Latest NBA Free Agency Update
With Dwight Howard heading to Houston, the dominos will begin to fall quicker. Some players found new homes shortly after Howard confirmed his decision. There were also some intriguing moves that took place before D12 made his announcement. Of course, no player can officially sign a new deal until July 10th, when the league lifts its annual moratorium on player business.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the most recent unofficial deals:
Apr 17, 2013; Memphis, TN, USA; Utah Jazz power forward Paul Millsap (24) shoots the ball during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedEx Forum. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden–USA TODAY Sports
Paul Millsap has reached an agreement on a two-year deal that is worth $19 million with the Atlanta Hawks. At a shade less than $10 million per year – $9.5 million per hoopsworld – this is a terrific value signing for Danny Ferry. Millsap, who averaged 14 points and seven rebounds last season, is incredibly reliable and will bring it each and every night. Pairing him with Al Horford makes for a very formidable frontline, who have contracts that give the Hawks the necessary financial flexibility to field a competitive roster. Not including Dennis Schroeder and Lucas Nogueira, who are yet to sign their rookie contracts, next season, Atlanta has just $35.2 million in guaranteed money on the books and an inclusive total of $43.3 million – see previous link. With 2014 featuring a loaded free agent class, the Hawks have positioned themselves quite nicely for the future.
May 2, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Denver Nuggets shooting guard Andre Iguodala (9) congratulates Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry (30) game six of the first round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Nuggets 92-88. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Andre Iguodala got to experience firsthand the excitement of participating in a playoff game at Oracle Arena. After coming to terms on a four-year, $48 million contract with Golden State, Iguodala will have the chance to do so as a member of the Warriors. Mark Jackson has been preaching defense since he first arrived in Oakland and now has a top-notch perimeter defender to help aid the young trio of Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Harrison Barnes. It also brings a new dynamic to the offense. Iguodala attacking the basket, while having the option of kicking it out to Curry or Thompson behind the three-point line, or even Barnes, cutting off a back screen, will place defenses in a troubling predicament.
Mar 31, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Detroit Pistons point guard Jose Calderon (8) shoots as he is defended by Chicago Bulls power forward Carlos Boozer (5) and shooting guard Kirk Hinrich (12) during the first half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
After missing out on Howard, something that has to sting, the Mavericks have a deal in place with Jose Calderon. The deal is fully guaranteed and is worth $29 million over four-years. Mark Cuban will try his best to make one last title run centered around Dirk Nowitzki, but giving a point guard over the age of 30 a four-year contract is certainly an interesting step towards achieving that.
Apr 15, 2013; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks shooting guard O.J. Mayo (32) drives the ball past Memphis Grizzlies shooting guard Tony Allen (9) during the first quarter at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
O.J. Mayo has reached an agreement on a three-year, $24 million contract with the Milwaukee Bucks, who are also expected to retain Brandon Jennings. Milwaukee is looking to put fans in the seats and Mayo is simply looking to score the basketball, it is the type of marriage that typically does not satisfy either side.