NBA Free Agency Archives - New Hip Hop News

Golden State Warriors Consider Adding Blake Griffin

August 25, 2023 by newhiphopnews

As NBA training camps approach, teams are starting to finalize their rosters. That is leading some teams to look at the pool of remaining free agents. For the Warriors, they are looking at veteran center Blake Griffin. The 14-year veteran spent the 2022-23 season with the Celtics, playing in 41 games and starting 16. Once one of the league’s hottest players, Griffin now primarily rides the bench as he eases toward retirement.

However, first reported by Sam Amico of HoopsWire, Griffin may be headed to a Western Conference team for the first time since the Clippers traded him during the 2017/18 season. Griffin is one of several high-profile veterans who has worked out with the team. Reportedly, the Warriors are looking for one last player to roster to help with luxury tax savings. G-League prospects Lester Quinones and Jerome Robinson are also in the running for the final 14th roster spot.

Blake Griffin Could Be In Line For Chris Paul

Blake Griffin is drawing interest from the Warriors, Clippers, Celtics and 76ers, per @AmicoHoops pic.twitter.com/BeqXAk4snU

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 23, 2023

Joining the Warriors would see Griffin reunite with one of his most famous teammates. The Warriors traded for Chris Paul earlier in the offseason, sending Jordan Poole to the Wizards who had traded for Paul in exchange for Bradley Beal. Griffin and Paul played together on the LA Clippers between 2011 and 2017. Griffin, if he does join the Warriors, would likely be expected to play a similar role to the one he held on the Nets and Celtics in previous seasons.

However, the Warriors are not the only team interested in acquiring the six-time All-Star. Amico also reported that the Clippers, Celtics, and Sixers were also monitoring Griffin’s free agency status. The Clippers would be an intriguing move for Griffin, as it would be a reunion with the team that drafted him first overall over a decade ago. With this level of interest, it’s likely that Griffin will be settling in with his new team in the near future. Where would you like to see Griffin play next?

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Knicks News: New York Misses Out On Grant Williams

July 6, 2023 by newhiphopnews

It’s been a fairly quiet offseason for the New York Knicks so far. At the time of writing, all the team has done is sign Donte DiVincenzo (4 years, $50 million) and trade Obi Toppin to the Pacers for a pair of second-round picks. It’s left a lot of fans wondering what exactly the plan is for the team, especially as they try to stay relevant in the Eastern Conference.

Of course, there’s been a lot of speculation about what the Knicks could be up to. Until recently, rumors had persisted about the team making a play for Paul George. However, those have been shut down after sources made it clear that George is looking to commit to the Clippers long-term. Furthermore, the Knicks have been linked to the Raptors’ OG Anunoby. Despite this interest, it is believed that Toronto’s asking price is currently too high for the Knicks to give the move serious consideration. Another player the Knicks were reportedly eyeing was Boston’s Grant Williams. Williams, the 22nd pick in the 2019 draft, has been a role player for the Celtics. He appeared in a career-high 79 games and averaged a career-high 8.1 points last season. However, a move to New York simply wasn’t to be.

Celtics Trade Williams To Dallas

Restricted free agent F Grant Williams is finalizing a four-year, $53 million sign-and-trade agreement to land with the Dallas Mavericks, sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 5, 2023

Per ESPN, Boston executed a three-team sign-and-trade that sent Williams to the Dallas Mavericks. Williams was a restricted free agent, meaning that he could speak with other teams. However, Boston would have the right of first refusal to match any contract offers. Instead, the Celtics opted to sign Williams to a four-year, $53 million contract before shipping him to Dallas. The Celtics received two second-round picks from Dallas as compensation. Furthermore, the Mavs received two second-round picks from the Spurs. The Spurs received veteran Reggie Bullock and the right to swap 2023 picks with Dallas.

While not the biggest trade we’ve seen this offseason, it is certainly impactful for the Knicks. It’s yet another rumor that hasn’t come to fruition. Once again, New York is left out in the cold. Furthermore, their fans grow increasingly anxious about their lack of moves so far. The Knicks were a 47-win fifth-seed last season but they appear to be standing still while the league flows around them. Will that cost them next season? Only time will tell. However, for the moment, the Knicks look like they don’t really know what they are doing to become a true contender. Follow all the latest news about the Knicks and the NBA offseason here at HotNewHipHop.

