DURANT TO BROOKLYN? NBA free agency fever heightens

By: Julian A. de la Peña

AS THE NBA free agency kicks off, some of the biggest names in the league are already off to the trade market.

After the shocking loss of the Golden State Warriors to the Toronto Raptors in the 2018-19 season finals, free agency reports continue to rattle the basketball community.

Warriors’ All Star forward Kevin Durant is planning to sign with the Brooklyn Nets, various reports indicated, even as Kyrie Irving, the All Star guard of the Boston Celtics, has agreed to a 4-year, $141-M contract, league sources told Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.

Another addition to the Nets is prized center DeAndre Jordan.

Meanwhile, D-Angelo Russell of the Brooklyn Nets was acquired by the Golden State Warriors in a sign-and-trade deal worth $117M over 4 years, Wojnarowski reported.

Derrick Rose, a former MVP and Minnesota Timberwolves Point guard, met with the Detroit Pistons and both sides are motivated for a two-year $15-million contract.

Klay Thompson has agreed to sign a five-year, $190 million contract to remain in Golden State, per multiple reports cited by ESPN. Thompson is in a long recovery process for a sustained a torn ACL in his left knee during Game 6 of The Finals.

Kemba Walker, another All Star guard who spent his entire career with the Hornets, plans to be in Boston to finalize formal agreement with Celtics who both to intend to commit to a 4-year $141-M contract, Wojnarowksi reported.

It was also reported that the Warriors would be trading Andre Iguodala to the Memphis Grizzlies, with a protected 2024 first-round pick attached

Nikola Mirotic, a key to the Bucks playoff run plans to return to Europe after five seasons in the NBA and will sign with EuroLeague team Barcelona, according to multiple reports.

Philadelphia 76ers prime shooting guard JJ Redick leaves the Philadelphia 76ers and has agreed to a two-year, $26.5-M to join the Pelicans.

Spanish sensation and Utah Jazz guard Ricky Rubio has agreed to a three-year $51M deal with the Phoenix Suns, sources confirmed to ESPN’s Marc J. Spears.

All Star Center Al Horford of the Boston Celtics signed with the Philadelphia 76ers.

NBA free agency moves and decisions will have to be finalized by July 6. 2019.