NBA Free Agency Roundup : The Notable moves

Contributor: Joe Messineo

NBA Free Agency 2016 Summary

With the free agency moratorium in the NBA having come to a close, there are quite a few notable moves to make mention of. Nearly everyone with a pulse knows by now that Kevin Durant is on his way to the Bay Area. What a star studded cast of players that will be come November. As many have mentioned, however, anything short of a run of championship rings will likely paint him in a corner. It sure will be interesting to see how this blockbuster move by the Warriors will pay off chemistry wise, given then fact that they are already coming off a record breaking number of wins. There are some other big free agency signings, however, that will put some other clubs into contention as well.

Eastern Conference

Let’s start with the Eastern Conference, where some big names stayed with their clubs, and others surprisingly left. Many thought that Dewayne Wade would be among the few players in this era to stick their entire career out with one team, but he will not be in a Heat uniform next season. He has signed a two year deal with the Bulls worth $47.5 million. This will be intriguing, as he will be joining another free agent signing in the form of Rajon Rondo. As a 10-year NBA veteran with a ring in his own right, the two will provide the leadership the Bulls need in the wake of losing standout player Joakim Noah. That’s right, Noah is leaving for the New York Knicks, proving that the balance of power in the Eastern Conference just might be shifting.

Those are the big moves, but there are some other notable signings in the Eastern Conference as well. Atlanta tried and failed to land Kevin Durant, so it was critical that they be able to resign Kent Bazemore. They were able to do so, ensuring that his 11.6 points and 5.1 rebounds per game will be in a Hawks for a few more seasons at least. The Orlando Magic was able to re-sign Evan Forunier and the Miami Heat will keep center Hassan Whiteside.

Western Conference

Aside from the Durant move, the Western Conference was a bit quieter this free agency season. The Warriors are understandably a bit strapped for cash, so it should come as no surprise that they allowed the Mavericks to sign Harrison Barnes. Barnes was a highly sought after player and he should immediately strengthen the Mavericks club. The Portland Trailblazers have agreed to terms with former Celtics forward Evan Turner and his 10.5 points and 4.4 assists per game. In a great move for the Lakers, they were able to sign Luol Deng, who is a two-time NBA All State and All Defensive Second team player.

The slow offseason to this point in the Western Conference virtually ensures that it will be a two-team race between the Warriors and Spurs once again. The Eastern Conference, however, appears far more interesting and wide open. Even Brooklyn got in on the action with their landing of Jeremy Lin. It should be an interesting 2016 in the NBA for sure.