NBA free agency rundown: Lakers, Hawks make big moves
Not even 24 hours into the 2020 NBA free agency period and we’ve already seen quite the player movement around the league. Two particular teams that have been busy since the start of the 2020 NBA offseason has been the Los Angeles Lakers and Atlanta Hawks.
It started at the 2020 NBA Draft a few days ago and continued into the start of free agency.
We’ve already seen a few big-name free agents come off the board and we will likely see a few more do the same over the next few hours and a couple of days. Let’s take a look at a few of the biggest moves that have taken place thus far.
Miami brings back Goran Dragic and Meyers Leonard
Free agent Goran Dragic has agreed to a two-year, $37.4M deal to re-sign with the Miami Heat, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 20, 2020
In addition to Dragic, the Heat also re-signed Meyers Leonard. They lost Derrick Jones Jr. to the Portland Trail Blazers but that was a move that was widely believed would happen. Miami still has Jae Crowder to focus on, assuming they will look to bring roughly the same core back next season.
They could also be in the market for an outside addition or two, but will most likely come when the crazy free-agency spending is concluded.
The Lakers add Matthews, Harrell
Free agent Montrezl Harrell has agreed to a two-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, agent Rich Paul of @KlutchSports tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 21, 2020
After the Los Angeles Lakers acquired Dennis Schroder on NBA Draft night, they signed Montrezl Harrell (away from the LA Clippers) and then inked Wes Matthews (away from the Milwaukee Bucks). Even with not much wiggle room, you can’t say the Lakers haven’t gotten better this offseason.
It’s actually an amazing job this front office has done after winning a championship.
The Atlanta Hawks spend big
Free agent F Danilo Gallinari is finalizing a three-year, $61.5M contract with the Atlanta Hawks, his agent Michael Tellem of CAA Sports tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 21, 2020
It’s no surprise that the Atlanta Hawks are spending big. With Trae Young, it was widely expected that the Hawks wanted to make a push towards the playoffs sooner rather than later. After they’ve been rumored to possibly trade for a veteran star in the trade market, the Hawks simply just signed one in free agency.
Danilo Gallinari will be a great addition to this young core and will add strong scoring from the wing position.
The Wizards pay Davis Bertans
Free agent forward Davis Bertans has agreed to a 5-year, $80M deal to return to the Washington Wizards, his agent @ArtursKalnitis tells ESPN. Deal includes an ETO after fourth year. One of biggest deals ever for a European-based agent in NBA.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 21, 2020
While the Washington Wizards may have other fires to put out now, they have successfully locked down one of the best shooting bigs in the NBA. Davis Bertans is coming off a breakout season and the Wizards did what they had to do to keep him. Good on them.
Brooklyn Nets pay big for Joe Harris
Free agent guard Joe Harris has agreed to a four-year, $75M deal to return to the Brooklyn Nets, his agent Mark Bartelstein @PrioritySports tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 21, 2020
After paying Joe Harris the big-money contract that he deserved, I guess the Brooklyn Nets now have their third star? A trio of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and Joe Harris might be the best in the league right now.
Jerami Grant gets big money from Detroit
Free agent Jerami Grant has agreed to a three-year, $60 million deal with the Detroit Pistons, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 21, 2020
Deal negotiated by agent Mike Kneisley.
After an impressive showing in the playoffs with the Denver Nuggets, Jerami Grant cashed-in with a big-money, life-changing deal from the Detroit Pistons. He’ll likely get a bigger role in Detroit and will have a chance to truly make the jump to stardom.
New Orleans Pelicans add Steven Adams
Sources: The Steven Adams-to-Pelicans trade includes Denver, which traded a 2023 lottery protected first-round pick for the 24th pick (RJ Hampton) on draft night. That pick is headed to the Thunder -- along with two seconds -- for Adams.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 21, 2020
The New Orleans Pelicans will acquire Steven Adams from the Oklahoma City Thunder via trade in exchange for draft picks. The Pelicans add a true center in Adams and a veteran that could help on and off the floor as Stan Van Gundy helps to develop and lead this young team towards the playoffs.
There will almost certainly be more fireworks to take place on day 2 of NBA Free Agency. We’ll keep you updated with the big moves that take place.