In the words of Washington Redskins quarterback, Kirk Cousins, “YOU LIKE THAT?”
For fans who know that this off-season has been better than the recent playoffs, it’s a phrase that’s quite fitting after the intriguing trades and signings made these past few days.
Let’s now get a quick recap of the free agency’s biggest stories. Read on!
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2017 NBA Free Agency Recap
* The Jimmy Butler and Chris Paul trade to the Minnesota Timberwolves and Houston Rockets, respectively, are not eligible to be on the list since the transactions were made prior to the start of free agency.
The Oklahoma City Thunder acquiring Paul George for ten cents on the dollar
The effectiveness of a Russell Westbrook-Paul George tandem is still a question mark, but either way, this trade should go down as one of the biggest robberies in recent memory (Pau Gasol for Kwame Brown was still worse).
Indiana Pacers general manager Kevin Pritchard had WAY better offers on the table, but he was probably so intent in sticking it to George, he refused to accept trades that his star forward would like, which includes going to the Celtics or the Lakers. Thunder GM Sam Presti of course, who’s one of the best in the business, took advantage.
Pritchard only got Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis in return. He inexplicably didn’t demand for any draft picks.
Stephen Curry signing the richest deal in NBA history and Finals MVP Kevin Durant taking a pay cut
One half of the Spash Brothers, Stephen Curry, is making a splash even when he’s off the court. He just re-signed to the Golden State Warriors for five years on a whopping $201 million – the largest in the league’s history.
A big part of why it was made possible, which also showed how team-oriented the Dubs are, was Finals MVP Kevin Durant opting to take less money. He only took a two-year, $53-million deal, making his average salary of $26.5 million per year lower than other less-proven players.
Gordon Hayward leaving the Utah Jazz to join the Boston Celtics
Gordon Hayward is from Brownsburg, Indiana, but we can think of this signing as a homecoming. He, as you may remember, played for current Celtics coach Brad Stevens when they were at Butler University. Hayward emerged as the leader of the Butler Bulldogs’ Cinderella run in the 2009-10 season, where they were able to reach the title game as one of the smallest and lesser-known schools.
He had the opportunity and leverage to reunite with his college coach and he did what was he was supposed to do. The deal was four years, $128 million.
Blake Griffin re-signing with the Los Angeles Clippers after the team traded Chris Paul
Rumors were swirling that Griffin was also eager to jump ship now that Paul, his main partner on offense and teammate in six of his seven years with the Clipps, is gone. The All-Star power forward even scheduled meetings with the Phoenix Suns and the Miami Heat.
Griffin quickly made up his mind, though, and cancelled his visits with the said teams. He signed a five-year, $173-million deal, and cited “legacy” as his reason to stay.
Paul Millsap joining Nikola Jokic in the Denver Nuggets front-court
This could be one of the most underrated star signings in the free agency. Paul Millsap, arguably the most all-around stretch four in the league today, is a great addition to the upstart Denver Nuggets, who are the only non-playoff team this past season to both beat and blow out the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
He got a sweet, three-year, $90-million deal.
The Clippers finally landing Danilo Gallinari
The Clippers still had money to spent despite the monster contract given to Blake Griffin. They used it to snag Danilo Gallinari, a guy they’ve been trying to get for years. It was a three-team, sign-and-trade, which had the Clipps unloading Jamal Crawford, Diamond Stone, and a 2018 first-round pick.
Along with a three-year, $65-million pay day, Gallo will be forming an interesting front-court with Griffin and DeAndre Jordan.
JJ Redick trusting the process… and the money
Trust the process
— JJ Redick (@JJRedick) July 1, 2017
Redick is easily one of the deadliest shooters in the league. He should be wearing that badge with pride, especially now that it enabled him to receive a large, one-year, $23-million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers. Whether he makes it rain with threes or not, the Sixers are now sure to shower him with a lot of dough.
HONORABLE MENTION:
- Kyle Lowry staying put in Toronto for three years, $100 million
- Jeff Teague joining the new-look Minnesota Timberwolves for three years, $57 million
- George Hill (3 years, $57 million) and Zach Randolph (2 years, $24 million) going to the Sacramento Kings to be the elder statesmen
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