The NBA free agency madness is officially underway. Teams looking to bolster their rosters are frantically trying to secure players who have recently completed the final years of their previous contracts. Several stars like Klay Thompson, Paul George, Jayson Tatum, Tyrese Maxey and James Harden have already made their next moves, while others – like Los Angeles Lakers legend LeBron James – have yet to finalize their decisions.
Here’s what you need to know just one full day into the free agency period.
Klay Thompson, guard/forward, Dallas Mavericks
Thompson reportedly signed a three-year, $50 million contract with the Dallas Mavericks. One of the greatest shooters in NBA history, he played 13 seasons with the Golden State Warriors as a key part of a dynasty that won four titles.
Thompson, a 34-year-old point guard, averaged 17.9 points last season while shooting 38.7% from 3-point range — the second-worst mark of his career. This shows how good a shooter he is. Thompson will join the Dallas team after an NBA Finals appearance behind incredible seasons from Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Will he help them reach the promised land like he did with Steph Curry and Draymond Green? Time will tell.
Paul George, forward, Philadelphia 76ers
George, even at 34 years old, remains one of the NBA’s biggest stars. He averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists in a contest last season for a Clippers team that underperformed after losing in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs. Now he will look to build depth with the 76ers after agreeing to a four-year, $212 million max contract.
He will help form one of the best trios in the league as he joins MVP center Joel Embiid and Maxey, an All-Star guard (more on him in a minute).
The Clippers confirmed he would leave Los Angeles in a statement on Sunday.
“Paul has informed us that he is signing his next contract with another team,” it read. “Paul is a tremendous talent and an elite player. We feel fortunate for the five years we spent with him. During that time, he went to three All Star Games, made the most 3-point shots in franchise history and helped take the team to a place it had never been before. His performances in Games 5 and 6 against Utah in 2021 will not be forgotten by anyone associated with the Clippers.”
Jayson Tatum, forward, Boston Celtics
Tatum was just rewarded for helping lead the Celtics to their first NBA title since 2008. He reportedly agreed to a five-year contract extension worth $314 million, including a player option, to remain with Boston.
Tatum, 25, is one of the NBA’s brightest young stars. He averaged 25 points, 9.7 rebounds and 6.3 assists during the postseason while leading the Celtics to their 18th NBA title. A five-time NBA All-Star, Tatum is part of one of the league’s best duos along with NBA Finals MVP Jaylen Brown.
Tyrese Maxey, guard, Philadelphia 76ers
Maxey, 23, an emerging star at guard in recent seasons in Philadelphia, has reportedly agreed to a five-year maximum contract extension worth $204 million. He averaged 25.9 points and 6.2 assists last year en route to his first All-Star appearance.
The 76ers failed to make it out of the first round of the postseason. They just improved their chances by adding George and locking down Maxey long term.
James Harden, guard, Los Angeles Clippers
Harden, 34, a former NBA MVP and 10-time All-Star, reportedly signed a two-year, $70 million contract to remain in Los Angeles. His stats have declined as he has aged, but he still remains productive with 16.6 points and 8.5 assists per game. With George now in Philadelphia, Harden could be in line for a bounce-back year in 2024-25 as the second scoring option behind Kawhi Leonard.
LeBron James, forward, Los Angeles Lakers
Last week, James opted out of the final year of his Lakers contract to (technically) become a free agent. That being said, no one expects him to leave Los Angeles, especially since the franchise just drafted his son Bronny in the second round of the NBA draft.
LeBron’s agent, Rich Paul, said his client would be open to taking a pay cut to help the team sign other players.
“He is prioritizing an improvement in the squad”, Paulo told ESPN on Saturday. “He has been adamant about making every effort to improve the squad.”
James, who turns 40 in December, still has the stardom in him. He averaged 25.7 points, 8.3 assists and 7.3 rebounds while leading the Lakers to the postseason last year. If Los Angeles can add another strong player or two in free agency, it could do well in JJ Redick’s first season as head coach.
This story originally appeared on NBCNews.com read the full story