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Anthony Edwards Agrees To Massive Extension With Timberwolves

July 3, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Anthony Edwards is the latest 2020 NBA Draft pick to sign a large extension. Last week it was reported that LaMelo Ball was signing a five-year extension with the Charlotte Hornets. Now, the number one pick of that draft will be doing the same. Edwards has reportedly signed a five-year deal worth $207 million to keep his talents in Minnesota. The franchise has long believed that Edwards is the key piece to building a potential competitor. The contract extension is just another step in the trust of Edwards and the franchise.

However, the number on the contract might raise a few eyebrows. As Edwards and Ball have shared a friendly rivalry since their draft night. The Minnesota star was very vocal when losing out on the Rookie of the Year Award to Ball a few seasons ago. Now it seems he will also be looking at a smaller extension than Ball. The Hornets guard landed a $260 million deal, whereas Edwards’ is just slightly smaller. While it may not seem like much to those of us that will never see $200 million. Rest assured, players do not forget things like this.

Anthony Edwards Ready To Lead Timberwolves Charge

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – APRIL 23: Anthony Edwards #1 of the Minnesota Timberwolves celebrates after defeating the Denver Nuggets 114-108 in overtime at Target Center on April 23, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The Timberwolves have the pieces to find success. Edwards is paired with another number-one overall pick in Karl-Anthony Towns. However, the team has yet to find any post-season success. Now with Edwards making a higher salary, the pressure is on for this duo to perform together. With rumors that the franchise could be interested in Damian Lillard, this latest contract means Edwards will be staying put. But what could that mean for Towns? Would the Timberwolves be willing to part ways with a former top overall pick?

The Timberwolves are ready to move forward with Edwards at the helm of the ship. However, it feels the team is far from finishing off their roster for next season. The team has holes with Towns’ future in the air and Taurean Prince leaving. However, one of those holes will not be the future of Anthony Edwards. Who do you believe will have the better career between Edwards and Ball? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section. For the latest news in sports, keep it right here with HNHH.

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LeBron James Says Rich Paul Is “H.I.M.” Amid Free Agency Successes

July 1, 2023 by newhiphopnews

The first night of NBA free agency was a good time to be signed with Rich Paul’s Klutch Sports agency. Draymond Green got $100 million and Jerami Grant got $160 million. Meanwhile, Fred VanVleet signed the biggest-ever contract for an undrafted player, getting three years and $130 million from the Houston Rockets. In just a few hours, Paul had netted three of his biggest clients a combined $390 million. Elsewhere, another Paul client, Cam Reddish, joined the Lakers on a two-year deal with an undisclosed salary.

Paul, whose agency also represents the likes of LeBron, AD, and Zach LaVine, has become of the biggest power brokers in the NBA. With so much talent under his label, Paul can cause the rise and fall of basketball empires if he so wishes. But his free agency heroics have led to a shoutout from one of his prominent clients and biggest supporters.

LeBron Shouts Out Rich Paul

A few hours into free agency, LeBron dared anyone to challenge his close friend and agent. “And y’all still wanna question is Rich Paul is the H.I.M. . It says a lot about you if you not feeling us. I told him less is more it’s plenty of us.” Of course, Paul and LeBron are likely going to be the biggest storyline of the 2024 offseason. With LeBron on an option year, his future could very well gine on his son. Per Brian Windhorst, “LeBron is much more concerned about playing with Bronny than winning another ring.” If, as is likely, the Lakers don’t draft Bronny, Paul could be central to moving LeBron out of LA.

However, Paul didn’t engineer the biggest deals of the night. CAA Sports, the prominent legacy agency, landed the first $200 million deal of the night. Tyrese Haliburton re-signed with the Pacers for $260 million over five years. A few minutes, Tandem Sports + Entertainment announced that they had secured the first $200 million deal in Grizzlies history for their client, Desmond Bane. Despite this, Paul and Klutch Sports are absolutely leading the way in terms of cumulative success after night one. Follow all the latest sports news here at HotNewHipHop.

