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NBA Free Agency Blog: Tracking the Latest Rumors, Signings

Stay up to date with all of the latest free-agent buzz.
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Well so much for a quiet free agency. 

While Bradley Beal, James Harden and Zach LaVine are expected to return to their incumbent teams, Kevin Durant could soon be on the move. Durant requested a trade from the Nets on Thursday afternoon, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, with Phoenix and Miami listed as his two preferred landing spots. Will Durant have a new home in the coming days? That remains unclear. But as the calendar turns to July, the NBA is once again on center stage. 

NBA Free Agency Tracker 2022: Latest Deals, Trades and News

Stay up to date with all of the latest free-agent rumors and signings below:

Friday, 1:34 a.m. ET — Payton Signs Deal With Portland

Gary Payton II is reportedly finalizing a three-year, $28 million deal to join the Trail Blazers, according to The Athletic's Shams Charania

Payton was a key defender in Golden State’s NBA title run. The veteran guard came back from the elbow fracture he suffered in Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals against Memphis, bringing intensity and valuable minutes off the bench in the NBA Finals. The 29-year-old joins a Portland team built around helping Damian Lillard position the franchise to be contenders again. Payton averaged 7.1 points, 3.5 rebounds 1.4 steals while shooting 61.6% from the floor. – Wilton Jackson

Friday, 12:01 a.m. ET  Morant Signs Extension With Grizzlies

Ja Morant has reportedly agreed to a five-year, $193 million designated rookie maximum extension that could become worth $231 million, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski

When the Grizzlies’ season came to a close after losing to the Warriors in the Western Conference semifinals, Morant knew that Memphis was going to remain his “home”. It was a no-brainer for the Grizzlies to secure its superstar and Morant deserved the extension. After receiving this year’s Most Improved Player award, an All-Star selection and leading Memphis to a franchise-record 56 wins, Morant's stock is still rising and the future in Memphis remains bright. – Wilton Jackson

Friday, 12:00 a.m. ET — Towns Inks Extension With Timberwolves

Karl-Anthony Towns has reportedly agreed to a four-year, $224 million super max extension that will begin in the 2024-25 season, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski

Thursday, 10:11 p.m. ET Drummond Inks Deal With Bulls

Andre Drummond is reportedly finalizing a two-year, $6.6 million deal to join the Bulls, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski

Thursday, 9:01 p.m. ET Wright Inks Deal With Wizards 

Delon Wright has reportedly agreed to a two-year, $16 million deal to sign with the Wizards, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski

Thursday, 8:41 p.m. ET  Anderson Inks Deal With Timberwolves

Kyle Anderson has reportedly agreed to a two-year, $18 million deal to join the Timberwolves, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

Thursday, 8:25 p.m. ET  Harris Signs Extension With Magic 

Gary Harris has reportedly agreed to a two-year, $26 million contract extension with the Magic, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski

Thursday, 8:24 p.m. ET — Knox Inks Deal With Pistons 

Kevin Knox has reportedly agreed to a two-year, $6 million deal with the Pistons, according to The Athletic's Shams Charania

Thursday, 7:59 p.m. ET   Gill Signs Deal With Wizards

Anthony Gill is reportedly signing a two-year deal with the Wizards, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski

Thursday, 7:44 p.m. ET — McGee Inks Deal With Mavericks

JaVale McGee has reportedly agreed to a three-year, $20.1 million deal with the Mavericks that also includes a player option in his third season, per The Athletic's Shams Charania

Thursday, 7:17 p.m. ET — Update on Harden’s New Deal

James Harden and the 76ers are expected to meet this weekend to negotiate his new deal, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

Harden declined his $47.4 million player option for next season with plans to return to Philadelphia. Instead of Harden asking for a max contract, he is expected to re-sign with the 76ers taking less money to give the franchise flexibility in cap space to improve the roster according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania. It appears that decision is already being put into action with PJ Tucker, who is expected to sign a three-year, $33.2 million deal with the team, per Charania. – Wilton Jackson

Thursday, 7:14 p.m. ET  Claxton Secures Deal With Nets

The Nets and Nic Claxton have reportedly agreed to a two-year, $20 million deal, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski

Thursday, 7:03 p.m. ET — Walker IV Inks Deal With Lakers

Lonnie Walker IV is reportedly signing a one-year, $6.5 million deal with the Lakers, according to The Athletic's Shams Charania.

