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The NBA will officially head into the offseason next week with the opening of free agency on August 2nd. We just went through the 2021 NBA Draft this past Thursday on July 29th, the Detroit Pistons making OK State G Cade Cunningham the latest No. 1 overall pick. So now that teams have added some rookies into the mix, we’ll head into an offseason that is already a bit nutty.
The Los Angeles Lakers wasted no time making a big move, acquiring PG Russell Westbrook from the Washington Wizards for a pretty hefty package featuring Kyle Kuzma, Montrezl Harrell, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and a 2021 first-round pick. Westbrook will join LeBron James and Anthony Davis in hopes of winning his first championship.
On top of Westbrook, we expect the Philadelphia 76ers to move on from PG Ben Simmons at some point before next season. Plenty of teams have been rumored to be interested in the All-Star but a deal has not come to light. The Sixers and Team President Daryl Morey’s asking price is reportedly pretty lucrative. The latest package Philly was trying to land from the Golden State Warriors prior to draft night included Andrew Wiggins, James Wiseman, and four first-round picks. The Sixers may need to lighten up a bit in order to move Simmons.
Update, August 2 — We’re about 8 hours away from the negotiation window opening on free agency! Chances are we’ll get a lot of deals being agreed upon after 6 p.m. ET today. Look out for news on Lowry, who is expected to go to the Heat on a sign-and-trade, per reports.
Another name to keep an eye on early on is Pelicans PF Lonzo Ball. It appears a sign-and-trade could be in the works with the Chicago Bulls being the most talked about team when it comes to Ball. The Pels would be wise to just retain him or match any offer sheet he receives since it looks like Lowry won’t be going to NOLA.
Update, August 1 — On the dawn of free agency starting on Monday, the Miami Heat made a few significant moves on Sunday afternoon. Andre Iguodala will hit the free agent market this week after his team option was declined, per reports. Goran Dragic will remain with the Heat on a $19.4M team option for 2021-22. Miami is also expected to be gunning for PG Kyle Lowry in free agency.
Now Marc Stein is reporting there may be a reunion between Iggy and the Golden State Warriors in the works. Iguodala helped the Dubs win three titles from 2013-19.
The momentum behind an Andre Iguodala return to Golden State is bubbling strong already after Miami declined Iguodala's 2021-22 team option.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) August 1, 2021
As Warriors owner Joe Lacob told @anthonyVslater: "Now we add a few veterans. We’re going to do that. You’ll see in the next few days."
Below, you’ll be able to find every story pertaining to free agency. From contract signings, to RFAs being offer sheeted, to trade rumors and other news during the offseason.