NBA: Day three free agency recap

 

 
Day Three of NBA free agency is in the books and as expected, it was another busy day. Although considered the cream of the crop as far as free agents go, LaMarcus Aldridge has yet to decide his fate. He has narrowed it down to either the Suns or Spurs with a decision expected to come really soon. The top story of the day came from Dallas as the Mavs’ inked up Deandre Jordan to a 4 yr/ $80 million deal. 

Dallas was able to reel Jordan in just the nick of time as Dallas was on the verge of having a devastating free agency period. The team already lost Monta Ellis, Tyson Chandler, and Rajon Rondo. 

As things finally fell in to place for the Mavericks, they also locked up former Blazers Shooting Guard Wesley Matthews to a 4 yr. deal worth about $52 million. This is a major upgrade for Dallas, as they essentially have a younger and more athletic player at the center position and signed a great shooter that can offset the loss of Monta Ellis. Next on their list is finding a point guard to get these two guys the ball.

Rajon Rondo also found a new home on Friday as he signed a one year deal with Sacramento worth around $9.5 million. For Rondo, taking this one year deal could mean he’s out to prove something and that he can still play at an elite level. It doesn’t hurt that the salary cap will be rising, and with a strong season this year he could be in line for a big contract. The kings also inked up Marco Belinelli for 3-yrs/$19 million.

Other notable signings: 

After losing out to Greg Monroe and swinging and missing on LaMarcus Aldridge, the Knicks have agreed to terms with C Robin Lopez for 4-yrs/$54 million. This is a decent consolation prize as Lopez will bring defense and great interior presence the Knicks have been lacking since they traded away Tyson Chandler. The Knicks also signed former no. 2 overall pick in 2011 the NBA Draft Derrick Williams to 2-yrs/$10 million deal.

The Orlando Magic are finally in the news as the team and Tobias Harris agreed to a 4-yr./$64 million deal. Being a very underrated player last year, Harris averaged 17 points with about 6 rebounds a game. 

The Rockets resigned G Corey brewer to 3-yrs/$23 million and G Patrick Beverly to a 4-yr/$23 million deal with $18m of that being guaranteed. That puts Houston in great shape on the defensive side of the ball. 

Going into this weekend, expect more moves to be made as an exciting holiday weekend is on tap for the NBA. Also, the 2015 Orlando Summer league in kicks off on Saturday.