NBA Free Agency 2018: July 2 roundup

NBA free agency is officially open for business and, if you missed it, several big deals that were reportedly agreed to throughout Sunday:

* LeBron headed to Lakers

* Reports: Stephenson going to L.A.

* Reports: Caldwell-Pope staying with Lakers

* Reports: Gordon to re-sign with Magic

* And much more …

As NBA free agency rolls along, keep up on all the latest news and reports from around the league …

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Report: Bradley returning to Clippers

Combo guard Avery Bradley will return to the Clippers with a two-year, $25-million contract, per multiple reports.

Sources: Free agent Avery Bradley has agreed to a 2 year, $25M deal with the Clippers.

— 1 a.m.

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Reports: Warriors stun NBA with Cousins agreement

No one can accuse the Warriors of resting on their laurels. Already heavily favored to win their third straight championship, they added to their galaxy of stars with a reported one-year, $5.3-million contract agreement with six-time All-Star center DeMarcus Cousins.

Yahoo! Sports’ Shams Charania was first to report the blockbuster news, with ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski adding contract details. Via the Showtime Sports Twitter account, Cousins also confirmed the move.

The moment Boogie found out he was a Warrior

(via @SHOsports)pic.twitter.com/GPdOBPpqc3

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 3, 2018

Cousins’ hopes for a massive extension were dashed with his ruptured Achilles tendon midway through last season with the Pelicans. With Cousins reportedly receiving no offers after free agency opened on July 1, the door was open for the Warriors to pounce, giving them an eventual starting lineup featuring five All-Stars: Cousins, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson.

Cousins, who averaged 25.2 points, 12.9 rebounds and 5.4 assists last season, isn’t expected back until at least December. But given the Warriors’ wealth of talent and experience, there will be no need to rush their latest free-agent coup.

— 9:10 p.m.

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Celtics sign Wanamaker via Europe

The rich get richer? Already loaded for bear in the LeBron-free Eastern Conference, the Celtics announced the signing of Philadelphia native Brad Wanamaker from Turkey’s Fenerbahce Ulker. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

A 6-foot-4 guard from the University of Pittsburgh, Wanamaker was named Second Team All-Euroleague after averaging 16.7 points and 4.7 assists during Europe’s premier basketball competition. He also helped Fenerbahce win its third straight Turkish title, earning Finals MVP along the way.

— 8:20 p.m.

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Reports: Blazers pick up Seth Curry

Seth Curry is headed to the Northwest, agreeing to a two-year deal with the Trail Blazers per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

Free agent guard Seth Curry has agreed to a two-year deal with the Portland Trail Blazers, league source tells ESPN. Deal — which guarantees him $2.75M this year — includes a player option on second season.

Curry averaged 12.8 points for the Mavericks in 2016-17 but missed all of last season with a leg injury.

— 8:10 p.m.

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Wizards claim Bryant off Waivers

The Wizards have claimed 6-foot-10 center Thomas Bryant off waivers. Recently released by the Lakers, Bryant played sparingly for the parent club but averaged 19.7 points in 37 appearances for the G League’s South Bay Lakers.

“Thomas is an intriguing young prospect with size and athleticism who showed he has 3-point range during his time in the G League last season,” Wizards president Ernie Grunfeld said via statement. “He will be able to continue his development process as he gains experience and works with our staff.”

— 7:50 p.m.

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Reports: Randle heading to New Orleans

That didn’t take long. Mere hours after the Lakers renounced Julius Randle to pick up Rajon Rondo, the Pelicans returned fire by agreeing to a reported two-year, $18-million deal with Randle.

Per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski:

Free agent Julius Randle has agreed to a two-year, $18M deal with New Orleans, league sources tell ESPN. Player option second year.

Wojnarowski also reported that Pelicans star Anthony Davis was integral in coaxing Randle to the Big Easy.

Randle, an undersized but active power forward at 6-foot-9, averaged a career-high 16.1 points per game with the Lakers last season, his fourth in the NBA.

— 7:30 p.m.

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Reports: Lakers add Rondo, renounce rights to Randle

The Lakers stayed busy on Monday, reportedly agreeing to a deal with point guard Rajon Rondo, according to Yahoo’s Shams Charania.

Sources: Rajon Rondo is signing a one-year, $9M deal with Lakers.

Rondo returned to a high level of play with the New Orleans Pelicans last season with averages of 8.3 points, 8.2 assists and 4.0 rebounds.

