NBA Trades and Free Agent Tracker for 2016-17 Season: Westbrook ready for the new Challenge, Abrines to OKC, Brooks to Pacers
It's been 20 days since the 2016 NBA Free Agency officially started. Let's look at the latest updates.
1. Westbrook Ready for the Challenge without Durant
Russell Westbrook was reportedly angry at Kevin Durant's decision to leave OKC, and he is ready to take on the new challenge.
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There are no indications that Westbrook will transfer to another team anytime soon, but according to Anthony Slater of The Oklahoman, the only real assurance that Westbrook will stay with the Thunder long term is if he signs a contract extension.
The Oklahoma City Thunder was so close to being in the 2016 NBA Finals. They were up 3-1 against the Golden State Warriors, and an upset was looming. But last year's champions came back to win the series, eventually losing to the 2016 NBA champs Cleveland Cavaliers.
By signing with the Warriors, Durant basically left OKC to join the team that beat them in the semifinals. Some look at this as a cowardly move, while some say that Durant has every right to go where he wants as a free agent.
2. Alex Abrines signs with OKC
Alex Abrines, a small forward from Spain, has agreed to sign a 3-year $18 million deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Abrines played with Liga ACB of the Euroleague from 2011-2016. Last season, he averaged 9.6 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game. He is also an efficient 3-point shooter; 42 percent last season. He will have to adjust with the farther 3-point line of NBA.
Abrines stands 6'6" tall and can play both the shooting guard and the small forward positions.
Last 2013, OKC used its 32nd pick to draft Abrines. He is great at catching and shooting the ball, much like J.J. Redick. He won the Rising Star trophy in the Euroleague last season, an award which is given to the league's best players 22 years old or younger.
3. Brooks goes to the Pacers
Aaron Brooks signs with the Indiana Pacers with a 1-year, $2.5 million deal. The news was first reported by Shams Charania, who covers the NBA for The Vertical on Yahoo, through a tweet.
Brooks has played in the NBA for 9 years. He has played in 6 different teams, namely, Houston, Phoenix, Toronto, Denver, Sacramento and Chicago.
He played for the Chicago Bulls during his last two seasons, averaging 7.1 points, 1.5 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game. While his stats declined alongside his reduced playing time, the Pacers will get a true point guard in Aaron Brook. He will probably play the backup role with Rodney Stuckey.
4. Other NBA free agency updates
J.R. Smith is looking to get a deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers on the range of $15 million per year. Miles Plumlee agrees to a four-year, $52 million contract with the Milwaukee Bucks. The 76ers report that Jahlil Okafor's knee is completely healed.
