The benefit on a "star-driven" league is the emphasis for constant update to quench the thirst for what happens to our favorite players and the fans simply absorb as much as they can. Social media, specifically Twitter was simply made for an event like the NBA Free Agency period. Up to the minute reports and rumors flying past your head in seconds as one minute Lebron could be a lock to return to the Heat and 13 minutes later, we could be reading a report of how he'd coexist with Dirk Nowitzki in Dallas. It's truly fascinating and I simply can't get enough. I know alot of you feel the same. Guys like Chris Broussard, Adrian Wojnarowski and David Aldridge gear up all year for this short period of time in July. In a matter of minutes, teams can emerge as frontrunners for the league's biggest superstar and fall out of running just as quick. Although a "major" deal has not been made yet, there are several signings and developments that have caught my eye in the first few days.
Kyle Lowry Re-Signs on the "Cheap"
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| Show me the Money: Lowry takes talents back to Toronto |
Arguably the biggest move that has been made so far is last night's re-signing of guard Kyle Lowry by the Toronto Raptors. Immediately following his departure from the playoffs (Nets), Lowry quickly became the most hotly contested free agent point guard available this year. Early reports, even before the draft had linked Lowry to Miami assuming that the Heat would be able to dangle enough cap room, in addition to the return of the Big Three in front of his face in order to run the show for the "Heatles". Even after the Heat traded up to draft Shabazz "The Bazz" Napier, reports still continued to fly in that Lowry was the top target for Miami. After meeting with Pat Riley and his former team, the Raptors, Lowry announced that his decision would come in the next few days. As promised, the guard announced via Instagram that he had officially inked a 4-year deal for 48 million to remain with the young Raptors team that he led to the playoffs last year.
I put cheap in quotation marks due to the discount that Lowry seemingly gave Toronto when seeking a new deal. After watching his postseason performances and a breakout season, it was sure that Lowry could command a max contract due to him being the best guard on the market. Rather than squeeze out every cent from the front office, Lowry signed a very do-able 48 million dollar deal that has to make the Heat cringe right now. With Lowry's return, the Raptors seem to remain the favorite in the Atlantic Division and can look to rebuild on their overall breakout season that was, ironically, a blocked Lowry layup away from making the second round for the first time in over a decade.
Bradley Re-Ups with Celtics; Rondo's Future Blurry
Kyle Lowry may be the biggest point guard to make a decision in free agency this offseason, he might not be the biggest name switching teams. If Rajon Rondo thought the news about Marcus Smart was promising for Boston's backcourt, then the news about Avery Bradley must have left him befuddled.
Boston's all-star point guard may have actually played his last game in a C's uniform as they dished out nearly 8 million a year to backcourt mate Avery Bradley yesterday. Rumors had swirled about Rondo's potential trade possibilities for months now so it's nothing that he hasn't heard before. However, now he knows that there might be a sense of urgency from the Celtics front office to ship the guard somewhere else. Recently asking for a 100-million dollar extension recently to stay in Beantown, Rondo has continually expressed his desire to remain a Celtic, but with a crowded backcourt being assembled (draft pick of James Young) it may be an opportune time for Boston to swap him for more prized assets.
This isn't a sure thing that Rondo is dealt, but the signing certainly doesn't hurt his chances. Perhaps they keep Rondo for another year and swap him before he hits free-agency next season. It wouldn't hurt to groom Marcus Smart under the wing of Rondo before he departs and with Bradley's health concerns, nothing is secure for the Celtics. Look for constant speculation about Rondo in the upcoming weeks, especially the development of Isaiah Thomas' free agency situation, since his departure could create a glaring need for a point guard on an up-and-coming Sacramento team.
As for Bradley, this is an excellent signing for Danny Ainge and the Celtics to anchor their backcourt, with Rondo or not. Averaging nearly 15 points per game last season, Boston knew that they needed to keep Bradley anyway possible, as he's one of the best perimeter defenders in the league. Even with the injury issues, the Celtics had listed Bradley as their main priority this offseason. Strapped for cap space, Boston may have tossed Bradley a little more than they would have liked but now they can move forward to address Rondo's situation.
The Courting of Carmelo
Teams have begun the quest for Carmelo in the past few days, starting in Chicago. The Bulls rolled out the red carpet for the free-agent power forward as he was greeted with large banners and bus advertisements with Melo in a Bulls uniform surrounded by Larry O'Brien trophies. It didn't stop there of course, as Joakim Noah met with Carmelo to lobby for another superstar for the Windy City. Absent from the courting process, Derrick Rose firmly stated he would not recruit Carmelo to come to the Bulls. Instead, he figured a visual demonstration would serve better, as Rose held a personal workout/showcase to show Melo that he was in fact "healthy" once again. A nice touch from D-Rose and the Bulls since his health could ultimately turn Chicago into an immediate title contender id Melo does happen to land in Chicago.
Personally, I've felt that Chicago has been the right fit for the Bulls for months now and wouldn't be surprised if this is where he winds up. This is going to be an extremely strenuous for all parties involved, which is why team's are stopping at nothing to "woo" Carmelo (Tried to find a clip of Charlie from Always Sunny saying "wooed" to no avail). Anyways, the Bulls team would compliment The Melo Show the best based on the dominant center in Noah and an elite level point guard. Neither of which Melo has ever had (besides Iverson's brief stint in Denver).
Next, Melo pulled the Texas two-step and met with Houston and Dallas yesterday and the Rockets wasted no time in using photoshop to help Melo visualize how he'd look in red and yellow. Not without controversy, Houston used Jeremy Lin's number 7 jersey for the Melo pictures, a subtle slap in the face to Linsanity, who also may be dealt, potentially in a sign & trade back to the Knicks if Melo comes to H-Town. Regardless, with Melo's face plastered all around the Toyota Center, Houston looks to build a super-team with Dwight Howard and James Harden that would also vault the Rockets to title contender in a matter of a pen stroke by one, Carmelo Anthony. Houston has casually been shopping Chandler Parsons to potential suitors to clear space for Melo's possible arrival and could make a huge splash if he is actually dealt.
To conclude the Texas tour, Melo arrived in Dallas to sitdown with Mark Cuban for a traditional approach with a casual business meeting to discuss basketball. Cuban, the savvy businessman didn't need an elaborate Shark Tank pitch to sell Melo, rather using a bare bones conversation about winning and the ability to sign other assets to compliment himself and Dirk. Dallas has seemed to be court every huge free agent hopeful since Lebron's 2010 campaign and has struck out on all their attempts (Dwight Howard, Lebron, Deron Williams). If this pitch finally goes the right way for Dallas, it would vault another team to a legitimate contender role in the Western Conference, as if they needed another. According to sources, Chicago's pitch was significantly longer than the other two. Not saying that means anything at all but just something to mull over.
My prediction remains Melo in Chi-town but this could be a while before any decisions are made. Sit back, relax and let it all unfold NBA fans, it only gets better from here on out. Already hearing rumors about Kobe recruiting Lebron and Melo, so this should just add more proverbial fuel to the fire to last for weeks upon weeks.
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