NBA Free agency started with a bang but produced very little Fourth of July fireworks as far as the numerous trade scenarios that are being pondered and the solid list of free agents still available.
The only significant July 4th move was Amir Johnson re-signing with the Philadelphia 76ers. Today, the Sixers signed forward Nemanja Bjelica to the room mid-level exception, per source, providing them with another big man who can spread the floor.
Jake Fischer on Twitter
The Sixers are signing forward Nemanja Bjelica to the room mid-level exception, per source.
It was reported on July 3 that young gunner Devin Booker and the Phoenix Suns were reportedly finalizing a five-year, $158-million max contract extension. Thats big for a young and tanking franchise, looking for a come up to lock down a future superstar and a guy who has scored 70 points in an NBA game.
The major players such as LeBron James (LA Lakers), Kevin Durant (Golden State) and Paul George (OKC Thunder) are off the market, but theres still formidable players left on the market with Clint Capela, Marcus Smart and Zach LaVine being among them.
According to sources, Kawhi Leonard is having a hard time working out his trade departure from the Spurs.
Apparently, The Lakers won’t part with Ingram or Kuzma and reportedly has chilled on a full court press to acquire the 27-year-old two-way superstar. The Celtics won’t give up Brown or Rozier and the 76ers, oddly enough, wont part with Markelle Fultz.
Kurt Helin on Twitter
Report: Markelle Fultz (76ers), Terry Rozier and Jaylen Brown (Celtics) among players ‘off limits’ in Kawhi Leonard trade https://t.co/4kdNIiJcz1
Any team involved in trade discussions with the Spurs seems to be trying to fleece the organization, which is making any deal very difficult. Leonard to LA was supposed to be a done deal by now, but via ESPN Los Angeles: Theyve [Lakers] been willing to offer what they consider to be a fair package but theyve made it very clear to San Antonio that Kyle Kuzma is off limitstheyre not letting go of Kuzma. @stephenasmith on the Lakers not wanting to trade Kuzma
The Clippers are another option, but reports say Leonard has no interested in joining the stepchild organization in the same town as the Hollywood Lakers.
HoopsHype on Twitter
Kawhi Leonard not that into Clippers. https://t.co/R9kQF5mB04 https://t.co/QwSog9LRSH
Adrian Wojnarowski said on The Woj Pod: Ive been told that one of the reasons [Kawhi Leonard] looks at going to the Clippers is a little less motivated [to go to the Clippers] is because initially, the idea of Los Angeles was fine to him he preferred the Lakers but was all right with the Clippers but now that LeBron James is there, the idea of going head-to-head with LeBron to have Kawhi with the Clippers and LeBron with the Lakers, and to maybe feel dwarfed by that Im told thats become far less appealing for him.
This summers free agency of wheeling and dealing is far from over and the moves that are made in these upcoming weeks will still have an impact on how the league shapes out in 2019.
