NBA Free Agency Recap (6/30)
FREE AGENCY SIGNINGS
Gary Trent Jr. Resigns With Bucks
The Bucks are essentially keeping the same roster aside from losing Brook Lopez to the Clippers in free agency. Trent Jr. had his moments in the playoffs after Damian Lillard suffered an achilles tear and will continue to help space the floor, assuming Giannis is still a focal point in the Milwaukee offense. Trent signed a two year $7.5 million dollar contract.
Jordan Clarkson Bought Out and Heading to New York
Earlier this week, it was reported that Jordan Clarkson was drawing minimal trade interest from other teams. The Jazz, who have held onto Clarkson throughout their rebuilding phase, have now decided to buy out the veteran guard. Clarkson spent six seasons in Utah, where he became a key contributor. The New York Knicks are expected to sign him once he officially becomes available, aiming to bolster their bench unit—a position where they struggled last season. Clarkson, a former Sixth Man of the Year, averaged 16.2 points per game last season.
Hawks Add Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Luke Kennard
Before free agency even began, Atlanta was already considered one of the most active teams this offseason. Their trade to acquire Kristaps Porzingis from the Celtics was seen as a significant roster upgrade, drawing the attention of many insiders and analysts. However, the Hawks haven’t slowed down, continuing to make moves to bolster their bench depth. They signed sharpshooter Luke Kennard to a one-year, $11 million deal and secured one of the offseason’s most highly sought-after free agents, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, to a four-year, $62 million contract.
Brook Lopez to the Clippers
The Clippers signed Brook Lopez to a two-year, $18 million contract. At 37 years old, Lopez will be 39 when his contract expires. Given the age of the Clippers' most valuable players, Lopez fits well within their competitive window. Primarily, he will contribute defensively, having ranked in the top three in total blocks every season since 2023. Last season with Zubac on the floor, the Clippers allowed 108.4 points per 100 possessions. With Zubac off the floor, the Clippers allowed 115.3 point per 100 possessions.
Dorian Finney-Smith and Clint Capela to Houston
Another team that has been extremely active early in the offseason is Houston. Following the loss of Dillon Brooks, the Rockets signed Dorian Finney-Smith to fill the 3-and-D role. Finney-Smith inked a four-year, $53 million deal with the team.
In addition, the Rockets added Clint Capela on a three-year, $21.5 million contract, marking his second stint in Houston. The Rockets' center rotation will be intriguing, with Alperen Şengün, Steven Adams, and Capela now in the mix. Notably, every player on the Rockets roster, except for Fred VanVleet and Reed Sheppard, stands at 6'7" or taller.
Luke Kornet to San Antonio
Luke Kornet secured the bag. A vital piece for the Celtics as a shot-blocker and rim-runner, Kornet will now help the Spurs solidify their defense. With Kornet on board, San Antonio no longer needs to play Jeremy Sochan at center. Kornet is expected to anchor the second unit's defense and, hopefully, bring his iconic shot contests with him. He signed a four-year, $41 million deal with the Spurs.
Kevon Looney leaves Dubs After 10 Years to Reunite With Jordan Poole in NOLA
After a decade of service with the Warriors, Kevon Looney has decided to part ways with the Bay Area, signing a two-year, $16 million deal with the New Orleans Pelicans. This move felt inevitable, as Looney had been uncertain about returning to the Dubs for the past two offseasons. Perhaps letting Looney walk is the Warriors' way of preparing for a future salary-eating move. Ultimately, Looney chose to move on and go out on his own terms. He’ll reunite with former Warrior teammate Jordan Poole, and together, they’ll reignite their Milwaukee connection.
Bruce Brown Returns to Denver
Denver analyzed their roster, identified their weaknesses, and fixed them. Really fixed them. Their depth has truly hurt them the last two seasons. Adding Bruce Brown back into the mix will steady their bench unit more. Brown is familiar with playing with Jokic and Murray, so it shouldn’t be that much of an adjustment. Brown signed a vet’s minimum deal.
Michael Porter Jr. Traded For Cam Johnson and 2032 first-round pick
The Nuggets traded Michael Porter Jr. and a 2032 first-round pick to the Nets in exchange for Cam Johnson. While Porter Jr. and Johnson offer similar contributions to the team, the key difference is that Johnson comes at a much more affordable price, being $17 million cheaper than Porter Jr. Given the Nuggets' financial constraints, this trade helps them in more ways than one.
Ty Jerome to Memphis
Ty Jerome was always likely to leave Cleveland; it was just a matter of where he would land. After finishing third in Sixth Man of the Year voting this past season, Jerome will now run the bench unit for Memphis. He’s expected to play the two-guard alongside Pippen Jr. Jerome will provide much-needed shooting and spacing for the Grizzlies, especially with the departure of Desmond Bane.
Mavs Sign D’Angelo Russell
The Mavericks have found their point guard for the fut—first half of the season. While many speculated that Chris Paul or Jrue Holiday would be the choice, the Mavericks ultimately signed D'Angelo Russell to a cost-effective deal. Russell will reunite with Anthony Davis and finally get the chance to play alongside Klay Thompson—a pairing that almost happened in 2020, but was delayed due to Thompson's ACL recovery. Russell signed for two years $13 million dollars.
Lakers first move to sign LaRavia
LaRavia is the Laker’s first signing of the offseason. Last season, LaRavia averaged 6.9 points per game on 42.5% from three. LaRavia signed a two-year $12 million dollar deal.
Grizzlies extend JJJ and retain Santi Aldama
The Grizzlies have decided to go all in on Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. The Grizzlies signed Jaren Jackson Jr. to a five-year $240 million dollar extension.
Santi Aldama is staying in Memphis on a three-year $52.5 million dollar deal.
