From the NBA Draft, through the negotiation period that opens July 1, to July 6 when players can formally sign contracts, NBA free agency is three weeks of swirling rumors and league-shifting personnel changes. Keep up with the latest rumors, actual trades and signings here.
Another nice move for the Thunder
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting that the Oklahoma City Thunder have come to terms on a new three-year, $30 million deal with Andre Roberson.
Andre Roberson has agreed to a new three-year, $30M deal with Oklahoma City, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 6, 2017
Sometimes, swagger pays
The Warriors have reportedly added Nick Young on a one-year, $5.2 million dollar. His shooting and confidence will both fit in perfectly in Golden State. (7/5 — 11:38 PM)
Sometimes, swagger REALLY pays
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting that the Miami Heat and Dion Waiters are putting the finishing touches on a new four-year deal to keep the guard in South Beach. (7/5 — 11:35 PM)
Sources: Waiters, Heat finalizing a new four-year deal. https://t.co/zRNmcr862O
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 5, 2017
Keeping up with the Joneses
The Oklahoma City Thunder have reportedly agreed on a three-year, $16.4 million deal with Patrick Patterson. (7/5 — 8:44 AM)
The rich get richest
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting that the Golden State Warriors have agreed to terms on a one-year deal with free agent forward Omri Casspi. (7/5 — 8:43 AM)
Free agent forward Omri Casspi has agreed to a one-year deal with Golden State, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 4, 2017
The biggest domino falls
Yahoo’s Shams Charania has reported that Gordon Hayward will sign a four-year, $128 million contract with the Boston Celtics. To make financial room for the deal, the Celtics will also renounce the rights to Kelly Olynyk, making him an unrestricted free agent. (7/5 — 8:40 AM)
Read More: 5 biggest questions for Hayward and the Celtics
George Hill finally finds a new home
George Hill had been linked with several different teams in evolving rumors over the past few days. In the end, he found a new home in an unexpected location. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting that Hill has signed a three-year, $57 million deal with the Sacramento Kings. (7/5 — 8:36 AM)
Moving on from Grit-and-Grind
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting that Zach Randolph will leave the Memphis Grizzlies to sign a two-year, $24 million deal with the Sacramento Kings. (7/4 — 12:04 PM)
Free agent Zach Randolph has agreed to a two-year, $24M deal with the Kings, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 4, 2017
It’s all happening for the Warriors
All the key pieces are re-upping in Golden State. Andre Iguodala, Stephen Curry, Shaun Livingston and David West have all re-signed with the Warriors. Today, ESPN’s Chris Haynes is reporting that Kevin Durant has also re-signed, on a two-year, $53 million deal, leaving a lot of money on the table to help facilitate Golden State’s other moves. (7/3 — 8:54 PM)
Indiana makes another move
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowki is reporting that the Indiana Pacers have agreed on a two-year $20 million deal with Darren Collison. (7/3 — 8:50 PM)
Free agent guard Darren Collison has agreed in principle to a two-year, $20 million deal with the Indiana Pacers, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 3, 2017
The Holidays have been separated
It was rumored that brothers Justin and Jrue Holiday, both free agents, were looking to join the same team this summer. Jrue signed an enormous deal with the New Orleans Pelicans as soon as free agency opened and now Yahoo’s Shams Charania is reporting that Justin has agreed to a two-year, $9 million deal with the Chicago Bulls. (7/3 — 8:44 AM)
Help on the wing for the Memphis Grizzlies
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski has reported that Ben McLemore agreed to a two-year, $11 million deal with Memphis (7/3 — 8:42 AM)
Read More: Ben McLemore signs with Memphis Grizzlies — 5 big questions
Paul Millsap is a Nugget
Yahoo’s Sham Charania has reported that Paul Millsap has agreed to join the Denver Nuggets on a three-year, $90 million deal. (7/3 — 8:41 AM)
Read More: Winners and losers from Paul Millsap signing with the Denver Nuggets
Read More: Paul Millsap signs with Nuggets — 5 biggest questions we have
Kyle Lowry is staying home
In a dramatic piece at The Player’s Tribune, Kyle Lowry has announced that he’ll be returning to the Toronto Raptors on a three-year deal. (7/3 — 8:40 AM)
