NBA free agency: Billions spent on day one

The Golden State Warriors aren’t standing still after losing superstar forward Kevin Durant to Brooklyn — acting swiftly and savagely.

What up, Brooklyn. Picture: Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images

• Warriors coldly cut champion
• Jazz rival Nets as day one winners

Live: NBA Free Agency

The Nets and Jazz were the big winners as the NBA’s free agency period opens, while the Knicks whiffed and the 76ers went big.

One of the most anticipated free agency periods in NBA history didn’t let anyone down on day one.

It started with a bang as it became clear the Nets would win the battle of New York for the signatures of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.

But that was just the beginning of a frenetic opening three hours which saw an incredible number of deals signed before the 76ers shocked everyone by trading Jimmy Butler and adding Al Horford.

But even after all that the No. 1 name — Kawhi Leonard, who is arguably the best player in the game given Durant’s Achilles injury — is still up for grabs.

5.50pm

Opening day madness

A grand total of 50 moves took place on the opening day of NBA Free Agency with trades, extensions and players shifting all over the NBA landscape.

The deals amount to more than $3 billion in one of the wildest days that NBA has encountered.

Big name players were taken off the board nice and early, but several key players still remain with none bigger than Finals MVP superstar Kawhi Leonard.

Leonard is one of two Raptors players still up for grabs with Danny Green also on the market with several teams chasing his signature.

Other big names still up for grabs include DeMarcus Cousins, Marcus Morris, Kelly Oubre Jr., Wesley Matthews, Enes Kanter, Willie Cauley-Stein, Elfrid Payton, Jabari Parker, Kevin Looney and Rajon Rondo.

5.20pm

Kings land CoJo

Sacramento have capped off a busy opening day by landing guard Cory Joseph from the Indiana Pacers on a three-year, $37 million deal.

Joseph will play as the backup point guard behind De’Aaron Fox for the Kings.

Free agent guard Cory Joseph has agreed to a three-year, $37 million deal with the Sacramento Kings, league sources tell Yahoo Sports.

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) July 1, 2019

4pm

Knicks continue to splurge

New York refused to offer up the big money for an injured Kevin Durant, but that hasn’t stopped them from signing cheque after cheque on day one.

The latest move sees them bring in Reggie Bullock on a two-year, $21 million deal.

Free agent Reggie Bullock has agreed to two-year, $21M deal to sign with the New York Knicks, agent David Bauman of ISE Basketball tells @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2019

3.20pm

Clippers secure Beverley

One of the league’s best defensive guards has been locked up by the Los Angeles Clippers with Patrick Beverley agreeing to a three-year, $40 million deal. The signing doesn’t hamper the Clippers from attempting to sign Kawhi Leonard.

Free agent guard Patrick Beverley has agreed to a three-year, $40M deal to stay with the Clippers, his agent @KB_Sports tells ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2019

3pm

Hiccup in Butler deal

Jimmy Butler was packing his bags and ready to head on down to South Beach to join the Miami Heat, but now his move hangs in the balance.

A breakdown in communication between the Dallas Mavericks and the Heat has put the move on ice for the time being.

According to reports the Mavericks thought they were getting Kelly Olynyk and Derrick Jones Jr. whereas the Heat thought it was Goran Dragic being shipped.

The onus now falls onto Miami to get the deal done if they’re to acquire Butler for the future.

Hearing that Philadelphia is pushing Miami to find a resolution to this trade issue ASAP because they need to know if they have to re-work other things they have planned. Belief is trade will still get done with 3rd team brought in, but Philly wants it done and done soon.

— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) July 1, 2019

2pm

Warriors coldly cut champion

Warriors star Andre Iguodala has been shipped off to Memphis in a deal that’s cleared the cap space needed by the Western Conference champions to pull off their huge deal with Brooklyn star D’Angelo Russell.

Iguodala said just two weeks ago he was confident of returning with the Warriors next season.

He was wrong.

The veteran guard was traded to the Grizzlies in a salary dump that cuts his $18 million salary from the Warriors’ 2019-2020 cap. The Warriors have had to give up three future first round draft picks to do it.

It was just last week that Iguodala made a series of headlines for comments that former coach turned ESPN analyst Mark Jackson had been “blacklisted” by the league because of his religious views.

Jackson’s religious views fly in the face of openly gay Warriors COO and League Hall of Famer Rick Welts.

Asked if he believed Jackson had been blacklisted by the league, Iguodala had the following to say. “I do,” he said. “Yes. Absolutely.”

Dre went on the Breakfast Club and told where all the bodies were buried, and ended up in Memphis

— Tony Jones (@Tjonesonthenba) July 1, 2019

1.45pm

Warriors respond to KD departure

Golden State has acted swiftly to Kevin Durant’s decision to leave for Brooklyn.