To afford Rondo, the Lakers had to renounce the rights to forward Julius Randle, which they did on Monday afternoon, according the ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski:

The Lakers have renounced Julius Randle, making him an unrestricted free agent, league source tells ESPN.

— 5:45 p.m.

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Report: Scott heading to Clippers

Mike Scott, who had a breakout season in playing a key role off of the Washington Wizards’ bench, will join the LA Clippers, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski (via Twitter):

Free agent Mike Scott has agreed to a one-year deal with the Clippers, league sources tell ESPN.

The six-year veteran averaged 8.8 points, shooting 40.5 percent from three-point range in 18.5 minutes during his first season in Washington. The 6-8 forward played his previous five seasons with the Atlanta Hawks.

— 4:55 p.m.

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Report: Calderon making return to Detroit

Free agent point guard Jose Calderon is staying in the Midwest moving on from the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Detroit Pistons, according to ESPN’s Chris Haynes (via Twitter):

Free agent Jose Calderon agrees to a one-year, $2.4 million deal with Detroit, league sources tell ESPN.

— 4:08 p.m.

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Reports: Favors to stay in Utah

Derrick Favors has spent eight seasons with the Jazz, playing a key role in Utah’s playoff runs in 2016-17 and ’17-18. According to reports, the big man will soon make it an even 10 years in Salt Lake City.

ESPN’s Marc Spears, The Salt Lake Tribune‘s Tony Jones and Yahoo Sports’ Shams Charania report (via Twitter) that Favors has agreed to return to the Jazz. Per Charania and Jones, the sides agreed to a two-year deal:

Free agent Derrick Favors has agreed to a two-year, $36M-plus deal with the Utah Jazz, agent Wallace Prather tells Yahoo.

— 3:35 p.m.

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Report: Tolliver going to Minnesota

Anthony Tolliver has agreed to join the Minnesota Timberwolves for a second stint with the franchise, according to Shams Charania of Yahoo! Sports (via Twitter).

Sources: Tolliver’s one-year deal will be in $5-to-$6M range to sign with Minnesota.

The 6-8 forward played 79 games for the Detroit Pistons, where he averaged 8.9 points and shot 43.6 percent from three-point range.

Meanwhile, Minnesota withdrew qualifying offer on Nemanja Bjelica, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski (via Twitter):

Minnesota withdrew qualifying offer on Nemanja Bjelica, who will become an unrestricted free agent, league source tells ESPN.

— 3:34 p.m.

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Reports: Noel to join Oklahoma City Thunder

Free agent Nerlens Noel has agreed to a two-year deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder according to Shams Charania of Yahoo! Sports (via Twitter).

Sources: Nerlens Noel will sign a two-year deal with Oklahoma City, including a player option in Year 2.

The 6-11 center, who played only 30 games with the Dallas Mavericks, averaged 4.4 points, 5.6 rebounds in 15.7 minutes.

— 3:03 p.m.

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Report: Sixers may be interested in Crawford

Few players in the NBA have the track record of scoring in a reserve role that Jamal Crawford has. The 18-year NBA veteran declined his option with the Minnesota Timberwolves weeks ago and is an unrestricted free agent this summer.

Crawford may have a suitor in the Eastern Conference, it seems, according to Keith Pompey of Philly.com (via Twitter):

The #Sixers have expressed some interest in acquiring @JCrossover in free agency, according to sources. Like I tweeted out moments ago, he would a great addition if they’re able to get him.

With around $13M left in cap space, @JCrossover makes a lot of sense for #Sixers in free agency. In addition to helping the bench, the Sixers would get another much-needed shooter & a great leader. Let’s face it, the #Sixers need someone of his caliber after losing Belinelli

The Sixers were not able to reach an agreement on a deal with Marco Belinelli, whom Philadelphia added late last season. Belinelli reportedly reached a deal with the San Antonio Spurs shortly after free agency opened. Crawford has won the Kia Sixth Man Award three times in his career and is the reigning Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year Award winner.

Last season, Crawford averaged 10.3 points and 2.3 assists per game for the Wolves in 80 games — all of which came in a reserve role.

— 2:32 p.m.

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Report: Suns waiving big man Williams

Before free agency got rolling, the Phoenix Suns waived one young player — guard Tyler Ulis (a move that didn’t sit well with budding star guard Devin Booker). After reaching a reported deal with Trevor Ariza in free agency’s opening hours, the Suns have apparently cut another young player.

