NBA free agency round-up
While we all wait for LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh to make their minds up about where they want to play next season there have been a number of signings that have gone under the radar.
Here’s a rundown.
Probably the fourth-biggest free agent out there, Joe Johnson, has committed his long-term future to the Atlanta Hawks after accepting their six-year $119million contract. The Hawks decided to max out Johnson and Johnson was impressed by the Hawks’ commitment to investing in the team, according to his agent.
After opting out of his contract, the Boston Celtics captain re-signed with the team that drafted him for another four years. The deal is reportedly worth $61million and will in all probability give Pierce the opportunity to retire with the Celtics. The deal also includes a full no-trade clause.
Another star who opted out of his contract was Dirk Nowitzki, and like Pierce he re-signed with his team. Nowitzki however signed for $20million more than Pierce and will be paid $80million over the next four years. And just like Pierce there was really no doubt he wouldn’t re-sign with the team he’s played for the whole of his career.
Current champions the LA Lakers have signed point guard Steve Blake to a four year contract worth $16million. The signing makes the Lakers even stronger than they were and in all likelihood spells the end for Derrick Fisher who has yet to be offered a deal.
The Phoenix Suns have given Hakim Warrick a four-year $18million contract after averaging only 9.6 points and 4.1 rebounds per game last season. The Suns also agreed to terms with Channing Frye, who signed a five-year $30 million contract, a big indication that Amar’e Stoudemire will not return to the Suns.
The Milwaukee Bucks signed shooting-guard John Salmons to a $39million five-year deal. Salmons impressed for the Bucks after being traded from Chicago and averaged just under 20 points for the Bucks. The Bucks also signed journeyman Drew Gooden to a five-year $32million contract, showing their intention of challenging for the Eastern Conference title next year.
The Memphis Grizzles have shown their intention to be competitive next year by signing Rudy g*y to a five-year $80million contract extension. g*y was expected to field offers from other teams but with the Grizzlies maxing him out, the power forward decided to stay with the team that drafted him.
The Minnesota Timberwolves have decided Darko Milicic is worth yet another go after giving the former No.1 pick a four-year $20million deal. Milicic had said he wanted to give up on the NBA and play in the Euroleague, but their lure of NBA money must have been too much.
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