The Warriors have agreed to a sign-and-trade with the Nets that will see All-Star guard D’Angelo Russell head to the Bay.

The arrival of Russell has come at the cost of team favourite Andre Iguodala, who has been sent to Memphis for draft picks.

Golden State is trading Andre Iguodala to the Memphis Grizzlies, league source tells ESPN. Warriors are sending a 2024 protected first-round pick in the 2024 (protected 1-4), 2025 (protected 1) and 2026 unprotected.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2019

Golden State will also sign shooting guard Klay Thompson to a $190 million five-year extension as it shores up its team in the wake of Durant’s exit, but he won’t be available for most of the season after suffering an ACL tear in the NBA Finals.

Klay Thompson returns in early March. Takes 6/7 weeks to get in game shape. Returns for playoffs. I’ll take my chances w Steph, Klay, D’Angelo Russel, Draymond, Looney, Livingston & Quin Cook off the bench plus a great HC. Lotta shooters.

— Colin Cowherd (@ColinCowherd) July 1, 2019

1.30pm

Lopez brothers united by Bucks

After re-signing Brook Lopez when free agency opened, Milwaukee has agreed to a deal with his brother Robin.

Free agent center Robin Lopez has reached an agreement with the Milwaukee Bucks, league sources tell Yahoo Sports.

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) July 1, 2019

12.30pm

Jordan joins buddies in Brooklyn

DeAndre Jordan has signed a four-year $40 million deal with the Nets, linking up with generous 2016 Olympics teammates Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.

Free agents Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving are taking less than the max to allow DeAndre Jordan to get the $10M annual salary with Brooklyn, league sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2019

RELATED: Durant paid $465,742 per game ... to watch

12pm

Pelicans filling out nicely

No. 1 pick Zion Williamson appears to be joining a roster capable of challenging for a playoff spot in his rookie season.

The Pelicans have signed veteran shooting guard JJ Redick and are also closing in on Jazz power forward Derrick Favors.

New Orleans is closing in on an agreement with Derrick Favors, sources tell ESPN

— Zach Lowe (@ZachLowe_NBA) July 1, 2019

Adding that duo to Williamson, Jrue Holiday, Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball and Josh Hart is a decent starting point.

11.30am

76ers grab Horford as Butler, Redick depart

The new-look 76ers 👀 pic.twitter.com/QqdFVzfhqO

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 1, 2019

Philadelphia signed Celtics veteran Al Horford after agreeing to a sign-and-trade that sent Jimmy Butler to the Miami Heat.

Five-time All-Star F/C Al Horford has agreed to a four-year, $109M deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, agent Jason Glushon tells ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2019

Miami is finalizing a sign-and-trade with Philadelphia to acquire Jimmy Butler, league sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2019

Sources: Jimmy Butler is signing a four-year, $142M maximum contract with the Miami Heat.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2019

Reports indicate Heat shooting guard Josh Richardson — who averaged 16 points per game last season — is headed to Philly as part of the deal, which also sees Miami duo Kelly Olynyk and Derrick Jones move to Dallas.

Josh Richardson-Simmons-Harris-Horford-Embiid -- gotta step back and digest all this, but that is a monstrously huge potential starting five.

— Zach Lowe (@ZachLowe_NBA) July 1, 2019

It came after JJ Redick traded in Ben Simmons for another celebrated No. 1 draft pick as the shooting guard signed with New Orleans to team up with Zion Williamson and the Pelicans.

Free agent guard JJ Redick has agreed to a two-year, $26.5M deal to join the New Orleans Pelicans, league sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2019

It left plenty of cash for Tobias Harris — and he got paid.

Free agent Tobias Harris plans to sign a five-year, $180M deal to return to Philadelphia, his agent and father of Torrel Harris of Unique Sports Management International (https://t.co/gcG6cfC4JG) tells @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2019

“From the trade to the Sixers in February, through the regular season and playoffs and now on to free agency, this contract is a culmination of so much in my life and basketball career,” Harris wrote in an essay published on ESPN.com. “It’s also a new beginning.”

The 76ers also inked Mike Scott to a new deal.

Sources: Free agent Mike Scott has agreed to a two-year, $9.8M deal to return to the Philadelphia 76ers.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2019

Horford aside, it leaves the 76ers with a young core built around Joel Embiid (age 25), Simmons (22), Harris (26) and Richardson (25).

Embiid will benefit from not having to be defended by Horford anymore, but Redick was the team’s best shooter and Butler its best playmaker in the playoffs.

A starting five of:

Ben Simmons: 6'10"
Josh Richardson: 6'6"
Tobias Harris: 6'9"
Al Horford: 6'10"
Joel Embiid: 7'2"

That's monstrous. Richardson career 37% shooter, Harris 36%, Horford 37%

— Kevin Kinkead (@Kevin_Kinkead) July 1, 2019

Simmons has business of his own to attend to, as he looks to secure a contract extension that could top $230 million.

