In a few hours the time will have come – free agency will officially start at midnight. Until then, as usual, we will provide you with all the news and rumors regarding the deals at Around the NBA!
NBA rumours: The most important news of the day
- 3:36 p.m.: Numerous names on the Lakers list
- 3:32 p.m.: Kemba before Pistons buyout
NBA rumours: Numerous names on Lakers list
3.50 p.m.: I still owe you a few minor updates, for example on the spectacular trade by Dejounte Murray, which my colleague Frerks had already looked at more closely (this way). One reason for the Spurs to become active with Murray was probably the fact that he and his agent Rich Paul had no intention of extending the contract in San Antonio in the summer. This is what Brian Windhorst explained (ESPN) on the Hoop Collective Podcast. However, the Spurs might only have offered him a salary increase of 20 percent from the previous 16.6 million – relatively little money for the All-Star. Now he will probably spend the next two years in Atlanta under his current (very team-friendly) contract – and then it will be expensive for his employer.
15.40 Watch: Speaking of Monk: Like the ever-popular Jake Fisher (Bleacher Report) added, there is interest from the Kings in the guard, which apparently meets with approval. Bad sign for the Lakers? FYI: Last year Monk played for just under 1.8 million, following promising performances (13.8 points, 39.1 percent threesomes) it should now be significantly more.
3:36 p.m.: The Lakers still have a little work to do to shape the future squad. Jovan Buha from The Athletic is throwing around (aside from the fact that the Lakers would like to hold Malik Monk if possible) some names that might potentially qualify for the Taxpayer Midlevel Exception. Among them: Otto Porter Jr., Nicolas Batum, Gary Harris, TJ Warren, Caleb Martin, Cody Martin, Mo Bamba and Danuel House Jr. That all sounds very wild … Chris Mannix already reported on the interest in Bamba (AND), who also stated that the Magic would be interested in staying on, but only at a certain price. Of course, this is not mentioned.
3:32 p.m.: One name that will draw interest despite underperforming at the Knicks is Kemba Walker. After his trade to the Pistons, Adrian Wojnarowski reports from ESPN now that agreement on a buyout is imminent. Thus, the point guard comes on the market as an unrestricted free agent. Numbers guru Bobby Marks adds that Walker is still due 9.2 million from Detroit next season and 3 million as a free agent with more than 10 years of NBA experience. Who might hit that?
3:28 p.m.: Good Morning! Free agency is imminent. From 12:00 a.m. Central European Time, i.e. 6:00 p.m. on the east coast in the States, teams can officially discuss deals with free agents. Although the signature may only take place six days later, in a few hours we should have much more clarity regarding how things will continue for numerous exciting names. Let’s start.