Melo might finally be ready to move
Carmelo Anthony had previously been unable to waive his no-trade clause, at least in a deal that was palatable to the Knicks and the team on the other end. Now, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting that Anthony may be willing to waive his no-trade clause for either Houston or Cleveland, both of whom have been rumored to be interested in the veteran wing. (7/3 — 8:39 AM)
The Cavaliers shoot their shot
Yahoo’s Shams Charania is reporting that the Cleveland Cavaliers have agreed on a new three-year, $22 million with Kyle Korver. (7/3 — 8:35 AM)
The Timberwolves keep getting better
Since the season ended, the Timberwolves have already added Jeff Teague and Jimmy Butler (and a future first round pick in the deal that sent Ricky Rubio to Utah). Now, ESPN’s Chris Haynes is reporting that Minnesota has agreed to a two-year, $28 million deal with free agent forward Taj Gibson. (7/2 — 1:52 PM)
A little something for the Wizards’ bench
Yahoo’s Shams Charania is reporting that the Wizards have agreed to a two-year, $7 million deal for veteran sharpshooter Jodie Meeks. (7/2 — 1:49 PM)
Some good news for the Toronto Raptors
While Kyle Lowry has still not made a decision, the Raptors have to be happy with a new three-year, $65 million deal for Serge Ibaka. The deal, first reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, helps Toronto keep their core intact for another run and could help land Lowry. (7/2 — 1:47 PM)
More veteran help for the Cleveland Cavaliers
ESPN’s Chris Haynes is reporting that the Cavs have reached an agreement with free agent point guard Jose Calderon. While his defense and age leave much to be desired, Calderon is a fantastic shooter and could be a useful piece off the bench. (7/2 –1:45 PM)
Joe Ingles is headed back to Utah
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting that the Utah Jazz have reached a deal to bring back Joe Ingles. While this would appear to help convince Gordon Hayward to return, it does reduce the money available for the Jazz to re-sign George Hill, another Hayward favorite. (7/2 — 1:43 PM)
Next: NBA Free Agency 2017 -- One signing every team should make
Warriors are getting the band back together
The biggest question for the Warriors this offseason was whether they’d be able convince and afford their bench players to return. Golden State re-signed Curry, and brought back Shaun Livingston and David West. Now, after a little sweat, the Warriors have agreed to a three-year, $48 million deal with Andre Iguodala. (7/2 — 1:40 PM)
Rockets keep loading up
Yahoo’s Shams Charania is reporting that the Houston Rockets have agreed to a four-year, $32 million deal with P.J. Tucker. His defense and shooting should be a welcome addition as the Rockets push to close the gap with the Golden State Warriors. (7/2 — 1:36 PM)
Pistons get some bench help
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting that the Pistons have agreed to a three-year, $21 million deal with free agent guard Langston Galloway. Not outstanding in any one area, Galloway is a solid bench player who can split time between both backcourt positions. (7/1 — 7:54 PM)
Hornets land a former Rookie of the Year…
… which would be much more exciting if it weren’t Michael Carter-Williams. After the Bulls declined to offer him a qualifying offer, Carter-Williams became an unrestricted free agent. He’s now reportedly headed to the Hornets on a one-year deal. (7/1 — 7:52 PM)
Michael Carter-Williams and Charlotte agree to one-year, $2.7 million deal, league sources tell ESPN.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) July 1, 2017
Some more trusters of the process
The Philadelphia 76ers picked up some veteran specialists today to surround their talented young core of Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons and Markelle Fultz. J.J. Redick’s shooting will be huge in providing space for the 76ers young offense to grow, and Amir Johnson provides a defensive-minded presence in the frontcourt. (7/1 — 7:50 PM)
Free agent Amir Johnson has agreed to a one-year, $11M deal with Philadelphia, agent Kevin Bradbury tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2017
JJ Redick has agreed to a one-year, $23 million deal with the 76ers, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2017
Looks like Denver for Millsap
Going into today it looked like the most likely landing spots for Paul Millsap were the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Phoenix Suns, and the Denver Nuggets. First the Suns dropped out.
