NBA Trades and Free Agents for 2016-17 Season: Gasol to Spurs, Diaw to Jazz, Barnes and Bogut to Mavericks
Now that the Kevin Durant-going-to-Golden State Warriors hoopla has somewhat settled, let's look at the latest developments in NBA free agency for Season 2016-17.
1. Denver Nuggets offer $50M to Dwyane Wade
Several teams are interested in getting Dwyane Wade, but the 34-year old veteran and future hall-of-famer has not made any decision yet about his next move.
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Dwayne Wade will meet with Denver Nuggets representatives in New York, including Michael Malone, coach of the Nuggets, Tim Connelly, general manager, and Josh Kroenke, Nuggets president. The Nuggets have offered Wade a 2-year contract worth an estimated $52 million.
Wade has moved on from discordant talks with the Miami Heat by talking to teams that are interested in his talents. Aside from Denver, Chicago is also knowingly interested in Dwyane Wade. Miami Heat offered Wade a 2-year $40 million contract to stay, but he seems intent on looking for more long-term contracts.
Wade had outstanding stats last season, averaging 19.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. He also led the injury-plagued team to game 7 of the Eastern Conference semi-finals.
2. Spurs Frees Space for Gasol; Sends Diaw to Jazz
The rest of the Western Conference teams try to strengthen their roster in light of the juggernaut transformation of the Warriors.
To free up space for Pau Gasol's 2-year $30 million deal, the San Antonio Spurs have traded Boris Diaz to Utah, getting Olivier Hanlan in return. In a tweet, Boris Diaw says "Spurs' fans, thank you for all your messages. Great years here and a ring! Leaving but San Antonio will always be a special place to me."
3. Former Warriors join Dallas Mavericks
Two former Golden State Warriors, namely, Harrison Barnes and Andrew Bogut, will play for the Dallas Mavericks this season. Free agent Harrison Barnes will get a 4-year, $94 million max deal. This move was made possible by the fact that Kevin Durant is heading to the Warriors.
Harrison Barnes thanked Golden State through Twitter, saying, "I just want to thank the entire Warriors organization, my teammates and coaches for the amazing four year I've had there."
Durant's coming also meant Golden State had to let go of Bogut to free some cap space. Getting Bogut means the Mavericks will have an experienced center with a championship title under his belt.
In addition, the Mavs will get their own Curry in Seth, Stephen's sibling. Seth Curry gets a 2-year $6 million contract to play for Dallas.
4. Warriors get Zaza Pachulia and David West
Zaza Pachulia agrees to a 1-year deal worth $2.9 million to play for the Golden State Warriors this season. Pachulia could have gotten more well-paid contracts to play for other interested teams, but he chose the Warriors over a potential starting role with Durant, Curry, Thompson and Green.
Pachulia was a solid center for the Mavericks last season, averaging 8.6 points, 1.7 assists and 9.4 rebounds per game.
David West agrees to a veteran minimum to play for Golden State. He will make $1.29 million for one year.
Despite the Warrior's small-ball success in recent seasons, they still need a big man in the middle to defend other centers, and while West is not exactly a center, he has the height and strength to provide some defense and scoring in the paint.
