NBA Free Agency Has Started with Absolute Madness
Unprecedented Contract Extensions and Signings to Compete for the Ring
Jayson Tatum is set to sign the most lucrative contract in NBA history, extending his link for five years and receiving $314 million. The supermax contract will be valid from the 25-26 season and will end in 29-30 when Tatum receives $71 million. He has taken the record from his teammate Jaylen Brown, but the next one to hold the cap will be Luka Doncic, who renews with the Mavericks for $346 million in five years.
De’Anthony Melton, who was a free agent after playing two years with the Sixers, goes to the Warriors with a contract of one year at a rate of $12.8 million.
LeBron James could renew for the maximum with the Lakers after the Los Angeles franchise was left without Klay Thompson, James Harden, and Jonas Valanciunas, three players sought as reinforcements. The Lakers star waived a player option for $51.4 million and his intention was to renew at a lower price to sign a third sword, but his agent already warned that he would ask for the maximum if no operation was completed.
Nicolas Batum returns to the Clippers. The French forward signs a contract of two years for $9.6 million.
Klay Thompson to sign with Mavericks for three years and $50 million. Ends his 13-year stay in the Warriors. He was also wanted by the Lakers, although he preferred to seek his fifth ring in Dallas, where he will also benefit from the low taxes in Texas. In the same deal, Josh Green will end up with the Hornets in exchange for two second-round picks. Some of them could end up with the Warriors.
Celtics guard Derrick White has agreed to a four-year, $125.9 million contract extension with the current NBA champions. The agreement includes a player option.
Delon Wright will sign for one year with the Bucks for $3.3 million.
Drew Eubanks has reached an agreement with the Jazz by two years and $10 million.
Chris Paul will sign with the Spurs for only one year and $11 million. His arrival in San Antonio may complicate the options for Juan Nunez. He ended up there this summer after the franchise acquired his rights in the draft.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has closed a deal to go to the Magic by three years and $66 million. He was an important piece in the Nuggets’ 2023 ring and also won the title with the Lakers in 2020.
Andre Drummond joins the Sixers with a contract of two years and $10 million.
Kevin Love will return to the Heat with a contract of two years.
The pivot Luke Kornet will follow one more year in the champions Celtics.
James Harden will continue with the Clippers with a contract of two years for $70 million.
Max Christie will continue in the Lakers winning $2 million in four years.
Obi Toppin will extend its contract with the Pacers by four years and $60 million.
JB Bickerstaff to be Pistons coach. He arrives after five seasons leading the Cavaliers.
Patrick Williams signs for the Bulls by five years and $90 million. There is a player option in the fifth year.