The 76ers have started discussions with agent Rich Paul on a contract extension for All-Star guard Ben Simmons, league sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2019

11am

All Kawhi-et on Leonard front

Kawhi Leonard looks set to make the Raptors, Lakers, Clippers and Knicks wait on his decision.

Kawhi Leonard will not take any meetings with teams today, as he'll ramp up the process over next couple days, league sources tell Yahoo Sports.

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) July 1, 2019

Kawhi is “Lakers to lose,” I’m told. Not done deal yet, but Lakers are his top choice.

— Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) June 30, 2019

Although Lakers fans will be hoping former LeBron James teammate Richard Jefferson knows something.

... @lakers pic.twitter.com/5HdIV7rfaZ

— Richard Jefferson (@Rjeff24) July 1, 2019

10.30am

Knicks’ ‘clown show’ revealed

All season the Knicks were considered a strong contender for Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving — and even Anthony Davis at one stage.

Instead, the first target they landed after sending Kristaps Porzingis to Dallas to help clear $80 million in cap space is … Julius Randle.

Free agent Julius Randle has agreed to a three-year, $63M deal with the New York Knicks, CAA agents Aaron Mintz and Steve Heumann tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2019

That’s no knock on Randle, who averaged 21 points and almost nine rebounds a game in a breakout season with the Pelicans, but it’s not exactly the big name Knicks fans were hoping for.

Julius Randle might as well be Julius Random. Won’t get a phone to ring at MSG.

— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) June 30, 2019

New York also added veteran Taj Gibson to its front court.

Taj Gibson has agreed to a two-year, $20M deal with the Knicks, agent Mark Bartelstein tells ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2019

It’s been reported owner James Dolan baulked at committing fully to Durant after his Achilles injury, but they may also be an attempt to save face after the Warriors superstar joined Kyrie Irving at cross-town rival Brooklyn.

The Knicks and owner Jim Dolan were not prepared to offer Kevin Durant a full max contract due to concerns over his recovery from the Achilles injury, league sources tell me and @wojespn. Knicks officials are in Los Angeles tonight, meeting with free agents such as Julius Randle.

— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) June 30, 2019

ESPN’s Max Kellerman responded to that news with a scathing take. “Dolan trying to make it seem as though HE was the one making the choice,” he tweeted. “No. KD is way too smart to subject himself to Jim Dolan’s clown show. Dolan came begging, KD signed with New York’s #1 basketball team, and now Dolan trying to save face.”

Knicks are furiously working on a sign-and-trade with Warriors for Quinn Cook

— Peter Vecsey (@PeterVecsey1) June 30, 2019

There were some willing to defend New York’s inaction after missing out on Durant.

Knicks are taking a public beating, but I've talked to several rival execs tonight who think the Knicks did the right thing. Kyrie wanted to be a Net. No one has any idea how Durant, at 32, will bounce back. Weak free agency class in 2020. Bad optics. Maybe not a bad decision.

— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) July 1, 2019

Knicks president Steve Mills released a statement, saying: “While we understand that some Knicks fans could be disappointed with tonight’s news, we continue to be upbeat and confident in our plans to rebuild the Knicks to compete for championships in the future, through both the draft and targeted free agents.”

RELATED: How Knicks found out Nets won

The Knicks also saw Mario Hezonja leave for the Trail Blazers.

8.20am

Pacers swap Bogdanovic for Brogdon

Indiana secured a trade for Bucks guard Malcolm Brogdon after losing Bojan Bogdanovic to the Jazz in free agency. The Pacers also signed Jeremy Lamb.

Indiana is trading a first-round and two future second round picks to the Milwaukee for Malcolm Brogdon, league sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2019

Malcolm Brodgon has agreed to a four-year, $85M deal with Indiana, per sources.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2019

Indiana's Bojan Bogdanovic has agreed to a four-year, $73M deal with the Utah Jazz, league sources tells EPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2019

Free agent Jeremy Lamb has agreed to a three-year, $31.5M deal with the Indiana Pacers, league sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2019

Utah, which made a trade for Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley last month, sees Ricky Rubio depart for Phoenix. A five-man line-up of Conley, Donovan Mitchell, Bogdanovic, Joe Ingles and Rudy Gobert could make some noise in the West.

Free agent Ricky Rubio has agreed three-year, $51 million deal with the Phoenix Suns, league sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2019

The Jazz also added Nets big Ed Davis.

Free agent F Ed Davis has agreed to a two-year, $10M with the Utah Jazz, CAA agent Aaron Mintz tells ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2019

8.10am

KD and Kyrie locked in

Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving have confirmed their intent to sign with Brooklyn as the Nets also agreed to a deal with Clippers wing Garrett Temple.

