NBA Free Agency Kicks Off with Major Deals
NBA free agency kicked off on Friday night, and several top players wasted no time in finding new teams. Notable deals include Fred VanVleet joining the Houston Rockets, Kyrie Irving staying with the Dallas Mavericks, and Draymond Green getting a long-term extension with the Golden State Warriors.
While these agreements were made, it is important to note that they are not binding until July 6 or later when they are officially signed. The new collective bargaining agreement also went into effect on Saturday.
However, there are still some dominoes that have yet to fall. Players like Brook Lopez and James Harden are still waiting on potential deals. Harden, in particular, opted into the final season of his contract with the Philadelphia 76ers to facilitate a trade, but no trade materialized on the first day of free agency. Lopez, coming off an impressive season with the Milwaukee Bucks, is also generating interest from teams around the league.
One significant deal that has already been agreed upon is Tyrese Haliburton’s max extension with the Indiana Pacers. The third-year guard reached an agreement on a maximum rookie-scale contract worth over $200 million over five years, starting in the 2024-25 season. The deal may increase to $260 million if Haliburton makes the All-NBA roster in 2024.
Other notable agreements include Fred VanVleet’s $130 million contract with the Houston Rockets, Kevin Love’s two-year deal to remain with the Heat, and Gabe Vincent’s $33 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. Kyrie Irving has also agreed to re-sign with the Dallas Mavericks on a three-year, $126 million contract, and Cam Johnson will stay with the Brooklyn Nets on a four-year, $108 million deal.
Khris Middleton is returning to the Milwaukee Bucks on a three-year, $102 million contract, and Jakob Poeltl will return to the Toronto Raptors on a four-year, $80 million deal. Kristaps Porzingis has agreed to a two-year, $60 million extension with the Boston Celtics, and Jerami Grant will reportedly return to the Portland Trail Blazers on a five-year, $160 million contract.
Additionally, Bruce Brown, a key player in the Denver Nuggets’ championship team, has agreed to a two-year, $45 million deal with the Indiana Pacers. Draymond Green will re-sign with the Golden State Warriors on a four-year, $100 million contract, and Kyle Kuzma is returning to the Washington Wizards on a four-year, $102 million deal.
In other news, the Brooklyn Nets made a trade with the Detroit Pistons, sending Joe Harris and two second-round picks to free up cap space. James Harden has also picked up his player option with the 76ers, indicating his desire to be traded from Philadelphia.
NBA free agency is just getting started, and more deals and rumors are expected to emerge in the coming days. Fans and analysts will be closely watching as teams continue to make moves to improve their rosters for the upcoming season.