Gordon Hayward secured a massive payday for himself, but the Celtics secured a strong free agent.
Meanwhile, Rajon Rondo is leaving the Lakers and a team with lots of young talent has added the seasoned veterans – but the champions have completed the services of a key piece from last season’s team.
Follow every deal on our Free Agency blog below!
Kayo is the only place to watch every game LIVE for the 2020 WNBL season. New to Kayo? Get your free trial now and start streaming right away>
LA ARMS RACE CONTINUES
The Clippers have tried to respond to the big days of the Lakers’ free agency with a new step of their own.
Ex-Raptor’s tall man Serge Ibaka has signed a two-year deal worth $ 19 million, Woj reports, including a second-year player option.
It comes after the Lakers re-signed Kentavious Caldwell-Pope this morning, as reported byThe athlete Shams Charania.
“Freelance agent Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has agreed to a $ 40 million ($ 55 million) three-year deal with the Lakers,” he tweeted.
“The third year for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and the Lakers comes with a partial warranty, sources say. The deal gives him an average salary of $ 15 million over the next two seasons and a $ 68 million guarantee over five years – and last year’s championship ring soon, ”he added.
Caldwell-Pope perfectly fulfilled his role in the Lakers championship run last season, down 42.1 percent in the first three playoff series.
The Montrezl Harrell signing had some questions about whether KCP would be out of reach for the Lakers, but they were able to close a deal, much to LeBron’s luck.
CELTIC ADDRESS HUGE PROBLEM
The Celtics solved an urgent problem by securing Tristan Thompson from the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Yahoo Sports’ Chris Haynes reports that Thompson has agreed to a two-year contract for $ 19 million.
Thompson’s presence will instantly lift Boston’s forecourt given its strong rim protection.
He had a productive 2019-20 season with career-best averages of 12.0 points, 10.1 rebounds and 2.1 assists.
ESPN Stats added that Boston’s streak of 13 seasons without a player is the longest active drought in the NBA, averaging 10 rebounds per game.
His shooting range is also strong at 39.1 percent from a distance.
Thompson’s departure ends an eight-time stretch with the Cavaliers, where he won a title alongside LeBron James.
MJ’S MISSION TO SIGN THE CELTIC STAR
Former All-Star Gordon Hayward has been one of the biggest names to win in the free agency this off-season, and it seems the Hornets went out of their way to lure him to Charlotte.
ESPN’s Zach Lowe reports that owner Michael Jordan called Hayward last night to close the deal.
And according to Adrian Wojnarowski, that deal is closed and Hayward signs a four-year deal for $ 120 million ($ 164 million).
It’s a huge payday for Hayward, who opted out of a $ 34.1 million ($ 46.7 million) player option with the Celtics for the 2020-21 season.
Given his injury history, this was seen as a risky move given the amount of money being offered at the Celtics.
He suffered an ankle injury five minutes after his last contract with the Celtics and struggled for confidence and form in 2018/19.
He rediscovered some of his best forms last season but sustained a right ankle injury that cost him a place in most playoffs.
Hayward averaged 17.5 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.1 assists.
In order to be able to afford the big step, the Hornets are reportedly trying to stretch the $ 27 million they have left over on Nicolas Batum’s contract.
This allows them to free up enough space in their cap to sign Hayward.
RONDO CONFIRMS LAKERS WERE GOING OUT TO HAWKS
Rajon Rondo’s two-year stint with the Los Angeles Lakers is over.
The security guard confirmed the news in an Instagram post on Saturday and signed a two-year deal for $ 15 million with the Atlanta Hawks The athlete Shams Charania.
“Thank you to the Lakers organization, Jeanie and Rob, for giving me the opportunity to play for an incredible franchise,” said Rondo in his post.
“The professionalism and support from Frank, the trainers and support staff is something I am really grateful for. There is an amazing brotherhood with my boys that only we know. To the fans … Thank you for welcoming me with open arms and showing me love from day one. Being separated from #LakeShow was special and I’m proud that we brought it back to you!
“Well what’s next …”
Well it’s Atlanta.
Rondo had a $ 2.6 million player option in his favor for the 2020-21 season, but opted for the free choice.
Rondo has a lot of experience with six teams since he first started in the league in 2006.
Rondo was great value for the Lakers during the playoffs, but the Lakers added some key pieces to replace him in the off-season, including Dennis Schroder.
CLICK HERE FOR ALL YESTERDAY OFFERS
Follow all free agency news on the live blog below. Can’t you see the blog? Click here.
.