Sources: Suns out on Millsap pursuit, turning to use cap space to absorb $ dumps paired w/ assets. Open to moving vets, going all-in young.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2017
Next were the Timberwolves.
Hearing MIN also may be out of Millsap talks, clearing the way for possible resolution w/Denver, meeting w/him tonight. Would be great fit.
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) July 1, 2017
That leaves the Nuggets. (7/1 — 7:45 PM)
Spurs keep Mills
The San Antonio Spurs have agreed to a four-year, $50 million deal with point guard Patty Mills. Breaking the news was…you guessed it… (7/1 –10:08 AM)
Free agent Patty Mills has agreed to a 4-year, $50M deal to stay with San Antonio, league sources tell ESPN. https://t.co/K9ZzMOnDzR
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2017
Tony Snell returns to the Bucks
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting that the Milwaukee Bucks have reached an agreement to re-sign wing Tony Snell four years, $46 million. (7/1 — 10:06 AM)
Sources: Tony Snell has agreed to 4-year, $46M deal -- $44M guaranteed -- to return to Milwaukee. Player option... https://t.co/2KNELDMrdS
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2017
Bulls get their back-up center
Yahoo’s Shams Charania is reporting that the Chicago Bulls have agreed to a four-year, $32 million deal with back-up center Cristiano Felicio. (7/1 — 10:03 AM)
Chicago RFA Cristiano Felicio has agreed to a four-year, $32 million deal to re-sign with the Bulls, league sources tell The Vertical.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2017
Teague to the Timberwolves is set
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting that Jeff Teague and the Minnesota Timberwolves have agreed to a three-year, $57 million deal. Teague steps into the cap space cleared by the Ricky Rubio trade and will almost certainly begin the year as Minnesota’s starting point guard. (7/1 — 9:55 AM)
Nene back to Houston
Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle is reporting that the Houston Rockets have agreed one a four-year, $15 million deal with veteran center Nene. That’s a long commitment to a player getting up there in age, but the cost is so low it seems like a clear win. (7/1 — 9:37 AM)
Rockets reach an agreement with Nene on a four year, $15 million contract, source said.
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) July 1, 2017
Next: NBA Free Agency 2017 -- One signing every team should make
Warriors keep one key bench player and one star
Things don’t look great for Andre Iguodala, but the Warriors have agreed to a new three-year, $24 million deal for backup point guard Shaun Livingston, per ESPN’s Chris Haynes. Marc Stein has also reported that the Warriors will retain Stephen Curry, as expected, on a new five-year $201 million super-max deal. (7/1 — 8:54 AM)
Holiday stays in New Orleans
As expected, Jrue Holiday and the New Orleans Pelicans quickly came to terms on a new deal. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski has reported that the five-year deal includes a player option and could hit as much as $150 million. (7/1 — 8:51 AM)
Free agent guard Jrue Holiday has reached agreement on 5-year, $126M deal to stay with New Orleans, agent Jason Glushon tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2017
Russ can do what he wants…with Paul George
ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne broke the news that the Indiana Pacers had traded Paul George to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis. (6/30 — 11:04 PM)
Read More: NBA Trade Grades — Paul George is going to the Oklahoma City Thunder
Read More: The Paul George trade is a huge swing for the fences for the Thunder
Blake will stay with the Clippers
With Chris Paul in Houston, it appears the Blake Griffin is willing to re-up with the Los Angeles Clippers. Sam Amick of USA Today is reporting that Griffin canceled meetings with Phoenix and Denver, and Shams Charania of The Vertical has reported that a deal is essentially in place. (6/30 — 11:03 PM)
Blake Griffin plans to reach agreement on a five-year, $173 million deal with the Los Angeles Clippers, league sources tell The Vertical.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2017
Teague is likely headed to Minnesota
ESPN’s Marc Stein is reporting that the New York Knicks have given up their pursuit of free agent point guard, Jeff Teague, convinced that he’s headed for the Minnesota Timberwolves. (6/30 — 11:01 PM)
The Knicks have abandoned their hopes of meeting with Jeff Teague, league sources say, convinced Teague has already committed to Minnesota
