NBA free agency madness and how it impacts Australia’s stars

Australian basketball’s biggest names are involved in this year’s NBA free agency period, with some huge ramifications at play for a host of stars.

Jock Landale Patty Mills react against Team United States. Picture: Getty Images

The NBA season feels like it only finished yesterday, with the Greek Freak Giannis Antetokounmpo dropping 50 points to lead the Milwaukee Bucks to the franchise’s first championship in 50 years.

The ink has barely dried on the Bucks’ title in the record books, but the global beast that is the NBA never sleeps.

This particularly comes to the fore through the ever-evolving free agency period, with clubs, players, and agents playing a multimillion-dollar game of chess to decide a franchise’s championship fate.

For Australia’s potential and current NBA stars, this off-season looms as a pivotal period in their futures.

Brooklyn’s Patty Mills hugs new teammate Kevin Durant. Picture: Getty Images

BEN SIMMONS

Australia’s best Ben Simmons remains in limbo, with a host of NBA teams, including Toronto and Portland, expressing interest in the three-time NBA All-Star who seems certain to leave the Philadelphia 76ers.

Only problem, the Sixers reportedly expect at least four future first-round picks and an All-Star level player in a trade for Simmons.

This hefty asking price is making it difficult for Philadelphia to find a suitor for Simmons, who has stopped communicating with 76ers officials.

His agent, Rich Paul, is dealing with negotiations, including Ben’s reported interest in joining Steph Curry and co at the Golden State Warriors.

Although, the Warriors reportedly turned down Philadelphia’s request of Andrew Wiggins, James Wiseman as well as picks No. 7 and No. 14 in this year’s draft for Simmons last week.

PATTY MILLS

Boomers captain Patty Mills has ended his 10-year stint with San Antonio by signing a two-year $16 million deal to join superstars Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving at the Brooklyn Nets.

He goes to the richest team in the NBA and would be expected to contend for this year‘s title.

Mills will provide vital scoring depth off the bench for a star-studded Brooklyn side, but it’s his leadership that will be most crucial according to Boomers legend Andrew Bogut.

“Patty is going to provide a huge bench role for them, but most importantly his role as team psychologist between Kyrie, KD and Harden will be his No.1 strength on that team,” Bogut said on his Instagram video.

“If the Nets can get that big three all on the court, injury-free and in a good mental state, they should walk into a championship.”

JOCK LANDALE

Playing in front of legendary San Antonio and Team USA coach Gregg Popovich in Tokyo has paid off for Boomers big man Jock Landale, who is NBA bound after signing a two-year deal with the Spurs.

Landale’s rise to the NBA is a reward for his standout NBL season with Melbourne United, where he went on to win the championship and was named grand final MVP.

He has also excelled for the Boomers during Australia’s undefeated Tokyo Olympic campaign.

Bogut believes Landale possesses the game and attitude to succeed in the NBA.

“It’s awesome news for Jock, I couldn’t be happier,” Bogut said.

“It is all about timing sometimes and I think there is no better place that he can land than the Spurs.

“He’ll get some minutes there with his work ethic and how hard he plays.”

Landale could have earned more money if he accepted big offer European deals, but sometimes you’ve got to sacrifice to reach the top, as Bogut knows.

“Jock has lost a little bit on money going to the NBA once you factor in tax, but that is a gamble that I think he should take and has taken,” he said.

“He ended up getting a guaranteed deal from the Spurs, which was what he wanted.”

Jock Landale is heading to San Antonio. Picture: Getty Images

DANTE EXUM

Free agent Dante Exum has been strong for Australia during the Olympics, excelling with his athleticism and ability to run the floor from point guard.

His NBA career has been held back by injury in recent years, restricting him to just 41 games in the past three seasons.

However, Exum’s brilliant Boomers form places him in a strong position to pick up another NBA deal despite concerns about his injury-interrupted past.

MATTHEW DELLAVEDOVA

Veteran guard Matthew Dellavedova has signed a three-year deal to return to the NBL with Melbourne United, although he has been given the opportunity to test the NBA free agency before committing to United.

At this point, a return to the world’s best league appears unlikely for Dellavedova.

ARON BAYNES

Boomers big man Aron Baynes faces an uncertain NBA future after being waived by the Toronto Raptors following a frustrating season.

The Raptors signed Baynes to a two-year contract, but after waiving him his contract for the looming season will not be guaranteed.

The proud Queenslander would have been owed over $7 million in the 2021-22 season.

The big man struggled in his single season with Toronto, appearing in 53 games, and averaging 6.1 points, 5.2 rebounds while shooting just 44.1 per cent from the field and 26.2 per cent from range.

Baynes still has plenty left based on his form at the Olympics, and would be a solid signing for any NBA team as a reliable big who can also shoot from range.

CHRIS GOULDING

Melbourne United skipper and sharpshooter Chris Goulding has also impressed NBA scouts, especially during Australia’s pre-Olympic Games.

Goulding shot a remarkable seven of seven from range in an exhibition win over Nigeria with NBA scouts from Golden State, New Orleans and Toronto watching on.

The three-time NBL champion has the ability to pick up an NBA contract as a veteran, but it looks unlikely given he is 32.

Originally published as NBA free agency madness and how it impacts Australia’s stars