3s from there. If you have a guy really good at something, you beat that dead horse to get the most out of him.
He’s another Davis Betrans bro. Nothing more.
USA -vs- France ….. good game.
It was crazy being the small team. USA has always had the best bigs in the world. We didn’t even play one during game. Just crazy to watch. KD is the best player in the World. USA took Fournier out the game. They made sure not to let him get going. World is getting closer. We are still the best and deepest nation in basketball. But it takes a team to win games. Nations understand that now. So they don’t fear the USA anymore. Was a fun game.