Kevin Durant makes it official: He's a Net

— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 30, 2019

Sources: Kyrie Irving has agreed to a four-year, $142M deal with Brooklyn. Fourth-year player option.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2019

Garrett Temple has agreed to a two-year, $10M deal with Brooklyn, agent Mark Bartelstein tells ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2019

8.09am

Bucks hang on to bigs

Milwaukee looks to be keeping everyone but Malcolm Brogdon, while also looking to unite the Lopez brothers.

Once free agency opens at 6 PM ET, Brook Lopez is planning to sign a four-year, $52M deal to stay with the Milwaukee Bucks, league sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2019

Once free agency opens at 6 PM, All-Star Khris Middleton plans to return to the Milwaukee Bucks on a five-year, $178M contract, league sources tell ESPN. The deal is expected to include a player option on final year.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2019

Free agent guard George Hill has agreed to a three-year, $29M deal to return to Milwaukee, league sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2019

Sources: The Bucks are expressing strong interest in free-agent center Robin Lopez to join his brother Brook in Milwaukee.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2019

8.08am

Kemba walks to Boston

Kemba Walker has agreed to sign a four-year, $141M maximum contract to join the Boston Celtics, per @wojespn. pic.twitter.com/w2QEjc7pvS

— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) June 30, 2019

8.07am

Lillard, Porzingis, Vucevic sign big deals

Damian Lillard, Kristaps Porzingis, Nikola Vucevic and Rodney Hood were among the more notable players who agreed to new deals with their current teams.

Blazers and Damian Lillard got their four-year, $194 million extension done right after the playoffs ended, per source familiar with the deal.

— Jared Weiss (@JaredWeissNBA) June 30, 2019

Per source, Kristaps Porzingis' five-year, $158 max deal with the Mavs is fully guaranteed. Dallas did not push for any injury protection or minutes/game clauses for Porzingis, who missed all of last season while rehabbing from a torn ACL.

— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) June 30, 2019

Orlando and Nikola Vucevic, as first reported Friday by @NYTSports, have reached agreement on a four-year deal worth an estimated $100 million, league sources say

— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 30, 2019

Let’s keep this thing going Orlando!!!

— Nikola Vucevic (@NikolaVucevic) June 30, 2019

Free agent F Rodney Hood has agreed to a two-year, $16M deal to return to the Portland Trail Blazers, CAA agents Ty Sullivan and Austin Brown tell ESPN. Deal includes a player option.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2019

8.06am

Contracts going right and left

There were plenty of non-superstars getting paid too.

Thomas Bryant, Trevor Ariza, Terrence Ross, Al-Farouq Aminu, Danuel House, Nerlens Noel, DeMarre Carroll and European forward Nicolo Melli were all scooped up as free agency opened.

Thomas Bryant has agreed to a three-year, $25M deal to return to the Washington Wizards, agent Todd Ramasar (@tramasar) tells ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2019

Free agent Trevor Ariza has agreed to a two-year, $25M deal with the Sacramento Kings, league sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2019

Free agent Terrence Ross has agreed to a four-year, $54M deal to return to the Orlando Magic, CAA agent Aaron Mintz tells ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2019

EuroLeague power forward Nicolo Melli has agreed to a two-year, $8M deal with the New Orleans Pelicans, agent Sam Goldfeder of Excel Sports tells ESPN. https://t.co/xCELXy6tu7

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2019

Free agent Al-Farouq Aminu has agreed to a three-year, $29M deal with the Orlando Magic, league sources tell ESPN. Player option on third year.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2019

Danuel House has agreed to a three-year, $11.1M deal to return to the Houston Rockets, league source tells ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2019

Nerlens Noel has agreed to a deal to return to the Thunder, league source tells ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2019

Carroll is signing a two-year, $13M deal with the Spurs, league sources said. https://t.co/a6rsjrXKgy

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2019

Free agent F/C Mike Muscala has agreed to a deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder, agent Sean Kennedy of Excel Sports tells ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2019

8.05am

Brother Jonas stays with Grizz

Centre Jonas Valanciunas has recommitted to Memphis, signing a three-year deal, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports.

The 27-year-old enjoyed a strong finish to the season with the Grizzlies after being traded from Toronto and is set to keep his talents in Tennessee.

8am

Pistons pick a Rose

Free agent guard Derrick Rose has agreed to a two-year, $15M deal to join the Detroit Pistons, league sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2019

7.15am

Still Gay time in San Antonio

Free agent Rudy Gay plans to sign a two-year, $32M deal to return to the San Antonio Spurs, league sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2019

7.10am

Jordan’s Kemba replacement is Rozier

Free agent guard Terry Rozier plans to agree to a three-year, $58M contract with the Charlotte Hornets via sign-and-trade, league sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2019

Originally published as NBA free agency: Billions spent on day one