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Massive Deals Headline Start Of NBA Free Agency

July 1, 2023 by newhiphopnews

After weeks of speculation and rumor, NBA free agency finally began at 6pm ET on June 30. The free agent list might not have been as star-studded as in recent years. However, there was plenty of talent potentially on the move.

Leading the pack were the likes of Draymond Green and Kyrie Irving. Green had declined his player option with the Warriors while Irving had declined to sign an extension in Dallas. Furthermore, Irving’s story was especially interesting. He went from being unwanted by most of the league to having six meetings scheduled for the start of free agency.

It didn’t take long for the reports to start flying in after free agency officially opened. While many of the deals were ones that the rumor had expected, there were certainly a few surprises to keep the night fresh. Let’s take a look at everything that happened in the first ~12 hours of free agency.

Massive Deals For Green, Irving, VanVleet

Draymond Green indeed returned to the Warriors, netting a four-year, $100 million deal to run it back with The Splash Brothers. While some wild rumors had emerged about Green, no one really expected him to sign anywhere other than Golden State. However, getting his signature means the Warriors will stay in title contention this season.

Meanwhile, Kyrie Irving did end up re-signing with the Mavericks on a three-year, $126 million deal. It’s unclear what the full story with Irving is, whether he did in fact meet with six teams or was simply trying to squeeze a better offer out of the Mavericks. Regardless, the veteran will remain in Dallas for the foreseeable future.

Elsewhere, Fred VanVleet signed the biggest-ever contract for an undrafted player. After rumors placed the deal at two years and $83 million, VanVleet’s Rockets contract is a three-year, $130 million behemoth.

Other Stars Land Mammoth Re-Signings In NBA Free Agency

Massive deals were the commodity of the day, with a number of other players landing major contracts with their current teams. Kyle Kuzma returned to the Wizards for four years and $102 million. He is expected to player a major role in the Wizards’ rebuild.

<a href= — BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MARCH 24: Tyrese Haliburton #0 of the Indiana Pacers dribbles the ball against the Boston Celtics during the first quarter at the TD Garden on March 24, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)

But as June 30 became July 1, there were a number of massive re-signings. A little after midnight, the Pacers gave Tyrese Haliburton a max contract extension – five years and worth up to $260 million. Earlier in the day, the Pacers had added former Nugget Bruce Brown on a two-year, $45 million deal.

Just minutes after the Haliburton deal was announced, Desmond Bane re-signed with Memphis for five years and $207 million. Furthermore, it is the first-ever $200 million contract given out by the Grizzlies.

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Nuggets, Mavericks, And Lakers All Pursuing Bruce Brown

June 29, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Bruce Brown had a career year during the 2022-23 season. He appeared in 80 games and broke double-digits in points per game for the first time since being drafted in 2018. Furthermore, he was a key piece off the bench for the Nuggets during the playoffs, as they cruised to the NBA title. Brown had 11.5 points per game, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.4 assists during the regular season. The Nuggets represent the third team of Brown’s career. He was drafted by the Pistons, spent time in Brooklyn in the 2021-22 season before finding his way to Denver.

However, financial constraints in Denver meant that they were unable to pursue an extension with Brown before free agency, which begins on June 30. Meanwhile, Brown’s 2022-23 numbers have started to attract a number of big-name suitors once the signing period officially begins. As things stand, three teams are currently in the race for Brown.

Bruce Brown’s Free Agency Suitors Revealed

Sources: Bruce Brown intends to meet with the Mavs soon after the opening of free agency. Brown is expected to have several suitors and has not ruled out a return to Denver despite the financial constraints. His market is $12.4M midlevel but Nuggets are limited to $7.8M.

— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) June 29, 2023

Brown’s first suitor is a return to the Denver Nuggets. On the one hand, it’s the place where Brown has found the most success in his career so far. However, the Nuggets would be about to offer him $7.8 million, which is about $5 million less than his perceived market value. Meanwhile, the Lakers are “increasingly confident” that they would be able to acquire Brown’s services. However, the Lakers would either need to cut players or lowball Brown to acquire his services.

That just leaves his newest suitor – Dallas. With Kyrie Irving’s future uncertain, the Mavericks have money to spend and a need for depth. Per Tim McMahon of ESPN, Brown is expected to meet with Dallas in the first days of free agency. While most Mavericks rumors are connecting them to bigs, Brown is definitely a cheaper option to better round out the roster. Where do you think Brown will land? Let us know in the comments. Furthermore, follow all the latest NBA news here at HotNewHipHop.

