As expected, the NBA free agency has given fans a lot to talk about ahead of the 2023 season.
Even though the most exciting period of free agency is already behind us and the NBA is on its summer break, there are still a few names left to speculate about, including the pending deals involving Damian Lillard and of course, the saga with James Harden and the 76ers.
Top players who got a deal
Draymond Green
Draymond Green signed a new contract with the Golden State Warriors
Golden State made a clear statement early on by making Draymond Green’s continuation with the team a priority.
The 4-time NBA Champion opted out of the final year of his previous contract to test the free agency waters but he ended up signing a new 4-year contract worth $100 million dollars before any team could go sniffing near San Francisco. In fact, it was the first deal announced in the official period.
Kyrie Irving
Kyrie Irving agreed on a new deal to remain with the Dallas Mavericks
Kyrie Irving arrived to the Dallas Mavericks just this past February after playing 40 games with the Brooklyn Nets. He was the team’s top priority going into free agency and ended up re-signing with the Mavs for a 3-year $126 million dollar contract at the star of the period.
The Mavs brought him in in an effort to make a bid for the playoffs but the team felt well short of the mark. In the 20 games that Irving played for Dallas, the team went 8-12.
Fred VanVleet
Fred VanVleet gt traded to the Houston Rockets in the NBA Free Agency
The Houston Rockets acted fast to acquire the services of Fred Van Vleet. The 29-year-old guard signed a 3-year deal worth $130 million dollars as the team looks to build a squad able to give them a winning season, something that hasn’t happened since 2020.
Other players who got paid during this period include Austin Reaves (Lakers), Jerami Grant (Trail Blazers), Kyle Kuzma (Wizards), and Russell Westbrook (Clippers).
Who is left without a new contract?
James Harden
James Harden’s holdout in Philly the hottest topic of the summer in the NBA. The former MVP has made it very clear he is done with the Sixers and is pushing for a trade to the Clippers.
The latest reports claim that L.A. is trying to include PJ Tucker in the same deal.
Damian Lillard
Even though Lillard made it public that he was seeking a trade away from the Trail Blazers at the start of the month, the team is comfortably waiting on teams to make an offer that is worthwhile. Lillard is still under contract with Portland for a few years so they’re in no hurry to establish a trade.
The latest reports from Portland and Miami state that there are a few teams wanting to get on the potential blockbuster deal that will send Damian Lillard to Miami. Tyler Herro could be one of the players involved in the mix.
Christian Wood
The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly close to acquiring Christian Wood from the Dallas Mavericks.
Wood is considered one of the most talented offensive centers in the game. Last season he averaged 16.6 points and a 7.3 rebounds per game, and even though there are some character concerns, the potential for the Lakers to get him for the minimum is a no-brainer.
Other notable players still waiting to finalize a move include P.J. Washington, Kelly Oubre Jr., Anthony Lamb, and Hamidou Diallo.
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