For fans of many NBA teams, July 1 was a highly anticipated day. Why? Because that’s the date the 2016 NBA free agency period started. Starting at midnight on the first day of July, players with expiring contracts were allowed to either sign a contract extension with his team or go play for a different team. Some big names were on the free agency market and the first twenty four hours of the free agency period took many names off the market.
For all you NBA fans, here’s a run-down of the biggest names that reached contract agreements on the first day and some other star players that have yet to sign a contract, as of July 2, 2016 at 12 a.m.
Al Horford
Atlanta’s big man has yet to make a decision. He has interest from multiple teams, including his current Hawks team, the Lakers, the Magic, the Pistons, the Wizards and even the Celtics. With all these offers, Horford may take a little more time to make a decision.
Rajon Rondo
It’s been all quiet on the first day from Sacramento’s sharp shooter. He still has interest in staying with the Kings, but he’s also received attention from the Chicago Bulls.
LeBron James
After leading the Cavs to a stunning NBA Title last month, James opted out of his contract with Cleveland. Many believe he did this to earn more money in the coming years, which is a smart move, considering his talent. Very few believe that he will make a shocking departure from Cleveland (again) and take his talents to another team (probably Miami).
Jeremy Lin
Linsanity has moved! The insanity that was inspired by Jeremy Lin himself has a new home with the Brooklyn Nets.
Dirk Nowitzki
One of the more less mentioned stars from the free agency period has reported interest from 2016 Western Conference Champions, the Golden State Warriors.
Bradley Beal
Beal has decided to stay with the Washington Wizards, agreeing on a five year / $128 Million deal.
Luol Deng
It doesn’t look like the Miami Heat small forward will be staying in South Beach. As the first day comes to a close, he is reported to be fielding offers from multiple teams, including the Miami Heat, Boston Celtics and the Minnesota Timberwolves.
DeMar DeRozan
Despite receiving interest from the 76ers and the Lakers, DeRozan has opted to remain north of the American border with the Toronto Raptors.
Hassan Whiteside
It didn’t take long for Miami’s breakout center to decide to remain with the Heat for the upcoming season. On the first day of the free agency period, Whiteside and the Miami Heat agreed to a four year / $98 million deal.
Chandler Parsons
He received a max offer from the Portland Trailblazers. Yet, that wasn’t enough to bring him to the Pacific Northwest. Instead, he decided to join the Memphis Grizzlies.
Dwight Howard
After a great start in Orlando, he’s played for Los Angeles and Houston. Now, Howard’s on the move again. Shortly before the free agency started, he planned to meet with the Boston Celtics and the Atlanta Hawks. Towards the end of the first free agency day, it was announced he chose to go to Atlanta.
Joakim Noah
After nine years with the Chicago Bulls, Noah has decided to make a change. He has decided to join his former teammate Derrik Rose in New York with the Knicks.
Dwyane Wade
At first, it was almost certain that Wade would remain with the Heat. But, suddenly, things changed. Just before the start of the first free agency day, it was announced that negotiations with the Heat didn’t go as planned and he planned to consider offers from other teams. Possible landing spots for Wade include the Bucks, the Knicks and the Bulls. As of the end of the first free agency deal, Wade has yet to make a decision.
Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant, aka the “Durantula”, is probably one of the most sought after free agents this year. Almost every team in the league has interest in signing Oklahoma City’s star forward. Yet, his primary front runners appear to be the Golden State Warriors, the Los Angeles Clippers, the Boston Celtics and of course the Oklahoma City Thunder. Durant has yet to make a big decision.