Thursday, 6:57 p.m. ET — Bagley Notches Deal With Pistons

Marvin Bagley has reportedly agreed to a three-year, $37 million deal with the Pistons, according to Yahoo Sports’s Chris Haynes

Thursday, 6:56 p.m. ET — Tate Returns to the Rockets

Jae'Sean Tate and the Rockets have agreed to a three-year, $22.1 million deal according to The Athletic's Shams Charania

Thursday, 6:53 p.m. ET — Mills Remains in Brooklyn 

Patty Mills has reportedly agreed to return to the Nets on a two-year, $14.5 million deal, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski

Thursday, 6:25 p.m. ET — Dedmon Returns to Miami

Dewayne Dedmon has reportedly agreed to a two-year, $9 million deal to return to the Heat, per The Athletic's Shams Charania

Thursday, 6:24 p.m. ET — Reed Returns to Denver

Davon Reed and the Nuggets have agreed to a two-year deal, according to The Athletic's Shams Charania.

Thursday, 6:20 p.m. ET  Dort Remains in Oklahoma City 

Lu Dort has reportedly agreed to a five-year, $87.5 million deal to stay in Oklahoma City, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski

Thursday, 6:18 p.m. ET Boucher Returns to the Raptors

Chris Boucher is reportedly returning to the Raptors on a three-year, 35.25 million deal, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

Thursday, 6:16 p.m. ET Jones Inks Deal With Lakers 

Damian Jones has reportedly agreed to a two-year deal with the Lakers, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski

Thursday, 6:16 p.m. ET Carter Returns to the Bucks

Jevon Carter has reportedly agreed to a two-year deal to return to the Bucks, according to The Athletic's Shams Charania.

Thursday, 6:15 p.m. ET  Coffey Remains With the Clippers

Amir Coffey has reportedly agreed to a three-year, $11 million deal with the Clippers according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski

Thursday, 6:14 p.m. ET Matthews Returns to the Bucks

Wesley Matthews has reportedly agreed to a one-year deal to return to the Bucks, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania

Thursday, 6:13 p.m. ET  Ingles Inks Deal With Bucks

Joe Ingles has reportedly secured a one-year, $6.5 million deal to join the Bucks, according to Yahoo Sports's Chris Haynes

Thursday, 6:11 p.m. ET Jones Returns to the Grizzlies

Tyus Jones is returning to the Grizzlies on a two-year, $30 million deal according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski

Thursday, 6:08 p.m. ET  House Signs Two-Year Deal With 76ers

Danuel House has reportedly agreed to a two-year, $8.5 million deal with the 76ers, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski

Thursday, 6:02 p.m. ET Monk Inks Deal With Kings 

Monk is reportedly signing a two-year, $19 million deal to join the Kings, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania.

Thursday, 6:00 p.m. ET Simons, Trail Blazers Agree to Deal

Anfernee Simons is reportedly signing a four-year, $100 million contract to remain in Portland, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski

Thursday, 6:00 p.m. ET  Tucker Inks Deal With 76ers

PJ Tucker is finalizing a three-year, $33.2 million fully guaranteed deal with with the 76ers, per The Athletic's Shams Charania.

Thursday, 6:00 p.m. ET  Oladipo Returns to Miami

Victor Oladipo is returning to the Heat on a one-year, $11 million deal, per The Athletic’s Shams Charania

Thursday, 6:00 p.m. ET — Portis Returns to Milwaukee 

Bobby Portis is returning to the Bucks on a four-year, $49 million contract, per The Athletic's Shams Charania.  

Thursday, 6:00 p.m. ET — Booker, Beal and Jokic Ink New Deals

Phoenix and Devin Booker are finalizing a four-year, $214 million supermax contact extension that he plans to sign next week, per The Athletic’s Shams Charania.

Bradley Beal and the Wizards reportedly agreed to a five-year, $251 million maximum contract to remain in Washington, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets reportedly agreed to a five-year, $264 million supermax contract extension, the richest deal in NBA history, according to The Athletic's Shams Charania. The two-time NBA MVP will have a player option in his fifth season worth $60 million. Denver also reportedly agreed to a deal with DeAndre Jordan to serve as a back up to Jokic, per Charania.