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 30, 2017
Ricky Rubio joins the Utah Jazz
Tony Jones of The Salt Lake Tribune had the first report on the trade between the Utah Jazz and Minnesota Timberwolves. Utah received Ricky Rubio in exchange for a lottery protected 2018 first round pick that originally belonged to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Read More: NBA Trade Grades — Ricky Rubio is headed to the Utah Jazz
Read More: 5 winners and losers from the Ricky Rubio trade to the Utah Jazz
Rondo is on the market
As expected, the Chicago Bulls have released Rajon Rondo, making him an unrestricted free agent, per reports from ESPN’s Marc Stein. Having already moved Jimmy Butler, it seems clear that Chicago is moving towards a full rebuild. (6/30 — 7:26 PM)
Iguodala meets with San Antonio
The reporting throughout the day has made it seem increasingly unlikely that Andre Iguodala will return to the Warriors. Earlier it was reported that he did not have a meeting scheduled with Golden State during the free agent negotiation period, and now ESPN’s Chris Haynes is reporting that Iguodala will meet with the Spurs. (6/30 — 7:22 PM)
Soon as free-agency period begins, Andre Iguodala will meet with the San Antonio Spurs in Los Angeles, league sources tell ESPN.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) June 30, 2017
Bye, bye Rubio
First reported by Shams Charania, the Timberwolves and Jazz have completed a deal to send Ricky Rubio to Utah in exchange for a lottery-protected 2018 first round pick. USA Today’s Sam Amick, has reported that the Timberwolves may use the cap space cleared by sending out Rubio to pursue free agent point guard Jeff Teague. While Rubio is a nice pick-up for Utah, this may signal a white flag on their negotiations with Gordon Hayward. Utah likely won’t be able to afford to re-sign Hayward, George Hill, and Joe Ingles now, and it had previously been reported that Hayward might only return to Utah if Hill did as well. (6/30 — 7:20 PM)
Ibaka to Miami?
The Miami Heat are clearly to build on last season’ strong second-half run and have been linked to several big name free agents, including Gordon Hawyard and Blake Griffin. The Sun Sentinel’s Ira Winderman is reporting that Serge Ibaka could be a backup plan for the Heat if they strike out on Hayward and Griffin. (6/30 — 3:32 PM)
Wizards plan to match any offer for Otto Porter
Otto Porter will be one of the most sought-after free agents this summer but it seems likely that he stays put in Washington. ESPN’s Mike Wise is reporting that the Wizards plan to match any offers Porter receives. (6/30 –1:38 PM)
Wizards will make an aggressive offer at 12:01 am tonight -- and match any offer -- to ensure they keep Otto Porter, @TheUndefeated reports.
— Mike Wise (@MikeWiseguy) June 30, 2017
Kevin Love to the Nuggets is still a possibility
Earlier this week there was some buzz about a three-way trade that would send Paul George to the Cavaliers, Kevin Love to the Nuggets, and some young players and picks to the Pacers. The buzz has died down but Zach Lowe has reported that things could ramp up again, providing the Nuggets are willing to pony up Gary Harris or multiple picks to Indiana. Now there are reports that the trade discussions have been active. (6/30 — 12:15 PM)
#Nuggets are in active discussions for #Cavaliers Kevin Love. Any deal would have to be Gary Harris or two first round draft picks
— Eric Goodman (@EricGoodman) June 30, 2017
Jrue Holiday may be staying in New Orleans
Several teams including the Dallas Mavericks and New York Knicks have been reportedly interested in Pelicans’ free agent point guard, Jrue Holiday. However, with Holiday meeting first with the Pelicans at the midnight deadline, ESPN’s Marc Stein is reporting that some teams are starting to give up hope. (6/30 — 12:15 PM)
League sources: Growing resignation among interested teams that New Orleans comes to terms quickly with Jrue Holiday on rich five-year deal
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 30, 2017
George Hill could be the key to Gordon Hayward
The Utah Jazz will be pushing hard to re-sign Gordon Hayward, but also challenged by the Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat. Jody Genessy of the Deseret News is reporting that what Utah does with fellow free agent George Hill could be the key to keeping Hayward happy. (6/30 –11:31 AM)
Another source confirms that Gordon Hayward really wants the Utah Jazz to bring back George Hill. His decision could hinge on that.
