NBA Free Agency 2013: The Latest on Who is Off the Free Agent Market
By Matt Miller
May 3, 2013; Memphis, TN, USA; Los Angeles Clippers point guard Chris Paul (3) brings the ball up court in game six of the first round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedEx Forum. Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 118-105. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports
NBA Free Agency began July 1st at 12:01 am East Coast Time. From that point forward NBA GMs, players, agents, media, and fans couldn’t care less who got the last shot. Couldn’t care less if it was a foul? Why wasn’t he on the floor? He said or wore what? They are interested in a series of conversations and power point presentations to a few privileged players as if the swipe left transition between slides is going to make the difference in a successful NBA franchise and the Sacramento Kings.
Here is the latest on who is off the market after the market opened July 1st.
Chris Paul agrees to 5-yr extension with the Clippers: The deal is worth $107 million over 5 years, more than he could have made with any other team. It has a reported opt out after the 4th year when he would be 32. For what it’s worth, Chris Paul’s agent confirmed the deal, Paul Tweeted “I’M IN!!! #CLIPPERNATION,” but no one has seen him sign any paperwork yet.
Dwight Howard meets with Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, and Golden State Warriors and can’t decide what to order at any of the meals.
Chase Budinger agrees to 3-year deal with Minnesota Timberwolves: Budinger signed with the T-Wolves last season, but suffered an injury early in the 2012-13 campaign. He was one of the 3 bargain Free Agents we recommended at LA Sports Hub that the Lakers sign. Despite being a SoCal native, he signed in Minnesota for $16 million over the 3 years. Read More
Kevin Martin afrees to 4-year contract with Minnesota Timberwolves: The 30 year-old Martin left Oklahoma City after only 1 year for the $28 million they offered him. He isn’t going to be enough of a side-kick to appease Kevin Love, but if everyone stays healthy and they re-sign Nikola Pekovic Minnesota is a playoff team. Read More
Thiago Splitter is “finalizing” deal to return to San Antonio for 4 more years: No one in the NBA knows their assets better than the San Antonio Spurs, and they want Splitter back. Although he primarily sat out in end of game situations, Splitter is one of the better defensive centers in the league, and when given the opportunity offensive centers too. Splitter and his representatives mostly finished the deal before Portland signed the 28 year-old, 7-foot Brazilian to an offer sheet reportedly worth a similar amount. Read More
David West agrees to 3-year extension with Indiana Pacers: The strength of the Pacers was one of the surprises in a league with generally few surprises. David West was a big part of their success inside rebounding the ball, but he also spreads the court with his consistent jump shooting. The deal is a hefty $36 million, but West continues to prove that he is worth it. Read More
CJ Watson Signs With Indiana Pacers for 2 Years After strong seasons in reserve roles with the Golden State Warriors, Chicago Bulls, and most recently with the Brooklyn Nets, Watson moves to bolster an Indiana team with an especially short bench. He doesn’t help their back court size though. Read More
Martell Webster Signs to 4 More Years in Washington: The Washington Wizards were actually not the worst team in the NBA in the second half of the season once John Wall became healthy. Webster is still most known for taking the ball in for dunk while down 3 with no time remaining, but he was productive this season scoring 11.4 PPG, and earned the 4 year contract.
Players who weren’t available but are now less available
Andrea Bargnani was sent to the New York Knicks along with his remaining 2 years and $22 million contract for Steve “Novacaine” Novak, Marcus Camby, Quentin Richardson, a 2016 First Round pick and 2 second rounders. Eric Bledsoe and Caron Butler were traded to Phoenix in a 3 team trade for Jared Dudley and JJ Redick.
Stay tuned for more moves which may or may not help your team tomorrow.