Hiram Moreno
NBA free agency began on June 30, and less than 24 hours later, there have already been some very dazzling movements that we will cover in this batch of NBA News at JefeBet, with some clubs re-signing some of its players for the forthcoming seasons.
We bring you a brief summary of the highlights of what has happened recently in NBA Free Agency, with teams like the Nuggets, Heat, Trail Blazers, Timberwolves, Suns and many more having made moves.
NBA Free Agency: First Day Highlights
Nikola Jokic Finally Signs That Big Contract With Denver
The Denver Nuggets were eager to give Nikola Jokić a well-deserved reward, and Nikola Jokić wanted to continue and show his love for the Denver Nuggets.
What had long been anticipated finally became a reality when the Serbian signed a five-year, $270 million contract with the franchise, which makes him the highest-paid player in the NBA.
The contract includes a player option, and will see the reigning MVP lead the Nuggets’ project for years to come.
Karl-Anthony Towns Commits to T-Wolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves signed center Karl-Anthony Towns to a new four-year, $224 million contract.
Towns had previously signed a five-year, $190 million contract with the franchise in 2018, and his strong effort in the 2021/22 season helped the organization reach the postseason for the first time since 2018.
Washington to Enjoy Bradley Beal for Several Years
Despite the speculation surrounding him, Bradley Beal will stay in Washington after signing a five-year, $251 million contract with the franchise as soon as free agency began.
It is worth remembering that Beal declined to opt in on his previous contract for next season, which would have seen him earn $36.4 million, so the player will surely be happy to have reached this new agreement.
Memphis reward Ja Morant
Young sensation Ja Morant is well rewarded by the Memphis Grizzlies after his breakthrough in the league, with the player and team agreeing to a five-year, $193 million contract.
The player’s salary could be as high as $231 million if he is named to one of the three All-NBA teams in the coming years, which is very plausible given his previous performance.
Knicks Officialize Jalen Brunson’s Arrival
What we all already knew became official after Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks agreed to a four-year, $104 million deal, with the contract including a player option for the fourth year.
Brunson was one of the main faces of the Mavericks last postseason, and now he will be able to share a team with his father, who is an assistant coach with the Knicks.
Suns tie down Devin Booker
The Phoenix Suns continue to strengthen their chances of returning to contention for an NBA Finals berth in the coming seasons after offering Devin Booker a new contract. They signed the player to a four-year, $224 million deal.
However, this new Booker contract does not start until the 2024/25 season, and will net the player a total of $295 million from next season through the following six years.
P.J. Tucker to continue in the NBA with the 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers secured an experienced player on their roster after reaching an agreement with 37-year-old veteran P.J. Tucker, who signed for three years and $33.2 million fully guaranteed.
After declining a player option with the Miami Heat worth $7.4 million, the Hawks, Nets, Bulls, and Timberwolves all shown interest in the player, but Philadelphia was his final destination.
Anfernee Simons to continue to make waves in Portland
Young Anfernee Simons was rewarded after an excellent 2022/23 season with the Portland Trail Blazers, with the team awarding the player a four-year, $100 million contract.
If he keeps up this level, he could be an ideal partner for Damian Lillard, who wants Portland to get back to competing like in years past.
Malik Monk is new Kings player
Malik Monk will stay on the West Coast of the United States, but not with the Lakers, but with the Sacramento Kings, who acquired his services on a two-year, $19 million contract.
Despite arriving as a substitute player, Monk fared well in Los Angeles, even starting a few games, and Sacramento will be hoping he can sustain his previous team’s level.
Bobby Portis remains in Milwaukee
Bobby Portis could spend a few more years in Milwaukee after the Bucks re-signed the player to a four-year, $49 million contract.
The player has spent his last two years with the Bucks providing the team with a good offensive replacement and will continue to be an option for the next few seasons.
JaVale McGee moves to Dallas
JaVale McGee changes states after his stay with the Phoenix Suns and has been signed by the Dallas Mavericks on a three-year, $20.1 million contract.
The final year of this contract contains a player option, which will see McGee return for his 15th NBA season in 2022/23.
Oladipo is not leaving Miami
The Miami Heat show they still believe Victor Oladipo can help the team by signing him to a one-year, $11 million contract as a free agent.
Last season was Oladipo’s second with the organization, and he didn’t make his debut until March, near the end of the regular season. This is due to the player’s continued suffering from several injuries that have prevented him from playing regularly, but Miami will hope that he can contribute in this new opportunity.
Oklahoma retains Luguentz Dort
Lugentz Dort is staying in Oklahoma after the Thunder offered the player a five-year, $87.5 million contract.
Dort had his greatest season in his career last season, and the player has improved his point total each year, something the organization expects that will continue in the following seasons.