— Jody Genessy (@DJJazzyJody) June 30, 2017
Carmelo Anthony is likely staying put for now
Marc Berman of the New York Post is reporting that the Knicks will not make a decision on Carmelo Anthony until they have a new team president in place. Since that hiring is not expected until after free agency is open it’s likely Melo will be with the team at least until a trade or buyout could be negotiated later in the summer. (6/30 — 11:05 AM)
The Lakers probably won’t get Paul George this summer
George has said he’d like to play for the Lakers but it sound like he won’t get there this year. Mark Medina of the Orange County Register is reporting that the Lakers are unwilling to send out Brandon Ingram or Lonzo Ball and have resigned themselves to the fact that signing George in 2018 free agency is their most likely path to acquiring him. (6/30 — 11:03 AM)
The Suns are looking to make a big splash
Yesterday, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported that the Phoenix Suns were a possible landing spot for Paul Millsap. His colleague Ramona Shelburne backed those reports, and Blake Griffin will also reportedly meet with Phoenix on Saturday. The Suns have a wealth of young talent, but landing either veteran big man could show that they’re ready to start chasing a playoff spot in the Western Conference. (6/30 — 11:00 AM)
Next: NBA Free Agency 2017 -- One signing every team should make
Andre Iguodala will listen to free agent offers
Iguodala was one of the linchpins of the Warriors versatile lineups but his price may be too high for Golden State to bring him back this year. The Vertical’s Shams Charania is reporting that Iguodala will field offers from teams at midnight on July 1.
With Iguodala open to leaving Warriors and league interest accelerated, he plans to field offers at midnight Saturday, league sources say. https://t.co/TVUs6GFwkz
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 29, 2017
Hawks and Paul Millsap may be donezo
Paul Millsap has been one of the Hawks’ most productive players over the past four seasons but it appears that the relationship is coming to an end. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst is reporting that neither side is interested in the other and Millsap is likely to land with Phoenix, Denver or Houston, possibly through a sign-and-trade. (6/29 — 3:20 PM)
Jimmy Butler is an All-Star recruiter
Butler has been a member of the Timberwolves for just over a week but he’s already making himself right at home. Sirius XM’s Mitch Lawrence reported today that Butler was having conversation with former Team USA teammate Kyle Lowry about joining him in Minnesota. (6/29 — 3:06 PM)
The Pelicans will get first crack at Jrue Holiday
Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting that Jrue Holiday intends to meet with the New Orleans Pelicans at 12:01 AM, July 1, as soon as the free agency negotiation period opens. Only if they can’t come to an agreement will he take meetings with other teams. Getting Holiday locked in quickly could dictate the market for other point guards like Kyle Lowry, George Hill, and Jeff Teague. (6/29 — 1:40 PM)
Pacers’ asking price is too high for the Celtics?
A few days ago it seemed like Paul George to the Celtics might be locked in, with rumors that Boston had a deal locked in, contingent on them signing Gordon Hayward first. Now Mark Murphy of the Boston Herald is reporting that Boston is waiting to hear back from the Pacers, but that Indiana’s asking price is considered “unrealistic.” (6/29 — 1:35 PM)
League source: Celtics waiting to hear back from Indy's Pritchard, but consider his current demand for George unrealistic.
