Several NBA teams have been making deals after this year's NBA Draft. As a result, more than a few players are looking to be moved in deals that will cost hundreds of millions of dollars.
Rockets and Nuggets expand
The Houston Rockets are bolstering their ever-expanding team by bringing in experienced players. The latest addition is Jeff Green, who won the 2023 NBA Championship. Houston has secured Green's services for the next two years with a contract worth $16 million.
According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, this deal includes an unprotected salary and a team option for the 2024-25 season, offering the potential to earn up to $1.6 million at any given time. In his previous season, Green averaged 7.8 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 19 games.
The Denver Nuggets allot 5 minutes of playing time for each game. In an unprecedented move, Jerami Grant has joined the Trail Blazers on a lucrative deal worth $160 million over five years. According to Scotto, players have the option to make the final year of the contract optional.
Last season, Grant showed his prowess by averaging an impressive 20.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game, all while playing 35.7 minutes. Next season, with the surprising departure of Damian Lillard, Grant will assume a more prominent position in Portland.
Ben Simmons performed abysmally throughout the 2022-23 season, posting his lowest career scoring output. The highly anticipated No. 1 pick appears to have lost his signature style, though the Nets remain optimistic of witnessing a transformative point guard in him the following year.
Simmons, a renowned three-time NBA All-Star, is dedicating his summer to diligently recovering his physical condition. As a result, he will not participate in the FIBA Basketball World Cup, but will instead channel his energy into carefully honing his skills for the upcoming 2023-24 season.
During the previous season, the Nets witnessed Simmons' impressive performance, recording an average of 6.9 points, 6.3 rebounds and 6.1 assists in a span of 26.3 minutes per game. A restricted free agent, P.J. Washington showed his willingness to accept the Hornets' qualifying offer unless an improved deal can be worked out with the team.
Sean Deveney of Heavy.com reports that the strategy is for the young forward, who is 24, to explore unrestricted free agency next summer. During his time with the Hornets last season, Washington averaged 15.7 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game, playing for 32.6 minutes.
OFFICIAL: Jeff Green is coming back to H-Town 🤘 pic.twitter.com/doo8ecCPkz
- Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) July 7, 2023
Atlanta Hawks on the prowl
In a significant move, the Atlanta Hawks secured the services of All-Star Dejounte Murray with a lucrative contract worth $120 million over four years. This move ensures that the formidable partnership of Trae Young and Murray, both All-Star caliber players, will remain intact for the next four seasons. While this marked a promising start to the offseason, sources suggest that the Hawks are actively pursuing the addition of another prominent player, Pascal Siakam, to further elevate their roster.
Reports suggest that Siakam could potentially be on the market, and it has been confirmed that the Hawks made attempts to enter negotiations for his services not too long ago. It's worth noting that signing Murray to a long-term contract could provide the Hawks with an opportunity to reignite their pursuit of Siakam, as they still possess enough leverage despite parting with a significant portion of their assets to secure Murray from the San Antonio Spurs last year.
The Hawks' acquisition of Siakam would allow them to build a highly skilled roster that could greatly expand their financial flexibility. Given the formidable competition posed by Boston, Miami, Philadelphia, Cleveland and Milwaukee in the Eastern Conference, Atlanta has the potential to become a prominent contender rather than a marginal playoff team.
Although the cost is high, the upcoming increase in the salary cap and the existing contracts of Young and Murray for another four years make it feasible to extend Siakam. In the long run, this extension could be perceived as a fantastic deal.
