NBA Free Agency Rumors and Moves
OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 25: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on as he walks off the court against the Golden State Warriors during their NBA basketball game at ORACLE Arena on December 25, 2015 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
It’s the 2nd day of NBA headlines and free agency, and I’m hear to cover it all.
Conley to the Jazz: Mike Conley was traded to the Utah Jazz for Grayson Allen, Kyle Korver and Jae Crowder, the 23rd pick in Thursday’s draft, and a protected 2020 first-round pick. This is a good trade for both teams and Ja Morant will likely fall to the #2 pick, becoming their face of the franchise at the PG position. Conley, now going to Utah, will be their starting PG as Ricky Rubio will go to the bench. The Jazz starting 5 would be Mike Conley, Donovan Mitchell, Joe Ingles, Derrick Favors, Rudy Gobert. Now adding Mike Conley, you get more scoring than Rubio and Conley is a more than capable passer/ball-handler. So all in all, this trade works for both sides.
Khris Middleton: Khris Middleton has declined his deal of $13 million from the Bucks, now making him an unrestricted free agent. Middleton had his best season in the NBA last year, averaging 18.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.3 assists, shooting 44.1% from the field and 37.8% from 3. So after a big year, and understandably so, Middleton will probably look for more money. If the Bucks fail to get him back, that will be a huge blow to their contention hopes.
Capela and the Celtics: The Rockets and Celtics are discussing a trade for star Houston C Clint Capela. After all but losing Al Horford, the Celtics are trying to find the replacement. Clint Capela has been a great around the rim threat and needs a passing guard to help him get lobs and easy touches around the rim. If the Celtics manage to get Capela, that will be a great addition to the losses of Al Horford and probably Kyrie as well.
Barrett 3rd Pick: After all the speculation of RJ Barrett, star player from Duke, was going to the Knicks at Pick 3 was a lock, some rumors came out that the Knicks were really thinking about choosing PG Darius Garland from Vanderbilt. Vanderbilt and the Knicks had a workout and then released a statement that they had a lock on RJ Barrett if he was available once Pick 3 came around.