Thursday, 5:02 p.m. ET — Brunson Plans to Sign With Knicks

Jalen Brunson plans to sign a four-year, $104 million deal with the Knicks that includes a player option in his final season, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

While the Mavericks held Brunson’s bird rights, the franchise did not get the opportunity to counter the Knicks’ offer, per Charania. Miami was linked to Brunson earlier Thursday. However, the Heat were never scheduled to meet with Brunson. As a result, Brunson will be playing games in Madison Square Garden next season. – Wilton Jackson 

Thursday, 4:40 p.m. ET — Teams Inquire About Durant

Kevin Durant is now reportedly available for trade, and he has no shortage of suitors. 

”More than half of the league" has already called Brooklyn about acquiring Durant, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The Suns and Heat have been reported as Durant’s preferred landing spot, but with four years left on his contract, the Nets could likely canvas the entire league for a Durant deal. – Michael Shapiro

Thursday, 4:00 p.m. ET – Lakers in Play for Irving?

Kevin Durant’s trade request will likely also lead to a deal of Kyrie Irving, and one major-market team is in play for Irving’s services. The Lakers are reportedly still looking to pursue a trade for Irving, according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, with Russell Westbrook as a potential piece heading out in a deal. 

We're likely days away from any Durant or Irving deal. For now, let the speculation begin. – Michael Shapiro

Thursday, 3:35 p.m. ET – San Antonio to Waive Gallinari

In a move of slightly less consequence than Kevin Durant’s trade request, the Spurs are expected to waive forward Danilo Gallinari, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Gallinari was dealt to San Antonio in Wednesday’s Dejounte Murray trade, but he will now enter the free-agent market rather than play for Gregg Popovich and Co. Gallinari averaged 11.7 points per game last season, shooting 38.1% from three. – Michael Shapiro

Thursday, 2:55 p.m. ET – Phoenix, Miami Listed as Durant Destinations

Kevin Durant has listed the Suns as his preferred destination after requesting a trade from the Nets, according to Yahoo’s Chris Haynes. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported the Heat are also on Durant’s list of preferred teams. 

Durant has four years left on his contract, and he does not have a no-trade clause. Given the likely need to deal both Durant and Kyrie Irving, we could see Brooklyn’s trade negotiations extend into the days ahead. – Michael Shapiro

Thursday, 2:50 p.m. ET – Durant Requests Trade

The drama in Brooklyn reached a new level Thursday afternoon as Kevin Durant has requested a trade out of Brooklyn, per The Athletic’s Shams Charania

Durant’s request comes three days after Kyrie Irving opted into his player option for the 2022-23 season. Brooklyn was eliminated in the first round of the 2022 playoffs, and rumors quickly began to swirl regarding Irving and Durant’s future with the franchise. Irving reportedly explored sign-and-trade scenarios with various teams before deciding to opt-in, though it’s currently unclear whether Irving or Durant will be in Brooklyn next season. – Michael Shapiro

Thursday, 1:30 p.m. ET – Mavericks’ Have Limit on Brunson Price

Jalen Brunson increasingly appears to be New York bound. The Knicks’ offer for the point guard could exceed $110 million, a price Dallas may not be willing to match, per The Athletic’s Tim Cato

Dallas opted to not offer Brunson a contract extension before last season, a deal that would have paid Brunson $55 million over four years. The Villanova product then responded with a career year as he averaged 16.3 points per game on 37.3% from three. The breakout season is likely to end his Dallas tenure as Madison Square Garden now awaits. – Michael Shapiro

Thursday, 12:45 p.m. ET – Growing Market for Tucker

P.J. Tucker is not expected to return to Miami next season, according to The Athletic’s Alex Schiffer. A number of teams are reportedly expected to compete for Tucker’s services, including Atlanta, Minnesota, Brooklyn, Chicago and Philadelphia. The 76ers have been linked to Tucker in recent weeks, where he could reunite with former Rockets teammate James Harden. 

Thursday, 10 a.m. ET – Suitors Emerging for Bamba?

Mo Bamba could become one of the more intriguing players on the free-agent market after the Magic chose to not tender him the qualifying offer. The 7’0” center has a number of potential suitors, including the Lakers and Raptors, according to Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix– Michael Shapiro

Bamba, 24, has logged an inconsistent four NBA seasons after being selected with the No. 6 pick in the 2018 NBA draft. But there is still some offensive upside evident for Bamba, who shot 38.1% from three last season. – Michael Shapiro

Thursday, 9:30 a.m. ET – ‘Limited’ Market for Ayton

Suns center Deandre Ayton does not have a clear suitor as free agency approaches, according to Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix

The Suns are reportedly expected to match any offer sheet that comes in for Ayton in free agency, though it’s likely that move precipitates a sign-and-trade. Where will Ayton land? That remains a mystery.

