NBA Free Agent Watch – Day 2

NBA free agency got kicked off yesterday with some big names staying put in Stephen Curry (five years, $201 million GSW) and Blake Griffin ( five years, $175 million LAC). Although these are just verbal agreements, it is assumed these deals will be finalized once the moratorium period comes to an end on July 7. While many free agents are still in the process of fielding offers, there were a couple of notable signings that took place not even twenty-four hours into free agency. Here is a look at the top free agent news and headlines as we now enter the second day of free agency.

76ers Bring in Help for Young Core

The Sixers added some much-needed shooting in a splashy move that got J.J. Redick to Philadelphia on a one-year, $23 million dollar deal. With J.J. Redick notifying the Clippers he would not be returning to the organization, it was up in the air to which team Redick would ultimately join as there were rumors about him and Houston as well. To put the rumors aside, Redick agreed to a one-year deal with the 76ers on Saturday worth $23 million. With a potential starting lineup of Fultz, Redick, Simmons, Saric, and Embiid, “The Process” is definitely looking up after bringing along the sharpshooter.

Philadelphia was not done after signing Redick, coming to an agreement with center Amir Johnson shortly after the Redick news broke. The reported deal is one-year, $11 million. The Sixers did some nice work with bringing in some veteran pieces to help guide the high-ceiling of this talented young core in Philly.

Warriors, Iguodala Come to Terms on Deal

Despite rumors of Andre Iguodala entertaining offers from multiple other interested teams, Iguodala reportedly canceled the rest of his meetings after concluding his visit with the Houston Rockets. This brought many people to speculate that Iguodala was going to sign with Houston, but it was then later reported that Andre and the Warriors had come to an agreement on a three-year, $48 million dollar deal. The Warriors had to up their previous offer to Iguodala, which was set at three-years, $45 million, to the agreed upon deal.

This comes as a big win for Golden State and their fans as the 2015 Finals MVP will be back in the Bay for the next three years. Even with Kevin Durant on the roster now, Iguodala still showed he could provide and be effective on a star-studded Warriors roster. Iguodala, who finished as a finalist for the Sixth Man of the Year award this season, was a vital piece in the Warriors championship run this year, so it comes as no surprise that Golden-State wanted Iguodala back.

Hornets Bring in Michael Carter-Williams

The Hornets landed Michael Carter-Williams on a one-year, $2.7 million dollar deal according to reports. Carter-Williams, who has struggled mightily after having early success in his days with Philly, is seeking a fresh start with Charlotte after being traded multiple times in his early career. It should be assumed that MCW will take on the backup point guard role with Kemba Walker already the bonified star in Charlotte at the moment. Carter-Williams will have to prove that he belongs in the league though, as this is only a short, one-year deal with the Hornets.

Rockets, P.J. Tucker Agree to Deal

The Rockets, who are already looking like the big winners in free agency with the acquisition of Chris Paul, continue to build their surrounding cast as they came to an agreement with free agent forward P.J. Tucker on a four-year, $32 million dollar deal. Tucker brings a big body in at the forward position for Houston, as the Rockets are pushing to be serious threats to the defending champions, the Golden State Warriors.

Jazz Bring Back Ingles, Help Chance to Re-Sign Hayward

The Utah Jazz re-signed Joe Ingles on a four-year, $52 million dollar deal in efforts to boost their chances in bringing back highly sought after forward Gordon Hayward. Ingles obviously brings a lot to the court for the Jazz as he helped fuel their turnaround last season. Ingles, who is a great outside shooter and a versatile ball handler, can also create his own offense, which helped relieve some of the pressure off of Hayward shoulder’s last season.

The re-signing of Ingles and the acquisition of point guard Ricky Rubio should obviously help Utah’s chances of retaining Gordon Hayward, as we would have to think both of these guys will be in the scheduled meeting that the team has with Hayward.

Cavs, Rockets Discuss Iman Shumpert Trade

The Rockets and Cavaliers were in serious discussions earlier Saturday in regards to a trade that would send Iman Shumpert out West to Houston. The details of the potential deal were not disclosed, so it is not known who the Cavs would potentially get back for a hard playing, athletic Iman Shumpert, but sources say the Cavs are trying to shed Shumpert’s big contract to ultimately save cap space.

Iman Shumpert would fit in nicely for the Rockets and also bring championship experience to a Houston team that is looking to do just that as the Rockets try to become a legit threat to Golden State next year, but nothing has been agreed upon yet.

Paul Millsap, Rudy Gay Still Listening to Offers

Two of the more desired free agents still available have yet to come to an agreement yet as both Paul Millsap and Rudy Gay are still weighing their options and listening to offers. Paul Millsap, who is reportedly out of the Suns plans now, met with the Denver Nuggets for a substantial amount of time as Denver flew in some of their people to Atlanta on Saturday night. The meeting went well according to reports, but Millsap will still continue to wait to make a decision as the Minnesota Timberwolves are also in on the chase.

Rudy Gay has been hosting meetings with teams in Austin, Texas over the weekend and will continue to meet with teams through the 4th of July as he has a reported four visits set up until then. Gay, who met with the Kings at the start of free agency, also talked to San Antonio and Oklahoma City on Saturday. No offers were made yet, as Gay and his agent will continue to see where he best fits.