Scott Bordow of The Arizona Republic reports via Twitter that the Suns are waiving forward/center Alan Williams. A meniscus injury in his right knee limited Williams to just five games last season, but in the 2016-17 season, Williams played 47 games and averaged 7.4 points and 6.2 rebounds per game.

— 1:37 p.m.

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Report: Evans meeting with Lakers

Guard Tyreke Evans had a career resurgence of sorts last season, averaging 19.4 points, 5.1 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game — stats that were among his best since his early career days with the Sacramento Kings.

The former Memphis Grizzlies guard is an unrestricted free agent and has been linked to several teams, per reports. Chris Haynes of ESPN reports (via Twitter) that Evans will meet with the Los Angeles Lakers today:

ESPN Sources: Free agent guard Tyreke Evans meeting with the Lakers today. He met with Oklahoma City last night in Los Angeles.

In addition, Will Guillory of The Times-Picayune reports the New Orleans Pelicans also may have interest in Evans, too. Here’s more from Guillory via Twitter:

Tyreke has also been linked with the Pelicans

— 12:29 p.m.

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Reports: Redick staying with Sixers

As a team on the rise in the Eastern Conference, the Philadelphia 76ers boast impressive youngsters in Ben Simmons, Dario Saric, Joel Embiid and Robert Covington. However, their first reported move of free agency was one to keep one of their veterans — sharp-shooting guard J.J. Redick.

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Redick has agreed to stay with the 76ers on a one-year deal:

Free-agent guard JJ Redick has agreed to stay with the Philadelphia 76ers on a one-year deal that will pay him in the $12-to-$13 million range, league sources tell ESPN.

The 76ers moved quickly to close on Redick’s deal once LeBron James chose the Los Angeles Lakers. Redick will be the Sixers’ starting shooting guard by getting a second consecutive one-year contract.

The deal was also reported via Twitter by Keith Pompey of Philly.com.

Last summer, the Sixers added Redick on a one-year deal as well. He was a valuable piece for Philadelphia as it ended a five-year playoff drought last season. Redick averaged a career-best 17.1 points per game while shooting 42 percent on 3-pointers. His addition helped the Sixers finish 12th in 3-pointers made last season.

— 12:13 p.m.

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Report: Randle awaiting offer from Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers had themselves quite a Sunday, reaching reported agreements on deals with LeBron James, Kentavious Caldwell Pope, JaVale McGee and Lance Stephenson. While those players are all seemingly headed for L.A., one of the Lakers’ key free agents is awaiting a deal from the team.

Forward Julius Randle, a restricted free agent, has yet to receive an offer from the Lakers. But Yahoo Sports’ Shams Charania reports via Twitter that tthe Lakers are hopeful they can keep Randle around.

Sources: Lakers restricted free agent Julius Randle hasn’t yet received an offer from L.A., but has excitement for arrival of LeBron James. Randle’s representatives and the Lakers are expected to speak Monday, hopeful of potential offer to retain him.

Randle is still just 23 years old and developed into a pretty efficient scorer in the final year of his rookie deal. Among 126 players with at least 500 field goal attempts in each of the last two seasons, he saw the fifth biggest increase in true shooting percentage (from 54 percent to 61 percent).

— 11:45 a.m.

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Reports: Jazz await Favors’ decision

The Utah Jazz have reportedly met with power forward Derrick Favors to try and keep him in town. Now, they await his decision.

Favors has spent eight seasons with the Jazz, playing a key role in Utah’s playoff runs in 2016-17 and ’17-18. He averaged 12.3 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game last season, all improvements for him after his production dipped slightly in ’16-17.

The Deseret News‘ Eric Woodyard reports the Jazz are now waiting to see what Favors will decide as an unrestricted free agent.

Reports of Jazz brass meeting with Favors in Atlanta for three hours on Sunday has surfaced, and he is expected to make a decision today.

“3 hrs,” Favors tweeted at 11:06 p.m. on July 1.

Favors has spent the past seven-plus seasons in Utah and has a great rapport with his teammates and the area.

— 10:51 a.m.

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James to wear No. 23 next?

Don’t expect to hear much, if anything, from LeBron James until sometime at the end of this month. That’s the word from those in the know after James’ agent announced yesterday that his client agreed to a deal with the Los Angeles Lakers. Many will wonder between now and then how James and his new team will fit together and so forth on the court.

There’s also the question of which jersey number James might wear next season. He wore No. 23 in his two stints with the Cleveland Cavaliers (2004-10 and 2015-present) and wore No. 6 during his Miami Heat days (2011-14). ESPN’s Darren Rovell did some sleuthing around the Fanatics.com web site and found James may likely wear No. 23 come 2018-19 in Los Angeles.

