NBA free agency 2022 live updates: Rudy Gobert, Malcolm Brogdon on the move; latest deals from Friday
NBA free agency is underway with negotiations between teams and players happening around the league. Players can begin signing these deals on July 6. Many of the top players have already agreed to deals or extensions, but there are a few big names still out there. James Harden, who declined his $47.7 million player option on Wednesday, is expected to re-sign with the Philadelphia 76ers on a two-year deal. There is also intrigue around Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton.
Before the free agent negotiations could even start, Kevin Durant shocked the NBA world by requesting a trade from the Brooklyn Nets, sources told Yahoo Sports' Chris Haynes. Durant's preferred landing spot is the Phoenix Suns, Haynes reported. The Brooklyn experiment with Durant, Kyrie Irving, James Harden and now Ben Simmons has been a complete failure. So, what teams can actually send the Nets the largest return package in NBA history for Durant?
Who are the biggest winners and losers from the first 24 hours of free agency? Kyrie Irving tops the list of losers from Yahoo Sports' Ben Rohrbach. Plus, follow along below for live updates on signings, trades, contract extensions and all NBA happenings.
What are Deandre Ayton's options?
This is where things could get shaken up. Ayton did not receive a max extension last summer from the Phoenix Suns.
He has four options this summer: 1) re-sign with the Suns; 2) sign an offer sheet elsewhere, which Phoenix can (and should) match; 3) seek a sign-and-trade deal to another team; or 4) play the final season of his rookie contract on a $16.4 million qualifying offer and become an unrestricted free agent after next season.
NBA free agents news
Haynes sources: Otto Porter Jr., Toronto Raptors agree to 2-year deal
Haynes sources: Ricky Rubio, Cleveland Cavaliers agree to 3-year, $18.4 million deal
Haynes sources: Gary Payton II, Portland Trail Blazers agree to 3-year, $28 million deal
Haynes sources: JaVale McGee, Dallas Mavericks agree to 3-year, $20 million deal
Haynes sources: Juan Toscano-Anderson, Los Angeles Lakers agree to deal
Haynes sources: Marvin Bagley III, Detroit Pistons agree to 3-year, $37 million deal
Haynes sources: Jalen Brunson, Knicks agree to 4-year, $104 million deal
Haynes sources: Thaddeus Young, Toronto Raptors agree to 2-year, $16 million deal
Haynes sources: Mo Bamba, Orlando Magic agree on 2-year, $21 million deal
Haynes sources: Nicolas Batum, Los Angeles Clippers agree on 2-year, $22 million deal
NBA trade recaps
Report: Utah Jazz trade Rudy Gobert to Minnesota Timberwolves
Sources: Kevin Durant requests trade from Nets; preferred destination is Suns
Report: Nuggets trade Will Barton, Monte Morris to Wizards for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Ish Smith
Report: Knicks trade Nerlens Noel, Alec Burks to Pistons to clear cap space
NBA contract extensions, player options
Zach LaVine returning to Chicago Bulls on $215 million max deal
Zion Williamson to sign maximum extension with New Orleans Pelicans
Ja Morant agrees to $231 million extension with Memphis Grizzlies
Karl-Anthony Towns to sign supermax extension with Timberwolves
Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic agrees to largest contract extension in NBA history
Bradley Beal to remain with Washington Wizards for $251 million
Russell Westbrook exercises $47 million option to remain with Lakers
Kyrie Irving exercises $36.9 million player option to remain with Nets
Clippers C Ivica Zubac agrees to 3-year, $33 million extension
James Harden declines $47M option with 76ers, intends to return on new deal