Day 2 of the free agency negotiation period wasn’t nearly as crazy as the first day, when more than 30 free agents quickly agreed to deals with new (or old) teams. But the second day still had some headliners: Klay Thompson, torn ACL and all, announced his return to the Warriors with a viral Instagram post. That one was expected. Less predictable was the complicated four-team trade that will land Jimmy Butler with the Heat and Mo Harkless with the Clippers. The Blazers and 76ers are also involved. Speaking of the Clippers, they’re one of three teams that seemingly still has hopes to sign Kawhi Leonard, who is the one major domino left to fall this offseason. And the Warriors expressed gratitude in a special way for Kevin Durant.
The Splash Brothers are back together (and Klay certainly has a flair for the dramatic announcement).
There was a lot of salary-cap dancing and draft-pick exchanges for this all to work, but the upshot is that Jimmy Butler is a member of the Miami Heat.
ESPN story with @ZachLowe_NBA on completion of a four-team trade that secures Jimmy Butler’s four-year, $142M contract with Miami. https://t.co/EI59g0d3a7
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2019
The Lakers are rumored to be the front-runner for Kawhi Leonard, but there are also reports he’s considering staying with the Raptors or going to the Clippers. His decision will shape the NBA for the next few years.
“The Lakers have been in a holding pattern on Kawhi Leonard…If they don’t get Kawhi, they are going from a 5-star steak dinner, to a couple street cart hot dogs.”@getnickwright on what’s available to the Lakers if Kawhi goes elsewhere pic.twitter.com/b5tAjj58hX
— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) July 2, 2019
A tremendous gesture of respect for Kevin Durant, who played three seasons with Golden State.
Warriors’ Joe Lacob says the franchise will retire Kevin Durant’s No. 35 jersey, in statement thanking Durant.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2019
There were plenty of other mid-level signings Monday, including Isaiah Thomas to the Wizards and Enes Kanter to the Celtics.
Isaiah Thomas is signing a one-year deal with the Wizards, @wojespn reports pic.twitter.com/CXaGu0yXOm
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) July 2, 2019
TOP STORIES
• Klay Thompson uses censored movie clip to express joy at staying with Warriors | SF Gate
• Sources: Heat complete 4-team trade for Butler | ESPN.com
• It Certainly Feels Like Kawhi Leonard Is Coming To The LA Lakers | Forbes
• The Latest: Kanter returning to East with Boston Celtics | Associated Press