Here’s what Rovell reports (via Twitter):

JUST IN: Once deal goes through, LeBron will be #23 on Lakers. Fanatics has changed number from placeholder of #00 to #23 on jersey preorders.

— 10:35 a.m.

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Sefolosha says he’s staying put

Last season, the Utah Jazz emerged as the season wore on, amassing an 18-6 record after the All-Star break and upsetting the star-laden Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the playoffs. The Jazz did all this without defensive swingman Thabo Sefolosha, who was lost for the season in mid-January to knee surgery.

Sefolosha had a non-guaranteed contract for 2018-19, but it appears the Jazz are bringing him back for another run at things. Tony Jones of The Salt Lake Tribune reports via Twitter that Sefolosha was not waived yesterday, thus guaranteeing his deal:

The Utah Jazz will not waive forward Thabo Sefolosha, guaranteeing his contract for next season, League Sources tell The Salt Lake Tribune

Sefolosha took to Twitter shortly thereafter himself to celebrate the news:

Glad to b back with the @utahjazz for next season ! Let’s make it memorable TakeNote

— 10:10 a.m.

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Details emerge in LeBron’s reported move West

The Los Angeles Lakers, as of last night, have reason to be excited about their future. Reaching a reported four-year deal with LeBron James — the news of which broke via Twitter by James’ management agency — will do that for a franchise.

Unlike his two previous forays in free agency, James did not drag out his decision and made the announcement less than 24 hours after NBA free agency opened. But how exactly did the Lakers go from contender for James’ services to agreeing to a deal with him?

The Los Angeles Times‘ Tania Ganguli and Broderick Turner report on how a Saturday meeting between James and Lakers president of basketball operations Magic Johnson helped James make his reported choice.

That conversation between Johnson and James were key in this decision James made. But so, too, were ones James had with those close to him, reports Lee Jenkins of Sports Illustrated.

— 9:25 a.m.

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Report: Suns, Booker to talk extension

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker has emerged as one of the top young players in the over his NBA three seasons. In 2017-18, he led the Suns in scoring (24.9 points per game) and was among the league-leaders in 3-pointers made and 3-point percentage. Those kinds of stats and development make him a player Phoenix wants to build around.

As such, the Suns are reportedly talking with his agent about a rookie extension, reports ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski (via Twitter):

Sources: Suns owner Robert Sarver and GM Ryan McDonough are meeting with star guard Devin Booker and his agent Leon Rose to present the framework of his rookie extension contract offer on Tuesday in Los Angeles. Booker is a strong candidate for a max deal.

The Suns were active on the first day of free agency, reaching a reported agreement with former Houston Rockets forward Trevor Ariza. Phoenix also boasts the No. 1 pick in the 2018 Draft, Deandre Ayton, as part of a burgeoning young core it is building around.

— 8:38 a.m.

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Crawford, Bradley may be on Warriors’ radar

The Golden State Warriors, like the rest of the NBA world, watched as unrestricted free agent LeBron James reportedly reached a deal to join the Los Angeles Lakers. In addition to that, the defending-champion Warriors also saw their own free-agent big man, JaVale McGee, reportedly head to the Lakers, too.

While McGee’s departure isn’t a back-breaker for the Warriors, that and the Lakers’ restocking has Golden State aware it can’t simply stand pat in the Western Conference. According to Mark Medina of The Mercury News, the Warriors may have their eye on a couple of veterans in the free-agent pool:

Can the Warriors find more upgrades elsewhere?

They remain interested in acquiring Los Angeles Clippers guard Avery Bradley, who could help the team’s wing needs with his perimeter defense and offensive aggressiveness. Though he played only a combined 46 games last season with Detroit and the Clippers because of a sports hernia injury, the 27-year-old Bradley is believed to have recovered from the ailment. The Warriors also would like to acquire Memphis shooting guard Tyreke Evans after he averaged 19.2 points on 45.2 percent shooting. 5.1 rebounds and 5.2 assists last season.

As for the veteran’s minimum possibilities, the Warriors consider veteran forward Jamal Crawford as the most coveted. Crawford will entertain offers and see how those compare both with his role and salary, something that may not be clear until clarity emerges on James’ future and if the San Antonio Spurs trade Kawhi Leonard. But the 38-year-old Crawford enjoyed his lone season with the Warriors in 2008-09 and would help the team with dependable secondary scoring and locker room leadership.

— 8:30 a.m.

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