NBA free agency has slowed down since the start of the month, but there are still plenty of big names on the market as well as recent signings. Here’s a look at recent signings and which players are in limbo.
Kevin Love Signs Extension With Cavs
On Tuesday Kevin Love signed a four-year, $120 million extension to stay with the Cleveland Cavaliers through the 2022-23 campaign.
The five-time All-Star helped the Cavs win the 2016 championship and with the departure of LeBron James, the Cavs moved quickly to secure the services of the 29-year old forward long term.
Moving forward without James will be a tough task, but with a mix of veterans, young players and an All-Star in Love the Cavs will look to push for one of the Eastern Conference’s playoff spots.
Dwyane Wade To China?
According to ESPN, 12-time All-Star Dwyane Wade has been offered a three-year, $25 million contract to play for the Zhejiang Golden Bulls of the Chinese Basketball Association.
The 36-year old three-time NBA champion and 2006 Finals MVP has spent 15 seasons in the NBA, playing 13.5 of those with the Miami Heat. Due to salary cap restrictions, the most Miami can offer Wade is the mid-level exception ($5.6 million).
Despite his status as an NBA all-time great, Wade has deep ties to China, signing a lifetime contract with apparel company Li-Ying earlier this month.
Could Wade follow past NBA stars to China (Stephon Marbury, Carlos Boozer, Tracy McGrady) or will he stay put in the NBA? Or is it even a possibility he retires all together? Either way, Wade is one of the greatest shooting guards in NBA history and a surefire Hall of Famer.
Carmelo To Houston?
After being traded by Oklahoma City to Atlanta and an ensuing buyout likely coming, the Houston Rockets have emerged as the front-runner to sign 10-time All-Star Carmelo Anthony.
After saying he wasn’t going to come off the bench for the Thunder and after a subpar campaign teaming up with Russell Westbrook and Paul George, Oklahoma City began pursuing trade opportunities for Anthony.
If he is bought out, clears waivers and joins Houston, he will be reunited with former Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni, who quit in New York due to problems coaching Anthony. He would join Chris Paul and James Harden as the Rockets pursue a title, but according to Sports Line the Rockets title odds will decrease if they add him.
Vince Carter Signs With Hawks
The NBA’s oldest player will return for a 21st season, as Vince Carter heads to Atlanta on a one-year, $2.4 million deal.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Hawks GM Travis Schlenk wanted Carter’s influence around a young rebuilding roster.
The eight-time All-Star will be joining his eighth team after playing for Sacramento in 2017-18.
Dirk Re-signs With Mavs
It was announced officially this week that Dirk Nowitzki will return to Dallas for a record 21st season with the team, breaking Kobe Bryant’s record for most seasons with one franchise.
The deal is for the upcoming 2018-19 season and will pay the German star $5 million.
The 2007 NBA MVP and 2011 Finals MVP has been named to 13 All-Star teams and is one of six players in NBA history with over 30,000 points.
While Dirk’s numbers have steadily declined with age, he will look to be a mentor to the youth movement in Dallas while either starting or coming off the bench as he tries to help the team return to the playoffs in what could be his final season.
