The NBA Draft starts tomorrow night. Lots of breaking news usually comes around this time as there are often draft day trades, as well as the fact that free agency starts just a few days later on June 30th. Nothing too crazy has happened yet but here are a few things that have happened so far this offseason worth mentioning:
Alex Caruso Traded for Josh Giddey
On June 20th, the Chicago Bulls traded away one of the best defensive players in the league, Alex Caruso. In exchange, they received Josh Giddey from the Oklahoma City Thunder, a young player with potential.
This trade was a bit random and many people are saying this was a really bad trade for the Bulls. However, In theory, this could be a good move for both teams. The Bulls get a young player with potential who can help them build for the future, while the Thunder get a veteran whose experience can help one of the youngest teams in the league.
JJ Reddick Hired as Lakers Head Coach
On June 24th, it was announced that JJ Reddick was hired as the Los Angeles Lakers' new head coach. JJ Reddick played in the NBA for 15 seasons and was a broadcaster for ESPN for 3 years. He also had 2 very popular basketball podcasts which he said he will no longer be doing.
Scottie Barnes Extension
Scottie Barnes has agreed to a 5-year extension worth up to $270 million, making him the highest-paid player in Raptors franchise history. He is guaranteed $225 million but will earn more if he makes an All-NBA or All-Defensive team. Barnes made his first all-star appearance last season after winning Rookie of the Year in 2022.
Other Free Agency News:
Malik Monk is signing a 4-year $78 million deal to return to the Sacramento Kings.
OG Anunoby has declined his $19.9 million player option with the Knicks and will enter free agency
Caleb Martin has declined his $7.1 million player option with the Heat and will enter free agency
Additionally, here are some key players who are now free agents and could potentially sign with different teams this offseason:
Lebron James (player option)
Paul George (player option)
Tyrese Maxey (restricted)
Isaiah Hartenstein (unrestricted)
Demar DeRozan (unrestricted)
James Harden (unrestricted)
Klay Thompson (unrestricted)
Terms:
*Player option means the player gets to decide if they want to stay with their current team for another year or enter unrestricted free agency.
*Team option means the team gets to choose if they want to keep the player for another year or not
*Restricted free agency means a player can look to sign with any team but if their current team matches the offer then they keep the player.
*Unrestricted free agency simply means the player is free to sign with whatever team they choose