It’s July 1st meaning the start of NBA free agency and there was no shortage of movement as soon as the clock struck 12.00 a.m. So here’s what’s happening so far.
Kyrie Irving agreed to a five-year, $90 million contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Carmelo Anthony is scheduled to meet with the Bulls Tuesday, the Rockets and Mavericks Wednesday, and the Lakers Thursday. The Knicks also hope to meet with him again. He said he wants to make a decision by early next week.
LeBron James currently has no meetings scheduled. He reportedly has asked for a max contract from the Miami Heat.
Pau Gasol has been contacted by the Lakers, Mavericks, Bulls and Warriors. There were previous reports about interest from the Knicks as well although their offer would be less money. Gasol expects to let the Miami and Carmelo Anthony situations play out then see what teams make him offers.
Luol Deng has many suitors including Heat, Hawks, Clippers and Mavericks. Like Gasol he’s waiting for the Carmelo and LeBron situations to play out.
Paul Pierce is wanted back in Brooklyn with the Nets but Doc Rivers and the Clippers are making a big push. Other teams who called Pierce are reportedly Blazers, Grizzlies, Bulls, Mavericks and Rockets.
Kyle Lowry is very much wanted in Toronto as the Raptors are reportedly offering him a deal beginning at $12 million a year. Lowry is also a priority for the Houston Rockets who have a meeting scheduled with him tonight.
Lance Stephenson is being heavily wooed by the Indiana Pacers. The team even rented out a movie theater and showed a movie about his journey to the NBA and the Pacers.
Shaun Livingston got calls from Sacramento, Charlotte, Minnesota, Orlando and San Antonio. Brooklyn is likely to lose him because being so far over the luxury tax line they are limited in what they can offer here.
Chandler Parsons received calls from the Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers, Chicago Bulls and Minnesota Timberwolves. The Rockets want to retain him but are currently in pursuit of Carmelo Anthony.
Trevor Ariza is meeting with Wizards coach Randy Wittman who is very interested in keeping him on the team. He also received calls from the Phoenix Suns, Miami Heat, Dallas Mavericks, Utah Jazz, Cleveland Cavaliers and the Los Angeles Clippers.
– Shaina Auxilly (@Shay_Marie)