— Mark Murphy (@Murf56) June 29, 2017
The Thunder will meet with Rudy Gay
In theory, Rudy Gay should be an intriguing free agent with his experience, ability to score in isolation against mismatches, and the versatility to play both forward positions. In practice, the torn Achilles he suffered last season will likely depress his value. Gay will be meeting with prospective teams in Texas and Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting that the Thunder will be one of the teams talking with Gay. (6/29 — 10:29 AM)
Next: NBA Free Agency 2017 -- 20 best players available
Jeff Teague and the Knicks are making google eyes at each other
One of the biggest challenges for the Knicks this summer was going to be convincing free agents to take their money and voluntarily sign up for an organization in perpetual chaos. With Phil Jackson gone, things may have gotten a little bit easier. Per reports from ESPN’s Ian Begley, the Knicks’ interest in Jeff Teague may actually be reciprocated. (6/28 — 3:02 PM)
Clippers believe Blake Griffin is coming back with CP3 gone
The big Chris Paul trade obviously throw the Clippers’ future into question but the team apparently feels like they’re in a reasonable position. L.A. Times reporter Brad Turner, is reporting that the Clippers believe dealing Paul clears the way for Griffin to return. (6/28 — 2:05 PM)
The Clippers now believe this clear the way for team to sign Blake Griffin, per source
— Brad Turner (@BA_Turner) June 28, 2017
Bogdan Bogdanovic is coming to Sacramento
The Sacramento Kings have reportedly agreed on a three-year, $30 million deal with Serbia’s Bogdan Bogdanovic (this is not Bojan Bogdanovic, who played for the Wizards and Nets last season), according to CSN Bay Area. The Kings received the rights to Bogdanovic in the Marquese Chriss trade during the 2016 NBA Draft. Bogdanovic, 24, won a Euroleague title with Turkey’s Fenerbahce this season and is a crafty shot-creator and defender on the wing. (6/28 — 1:52 PM)
Next: NBA Free Agency 2017 -- One trade every team should make
The Rockets want Paul George too
The Rockets just landed Chris Paul but they may not be finished. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst is reporting that Houston is also pursuing a trade for the Pacers’ Paul George. This deal may be a challenge is it would likely require Houston shipping out either Ryan Anderson or Eric Gordon to create cap space for George, and neither veteran is likely to interest the rebuilding Pacers as the centerpiece of a trade package. (6/28 — 1:35 PM)
Will Blake Griffin be the next to leave the Clippers?
With Chris Paul on his way to Houston, Blake Griffin could be the next big name free agent to leave L.A. While staying without Paul may be interesting, Griffin will also reportedly be pursued by the Oklahoma City Thunder, per ESPN’s Royce Young, who have to feel much better about their chances of landing him than they did a few days ago. (6/28 — 1:30 PM)
The Thunder have planned on chasing Blake Griffin for months now. They have to feel that their chances got at least a little better now.
— Royce Young (@royceyoung) June 28, 2017
Clippers trade Chris Paul to the Houston Rockets
Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting that Chris Paul has agreed to opt-in with the Los Angeles Clippers, who will then trade him to the Houston Rockets. The Clippers will receive Sam Dekker, Patrick Beverley, Lou Williams, Montrezl Harrell and a 2018 first round pick. (6/28 — 12:45 PM)
Read More: NBA Trade Grades — Chris Paul is headed to the Houston Rockets
Read More: Winners and losers from the Chris Paul – Houston Rockets trade
Knicks finally cut ties with Phil Jackson
After a chaotic few weeks (few years, if we’re being honest), news broke Wednesday morning that the Knicks and Phil Jackson had decided to part ways. Jackson spent much of this season openly antagonizing Carmelo Anthony in the media, in a transparent attempt to get him to waive his no-trade clause. Over the past two weeks, Jackson also discussed buying out Anthony and news broke that he was listening to trade offers on Kristaps Porzingis. How this affects New York’s offseason plans, the willingness of free agents to sign with the Knicks, and the Knicks’ reported interest in Derrick Rose, remains to be seen. (6/28 — 9:55 AM)
Houston Rockets are getting hot and heavy with Chris Paul
Although negotiations haven’t officially begun, ESPN’s Marc Stein has been reporting that the Rockets are a “serious threat” to sign Chris Paul. The pairing between him and James Harden may appear to be a strange fit but Houston could use a second ball-handler to make Harden’s workload more manageable. (6/28 — 1:00 AM)
Olynyk could get squeezed by Paul George – Gordon Hayward pursuit
Newly signed ESPN Insider, Adrian Wojnarowski, has reported that Kelly Olynyk is likely to get squeezed out at the Celtics work to acquire both Paul George and Gordon Hayward. Olynyk is a restricted free agent but Boston may need to renounce his rights in order to make space for their two new superstar wings. (6/27 — 8:07 PM)
Next: NBA Free Agency 2017 -- One trade every team should make
Celtics are all-in
According to Adrian Wojnarowski, the Celtics are working on a plan that would allow them to acquire both Paul George and Gordon Hayward. To make the financial gymnastics work, Boston would have to sign Hayward first and then finalize the deal for George. This would help explain why the Pacers didn’t execute a George trade on draft night. (6/27 — 4:03 PM)