Just a few days into the NBA’s 2020 free agency period, contending teams have bolstered their rosters, while teams that wish to contend have made shrewd moves that they hope they can vault them into contention.
On Friday, the NBA’s reigning Sixth Man of the Year, Montrezl Harrell, moved from one LA team to the other, signing with the Lakers on a 2-year, $19 million deal. The move for the Lakers nets them a high quality player at a very affordable price. Harrell is a high energy player in the Draymond Green-type role as an undersized hustle guy. He reportedly turned down a more lucrative deal from Charlotte to sigh with the Lakers, improving a roster that has also added Dennis Schroeder and Wes Matthews.
Another move of shock value was Gordon Hayward signing with the Charlotte Hornets on a 4-year, $120 million deal. The massive contract is a little bit of a head scratcher for a 30 year old who has been bitten by the injury bug lately. However, Hayward is a very solid scorer and should provide the Hornets with some punch. The Hornets waived Nic Batum and his $27 million to make room for Hayward.
Steven Adams, who spent the first 7 years of his career with the Thunder, is on his way to New Orleans in a trade with New Orleans, Denver, Oklahoma City, and Milwaukee. Adams replaces Derrick Favors (who went back to Utah on a 3 year, $27 million deal), and gives the Pelicans a legitimate big man with touch and and strong rebounding ability.
Joe Harris has re-up with Brooklyn on a 4 year, $75 million deal, fortifying their bench for what may be the deepest team in the NBA. Danillo Gallinari is on his way to Atlanta (3 years, $61 million), as is Rajon Rondo (2 years, $15 million), and both give the Hawks veterans who can help them now. The Hawks also added former Bull Kris Dunn at 2 years, $10 million. Expect the Hawks, barring health, to be well in the playoff hunt.
The Heat made a little noise, re-signing Goran Dragic to a 2 year, $37.4 million deal, signing Avery Bradley at 2 years, $11.6 million, and Moe Harkless at 1 year, $3.6 million. Though they lost Jae Crowden (Suns), they will still be a major player in the East. Fred VanVleet re-signed with Toronto on a massive 4 year, $85 million deal, giving them their point guard of the future. Carmelo Anthony returned to the Blazers, while Paul Millsap did the same with Denver. In an underrated move, the Sixers added Dwight Howard at a big discount of $2.6 million for a 1 year. Marcus Morris is back with the Clippers at 4 years and $64 million, giving them multiple seasons of gritty play, physicality and some shot making.
Davis Bertans got 5 years and a big $80 million from Washington, and Carmelo Anthony is back in Portland.
The big dominoes (Harden and Westbrook) are yet to move (if they do/will at all), but there has been plenty of action early on. The Hawks improved greatly, while the Lakers rebuilt after losing Rondo, Bradley, Danny Green, and Dwight Howard.
Stay tuned for more.
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