NBA Trades and Free Agent Tracker for 2016-17 Season: Ginobili Returns to Spurs, Griffin to Celtics Rumor not True, Marble to Clippers
The 2016 NBA Free Agency is almost nearing its end, but fans will continue to rave about the exceedingly lucrative contracts that some players are surprisingly getting. Players like Matthew Dellavedova, Harrison Barnes, Ryan Anderson and Mike Conley come to mind.
Most NBA stars have already chosen where they will play next season, but some notable free agents remain unsigned. These include Donatas Montejiunas (PF), Dion Waiters (SG), J.R. Smith (SG), Ty Lawson (PG) and NBA Finals MVP LeBron James.
Everyone expects LeBron James and J.R. Smith to re-sign with the 2016 NBA Champions Cleveland Cavaliers. In fact, James told ESPN, "I love it here in Cleveland. I have no intentions of leaving. There are some technicalities to take care of I'll leave up to my agent."
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While we wait for James re-signing with the Cavaliers, let's look at some of the other recent developments in the free agency.
1. Devyn Marble traded to Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers are completing a deal to get Devyn Marble and a 2nd round pick in 2020 from Orlando Magic. In exchange, Magic will get some cash along with C.J. Wilcox.
C.J. Wilcox, a sophomore shooting guard who played 2 seasons with the Clippers, averaged 3.0 points, 0.5 rebounds and 0.4 assists per game last season.
Devyn Marble, a sophomore shooting guard who played 2 seasons with the Magic, averaged 2.1 points, 1.4 rebounds and 0.4 assists per game last season. Both Wilcox and Marble are similar players from a stats perspective.
The Clippers revealed Wilcox will undergo surgery on his broken right hand and will miss a minimum of 4 weeks.
2. Ginobili returns to Spurs
Unsurprisingly, Manu Ginobili returns to the Spurs after becoming a free agent by opting out of his $2.9 million contract last June. Ginobili signs a 1-year, $14 million deal.
Ginobili has played his entire 14-year career with the Spurs, averaging 14.0 points, 3.7 rebounds and 4.0 assists. Last season was his second lowest production stats-wise (the lowest being his rookie year), averaging 9.6 points per game.
A report from the Vertical revealed that the 76ers offered Ginobili a huge contract. This, in turn, forced San Antonio to triple their initial offer to Ginobili.
3. Griffin to Celtics Rumor not True
Clips Nation reports that there are no serious talks about Griffin being traded to Boston Celtics.
Most of these rumors come from assumptions based on the Celtics capacity and perceived need to run after NBA stars. These speculations didn't come from notable and reputable sources, but from small-time bloggers and similar informants.
Aside from Griffin, other stars have been rumored to be traded to the Celtics; Russell Westbrook, Jahlil Okafor, Kevin Love, and Jimmy Butler for example.
To rest this issue, Steve Bulpett of Boston Herald said, "Sources indicate the Celtics are very much open to major moves, but while situations certainly remain fluid and they have expressed interest in Blake Griffin and Russell Westbrook in the past, there have been no discussions regarding those players in quite some time."
4. Other NBA free agency and trade updates
Quincy Acy signs 2-year, veteran's minimum deal to join the Dallas Mavericks. Terrence Jones signs a 1-year deal with the New Orleans Pelicans.
Raymond Felton signs with the Clippers. Warriors re-signs Anderson Varejao for a 1-year deal.
