There were five big names that all NBA fans were waiting to hear about at the start of the NBA free agency period. This morning we learned the decisions of four of those five players, and they weren’t too surprising.
Paul George, who was probably one of the most interesting names to watch out for, decided to re-up with the OKC Thunder, signing a four-year, $137 million deal to remain with the team. In order to do it in style, Russell Westbrook threw a massive “house party” where PG announced his decision to stay with the Thunder.
Next up were Kevin Durant and Chris Paul, who, not surprisingly, re-upped with their current teams as well.
Durant signed a “one-and-one” deal with the Warriors which consists of $30 million for next year and $31.5 million for the option year. This new deal started after the two-time NBA Finals MVP declined his 2018-2019 player option valued at $26.2 million. This new deal could be considered somewhat of a reward for the nine time All Star, who took almost $10 million less in 2017 to re-sign key players Andre Iguodala and Shaun Livingston, which helped the Warriors continue their dominance and add two more trophies to their cabinet case. This past season Durant averaged 26.4 points, 6.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists while shooting 51% from the field, 42% from 3-point land and 89% from the foul line.
Chris Paul, who many felt would have propelled the Rockets into the Finals if he hadn’t gotten hurt in the Western Conference Finals, signed a four year, $160 million max contract to remain in Houston. The nine time All Star will pair with NBA MVP James Harden once again to try and take down the Warriors next season.
Also remaining with their team for big money is Nikola Jokic of the Nuggets, who re-upped for five years, $148 million.
So now that these four have revealed their decisions, we all await word from King James as to what he’ll be doing this coming season. Can the Lakers make a trade for Kawhi and entice James to LA? Does he head to Houston? Rumors are swirling from every direction but at the end of the day, it’s all speculation until LeBron officially announces his move.
