NBA Trades and Free Agency News Tracker for 2016-17 Season: Horford to Celtics, Gordon to Rockets and More
As the 2016 NBA Free Agency rolls on, players and teams continue to surprise. Perhaps the biggest free agency news is yet to come, as Kevin Durant still hasn't finalized his decision on whether to stay in Oklahoma City or go to another team.
While waiting for Durant's much-anticipated decision, here are the latest notable free agency moves:
1. Al Horford Signs with Boston Celtics
Get Our Latest News for FREE
Al Horford agreed to a $113 million four-year contract to play for the Celtics. He let basketball fans know about this decision in a Twitter post saying, "Celtic Pride!"
Horford is a veteran NBA player who has played nine years for the Atlanta Hawks. Last season, he scored 15.2 points, made 7.3 rebounds and delivered 3.2 assists per game. He also added the perimeter shot to his game, making 256 three-pointers; remarkable numbers when you consider the fact that he only had 65 three-pointers during his last eight seasons.
"The biggest thing for me is I feel good here," said Horford. "I have a great relationship with coach (referring to Mike Budenholzer). That is important to me. And my teammates."
According to CBS Sports, another reason Horford left is he didn't want to play with Dwight Howard.
2. Dallas Mavericks Agree to Give Max Deal to Harrison Barnes
If Harrison Barnes decides to leave Oklahoma City, Dallas is willing to give him the four-year max contract worth $95 million. Since he is a restricted free agent, the Golden State Warriors can match that offer.
Last season, 24-year-old Barnes averaged 11.7 points and 4.9 rebounds per game on 47 percent shooting. He also shot 38 percent from deep. While those numbers aren't exactly stellar, the Mavs are willing to give him max on the premise that Barnes is a well-rounded player who has yet to reach his full potential.
It is likely, however, that Golden State will match the offer, especially if they can't get Kevin Durant. If Durant comes in, Barnes will have to leave.
3. Eric Gordon Goes to the Houston Rockets
Eric Gordon decided to play for Houston with a four-year contract worth $53 million. With Gordon's addition, the Rockets add another three-point threat after getting Ryan Anderson on a four-year $80 million deal.
These long-range players fit new coach Mike D'Antoni's offensive system. Gordon will also help make plays for James Harden, a plan which both D'Antoni and Gordon discussed before free agency began.
4. Luol Deng Moves to Los Angeles Lakers
Luol Deng agrees to a four-year $72 million deal to play for the Lakers this upcoming season. With this addition, the Lakers have added a veteran player to a team mostly composed of young guns, with Randle, Clarkson and Russell being the core of that team.
Luke Walton, the new Lakers coach, will rely on Deng's veteran company as much as the younger guys. Deng can play starting forward, but in reality, he is a multi-positional player who is both productive and versatile. Granted that he is already past his prime, Deng still posted decent stats last season with the Heat, averaging 12.3 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game.