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Draymond Green Likely Returning To Warriors Amid Wild Rumors

June 29, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Draymond Green is set to become a free agent for the first time in his career after declining his player option with the Golden State Warriors. The Warriors are reportedly eager to get him back, which many pundits agree is an absolute necessity for Golden State.

“When the Golden State Warriors have contended, it’s because they have had an elite defense. You lose him, with really no way to replace him, you’re not winning an NBA championship,” JJ Redick said on First Take on June 14. “Without Kevin Durant on the Warriors, LeBron James basically can beat the Warriors any given time when it comes down to that head-to-head matchup with Steph Curry,” Kendrick Perkins argued on June 29.

Green Likely Headed Back To Warriors

“[Steph Curry & Klay Thompson are] my brothers… I’m in touch with them a couple times a week right now just kinda letting them know my mindset, what I’m thinking… just to keep them in the loop.”

Draymond Green on his free agency

(via @PodcastPShow)pic.twitter.com/P6nF7vJt8U

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) June 29, 2023

As things stand, Green is most likely headed back to the Warriors. Speaking on Paul George’s podcast, Green revealed that he’s still in regular contact with his longtime teammates there. “[Steph Curry & Klay Thompson are] my brothers… I’m in touch with them a couple times a week right now just kinda letting them know my mindset, what I’m thinking… just to keep them in the loop.” Furthermore, Curry has previously stated that he would like to keep the Warriors’ big three together for at least one more season.

However, that has not stopped wild rumors from circulating. Green linked up with LeBron in France a few weeks ago. That lead to a bevy of rumors that he was headed to the Lakers. Then Brian Windhorst suggested that the Kings were making cap moves so they could possibly consider someone like Green. Most recently, Green reportedly took a trip to Portland. NBA Twitter lost it, believing that this definitely meant that Green was going to be teaming up with Dame on the Blazers. However, much like with the recent Kyrie Irving twist, Green’s saga isn’t over until he puts pen to paper. Follow all the latest sports news here at HotNewHipHop.

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Kyrie Irving To Take Free Agency Meeting With Phoenix Suns

June 29, 2023 by newhiphopnews

24 hours ago, it appeared as if Kyrie Irving was returning to the Dallas Mavericks. With the market for the veteran reportedly “non-existent”, Woj went on TV to tell the world that Irving and the Mavs were “close” to finalizing a new deal. With money being a non-issue for Dallas, they could lock up Irving for as much as five years and $272.9 million.

But you should never trust anything in the NBA offseason to remain simple. Reports are now emerging that Irving will take a meeting with the Phoenix Suns once free agency officially opens on June 30. Not only does it add a shocking twist to one of the few “sure things” of the offseason, but it also raises a number of questions as to just what the Suns are doing.

Irving To The Suns?

BREAKING: Kyrie Irving will meet with the Phoenix Suns, per @ChrisBHaynes pic.twitter.com/pMfbc2u4E4

— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) June 29, 2023

Per Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report, Kyrie Irving will meet with the Suns in the first days of free agency. Furthermore, the Houston Rockets are also expected to take a meeting with Irving. It’s unclear where all the interest in Irving has suddenly come from, but it appears to be very much real. The Suns have already acquired Bradley Beal this offseason and are evidently looking to build the ultimate championship-hunting superteam. However, the biggest obstacle in signing Irving will be the salary cap. The Suns, with their incredibly bloated roster, are already pushed up against the league’s hard cap.

Despite this meeting, the Mavs are still believed to be the favorite for Irving’s services. As mentioned, they have the salary space to accommodate a max offer for Irving. Furthermore, it is believed that Dallas is eager to lock down Irving in order to utilize him in attracting other free agents. However, the tenacity of Mat Ishiba, and his desire to bring a title to Phoenix, should not be underestimated. This is a developing story and we’ll have any updates here at HotNewHipHop.