“Detroit’s interest cooled after Jalen Duren fell into the Pistons’ lap on draft night and GM Troy Weaver filled most of his free cap space with Knicks castoffs,” Mannix wrote Thursday. “Brooklyn, in need of athleticism in the frontcourt, likes Ayton and could piece together a package headlined by Joe Harris. But Ayton’s options, for now, appear limited.” – Michael Shapiro

Thursday, 9:00 a.m. ET – Walker to Enter Free Agency

Kemba Walker and the Pistons are formalizing a contract buyout Thursday, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Thursday’s buyout comes shortly after Walker was traded to Detroit by the Knicks. 

Walker, 32, is a four-time All-Star, though his production waned last season. He averaged 11.6 points and 3.0 rebounds in 37 appearances, and he has not played in a game since February 2022. Walker is unlikely to be viewed around the league as a viable starting option, though he should find a home as a veteran scorer and creator off the bench. – Michael Shapiro

Wednesday, 5:57 p.m. ET – Mills Becomes Free Agent 

We have yet to see a superstar exodus from Brooklyn, though the Nets will have to replace one member of their backcourt in 2022-23. 

Point guard Patty Mills declined his player option Wednesday evening and will now enter the free-agent market, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Mills should have plenty of suitors, entering his 14th season on the heels of a 40% campaign from beyond the arc. Last year marked his career-high in minutes and games started, and Mills hit a career-best 227 triples. – Michael Shapiro

Wednesday, 5:05 p.m. – Harden Declines Option, Returning to 76ers

The James Harden experiment in Philadelphia will continue in the coming seasons. Harden declined his $47.4 million player option Wednesday, but is expected to return to the 76ers on a multi-year deal, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania. 

Harden’s impending contract could clear the way for a reunion between Harden and a former Rockets teammate. Forward P.J. Tucker is expected to join Philadelphia next season, potentially earning a three-year deal worth $30 million, per the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Keith Pompey. With an improved roster and an offseason of rehab, perhaps we’ll see the All-NBA version of Harden return in 2022–23.– Michael Shapiro

Wednesday, 4:24 p.m. ET – Beal Enters Free Agency

Bradley Beal is now a free agent after declining his $36.4 million option, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Beal can now either return to Washington on a five-year deal, or he can sign with another team for four years.

Beal is arguably the top player on the free-agent market, though it looks unlikely he plays outside of Washington next season. He can sign a five-year deal worth up to $248 million with the Wizards, the same franchise that drafted him in 2012. Beal averaged 23.3 points in 40 games last season, though he scored more than 30 points per game in each of the previous two seasons. A long-term commitment from Beal appears to be Washington’s first step on the path back toward playoff contention. – Michael Shapiro

Wednesday, 4:15 p.m. ET – Hawks Acquire Murray in Major Deal

The Hawks made their first major splash of the offseason Wednesday as they acquired guard Dejounte Murray in a deal with the Spurs, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. San Antonio will receive a 2023 first-round pick via Charlotte in the deal, as well as Atlanta’s 2025 and 2027 first-round picks. 

Read SI’s Rohan Nadkarni for more on the Murray deal. 

Wednesday, 10:15 a.m. ET – Nuggets Land Veteran Wing

The Nuggets took a step to improving their roster around Nikola Jokic early Wednesday morning. Denver acquired veteran wing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in a deal with Washington, adding point guard Ish Smith in the process, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The Wizards will receive guards Will Barton and Monte Morris in the deal. 

Both Barton and Morris earned rotational minutes for Denver last year, though Pope provides a size upgrade on the wing as well as championship experience from his time with the Lakers. Pope finished last season averaging 13.2 points per game on 39% from three. – Michael Shapiro

Wednesday, 7:00 a.m. ET – Looney Expected to Return

The defending champions will return at least one key free agent in 2022-23. The Warriors are expected to bring back center Kevon Looney next season, where he could earn “approximately $10 million over a multi-year deal,” per Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer

While Looney is a near-guarantee to return, the same can’t be said for Golden State guard Gary Payton II. Rival teams could potentially land Payton via the full mid-level exemption, though another year with the Warriors is still very much in play. – Michael Shapiro

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