The 2021 NBA Free Agency signing period began tonight at 6:00pm and wow did things move fast. Here are the highlights.
The grandaddy of all of the 2021 NBA free agency deals is of course the Los Angeles Lakers getting Russell Westbrook and 2 future picks for Montrezl Harrell, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Kyle Kuzma, and the Lakers’ No. 22 pick in last week’s 2021 NBA draft, which Washington traded again to the Pacers to get Aaron Holiday.
Kyle Lowry to the Miami Heat in a 3-year sign and trade with the Toronto Raptors for Precious Achiuwa and Goran Dragic.
Lonzo Ball to the Chicago Bulls in a sign-and-trade deal with the New Orleans Pelicans for Tomas Satoransky, Garrett Temple and a second-round pick.
Alex Caruso, a Lakers favorite, also signed with Chicago as a free agent, leaving the Los Angeles Lakers.
Two former Lakers are returning, Trevor Ariza and, stunningly, Dwight Howard, making his third round with the team.
Many players decided to stay put with their current teams, including:
Chris Paul – 4 yr deal with the Phoenix Suns, Stef Curry – 4 year deal with the Golden State Warriors, NBA playoff hero Bobby Portis decided to re-sigh with the Bucks, and Jimmy Butler – 4 year deal with the Miami Heat, Mike Conley Jr – 4 year deal with the Utah Jazz,
These are only some of the opening moves in what looks to be a very active NBA Free agent season.
The New York Knicks managed to keep part of their core by resigning Derrick Rose, Alec Burks, and Nerlens Noel. New York also signed former Celtic Evan Fournier, but key member Reggie Bullock decided to move on to Dallas.
As of this writing, PJ Tucker has agreed to a deal with the Miami Heat, Cody Zeller is moving on from the Charlotte Hornets to the Portland Trailblazers, The Phoenix Suns are expected to sign JaVale McGee.
More to come…