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Kyrie Irving Reportedly “Close” To Re-Signing With Dallas Mavericks

June 28, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Kyrie Irving is expected to re-sign with the Dallas Mavericks when free agency opens on June 30. First reported by ESPN‘s Adrian Wojnarowski, Irving can sign for a maximum of 5 years and $272.9 million. Irving had previously expressed excitement at exploring free agency. However, the market for the controversial star was reportedly “non-existent.” Woj reiterated this belief in his reporting. He stated that spots for Irving to land beyond Dallas were “extremely limited, perhaps almost nil.”

Dallas traded for Irving mid-season, hoping to spark a powerhouse pairing between Irving and Luka Dončić. However, the Mavericks limped to the end of the season, earning themselves a tanking penalty for benching the stars in the final game of the season. While Irving did not openly reject a return to Dallas, it’s hard to imagine he’s happy about it being his only way forward.

The Irving-Dončić Experiment Continues

The “full expectation” is Kyrie Irving will re-sign with the Mavericks once free agency begins, per @wojespn:

– Legitimate places Kyrie would even consider leaving Dallas for are “extremely limited, perhaps almost nil.”

– Money aspect won’t be an issue for Irving’s new deal… pic.twitter.com/lmqT8C0cME

— Evan Sidery (@esidery) June 28, 2023

Irving will likely return to the Mavericks on a long-term deal. This allows Dallas to focus on building themselves into a contender. In the draft, they picked up Duke center Dereck Lively II, while also dumping the contract of forward Davis Bertrans. Furthermore, in another trade, they picked up center Richaun Holmes and drafted power forward Olivier-Maxence Prosper in a deal with the Kings. At the time of writing, the Mavericks have eight players under contract. Furthermore, the Mavs are one of six teams reportedly enquiring about Toronto’s Pascal Siakam.

In short, re-signing Irving sets the Mavs up with two veteran leaders to mentor a younger squad. With this the team believes can be a contender in the next few years. Whether they contend next year remains to be seen. NBA Draft Room projects them as picking just outside the lottery, suggesting a first-round playoff loss. That would certainly be a step in the right direction. How do you feel about Kyrie returning to the Mavs? Let us know in the comments. Follow all the latest NBA news here at HotNewHipHop.

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Houston Rockets Linked With Massive Contract For Fred VanVleet

June 28, 2023 by newhiphopnews

The Houston Rockets have become the frontrunners to sign Fred VanVleet when free agency opens on June 30. The 29-year-old guard is coming off a down season for the Raptors, where he shot 39.3% and scored 19.3 points per game. It’s the second time in the past three seasons that VanVleet has played at least 50 games and shot below 40%. Subsequently, the Raptors went 41-41 and did not progress past the Play-In Tournament. This led to the firing of head coach Nick Nurse and a rumored rebuild in Toronto.

However, that has not stopped the Rockets from pursuing their chase for the guard. Having picked up one of the Thompson Brothers in the draft, their third top-five pick in the last three years, the Rockets are looking to bring some veteran talent to help lead the team. They have been heavily linked with a reunion with James Harden, but are also eyeing a massive contract for the career Raptor too.

Rockets’ Offer For VanVleet Rumored At $83.6M Over 2 Years

My NBA free agency latest: https://t.co/jLtpyIUFsv

— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 28, 2023

Per Marc Stein, the Rockets reportedly want to snag VanVleet with a 2-year, $83.6 million contract. By comparison, VanVleet made $85 million over four years in his most recent contract with the Raptors. Evidently, the Rockets are hoping that VanVleet’s 2022-23 campaign was merely a blip and that the guard can return to his All-Star form from the season prior. Furthermore, Stein indicates that the Rockets may turn their attention to Boston’s Jaylen Brown if they can’t acquire Harden or VanVleet.

The VanVleet pursuit comes as the Rockets look to turn the corner on their reboot under new head coach Ime Udoka. With the addition of 2023 first-rounder Armen Thompson, the Rockets have a young, strong Big Three. However, the team is very much lacking in the way of meaningful depth and impact veterans. Despite this, the rumored offer is a lock of money to throw at a guy coming off one of the worst years of this career. Furthermore, it was also the most games that VanVleet has started in a season, making it all the more worrying if his numbers persist. What do you think about this rumor? Let us know in the comments. Follow all the latest sports news here at HotNewHipHop.

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