Following the trend of teams locking up young stars as soon as possible, the 76ers have offered point guard Ben Simmons a maximum extension. There are three similar offers awaiting Kawhi Leonard, whose choice between the Clippers, Lakers and Raptors will shape the NBA next season and beyond. The Grizzlies and Hawks swapped some overpaid role players. Kevon Looney is coming back to the Warriors. And Jared Dudley maneuvered himself onto the Lakers’ potential super-team. Free agency is in full swing.
Reports expect Simmons to sign the extension once a few details are hammered out. But the passing wizard from Australia via LSU looks like he’ll be in Philadelphia long term.
Philadelphia has offered a five-year, $168M maximum contract extension to Ben Simmons and the Sixers and agent Rich Paul are expected to work through the details toward an eventual agreement, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 2, 2019
Unlike pretty much everyone else in the NBA, Kawhi Leonard is taking his time with the free agency process. And his choice remains the last major domino to fall.
A literal representation of everyone waiting on the Kawhi Leonard Free Agency news to drop pic.twitter.com/zlj9Can5Ic
— Barstool Richard (@BarstoolDW) July 3, 2019
The Grizzlies got rid of Chandler Parsons’ contract but had to take on two lesser contracts in the same deal. Now for trying to move them, too.
Memphis has agreed to trade Chandler Parsons to Atlanta for Solomon Hill and Miles Plumlee, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 3, 2019
The Warriors didn’t have a lot of cap space, but they were able to re-sign Looney, a defensive stopper who will help them reboot their chase for another NBA title.
Kevon Looney back to Warriors. For now we have a clear Western Conference favorite. Steph, Klay by March, Livingston, Russell, D Green, Looney. Arguably best HC/GM in West.
— Colin Cowherd (@ColinCowherd) July 2, 2019
Dudley took the league minimum to sign on with the Lakers, who if they sign another max player (ahem, Kawhi), only have room for minimum contracts. Good fit!
Lakers free agent Jared Dudley on pitching LeBron James on his candidacy, “Once I got the OK from LeBron, when he signed off on it…we were going to make it happen.” Plus: Nets getting KD and Kyrie. @JaredDudley619 on The Woj Pod: https://t.co/Km8AplJRec
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 3, 2019
TOP STORIES
• Sources: 76ers offer Simmons $170M max deal | ESPN.com
• 5-on-5: Is Kawhi’s next team the title favorite no matter what? | ESPN.com
• Grizzlies trade Chandler Parsons to Atlanta Hawks | Commercial Appeal
• AP source: Warriors agree to add 2 players, keep Looney | Associated Press
• Lakers to add F Dudley on 1-year, $2.6M deal | ESPN.com
