NBA Free Agency: Harrell to Lakers, Adams a New Pelican, Dwight Howard Goes to Philly

Montrezl Harrell decided to swap teams in LA, leaving the Clippers and joining the Lakers. Steven Adams will land in New Orleans, Danilo Gallinari in Atlanta, while Sacramento plans on handing a massive contract to De’Aaron Fox.

Harrell’s Punch in the Mouth for Clippers’ Fans

In the moments when the Lakers – Clippers rivalry is at its highest level, Montrezl Harrell did a thing that caused numerous reactions around the league. The winner of the Sixt Man of the Year Award decided to accept the Lakers’ two-year deal. The strong forward is set to earn almost $19 million with the note that the second year has a player option.

Free agent Montrezl Harrell has agreed to a two-year deal with the Lakers, agent Rich Paul of Klutch Sports tells @wojespn. pic.twitter.com/H3zAbkTgHP

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) November 21, 2020

He posted 18.6 points and 7.1 boards, and many expected him to go for big money. Instead, Harrell chose the purple and gold, believing that it might be his biggest chance to win the title.

Clippers’ fans are outraged following his move, and his already former teammate Patrick Beverly was not pleased also, sharing his reaction on Twitter.

Howard to 76ers

Lakers’ brought Harrell to fill in the void left after Dwight Howard decided to jump to Philadelphia. The veteran big man signed a one-year deal, for a veteran minimum, $2.6 million.

Free agent Dwight Howard has agreed to a one-year deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, his agent Charles Briscoe tells @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 21, 2020

The 34-year old had a huge impact on the Lakers’ postseason performance, especially on the ball’s defensive side, becoming a role player, completely fulfilling Frank Vogel’s requests.

Steven Adamas to Pelicans

New Orleans Pelicans are close to acquiring center Steven Adams. The original deal between the Pelicans and the Bucks, which saw Jrue Holiday leaving for Wisconsin, will be expanded, with several more transactions.

The Thunder have agreed in principle to trade Steven Adams to the Pelicans as part of a multi-team trade, sources tell ESPN. OKC is getting back — wait for it — future first-round pick and second-round picks.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 21, 2020

Among them is Adams’ name. He will go to Louisiana in exchange for two future picks and a protected first-round pick.

The 27-year old has one more season on his deal, which guarantees him $27.5 million. He averaged 10.9 points and 9.3 boards for Thunder last year.

With his arrival, the Pelicans are getting a massive figure under the rim, able to run the floor solid, and it would be interesting to see how he works in a young Pels’ team. The New Zealander posted the fourth-highest field goal percentage in the history of the league, 58.9%.

Gallinari and Hawks Close to a deal

The veteran forward should leave Oklahoma City as well, and his next destination will be Atlanta. The sources are reporting that the Italian and the Hawks are close to signing a three-year $61.5 million deal.

The team from Georgia needs a lethal shooter next to Trae Young, and Gallinari, with his experience and offensive versatility, will bring a lot to this young crew.

Free agent F Danilo Gallinari is finalizing a three-year, $61.5M contract with the Atlanta Hawks, his agent Michael Tellem of CAA Sports tells ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 21, 2020

He posted 18.7 points per match, with 5.2 boards and 40.5 % from the field in the 2019/20 campaign. However, the Thunder decided to dissolve a team that reached No.5 in the West last year, and make a complete rebuilt during this summer.

Fox Staying With the Kings

De’Aaron Fox and the Kings made a logical step – to sign a five-year max extension, sources report. Both parties verbally agreed to a $163 million deal this Friday night, and it is expected for the player to sign the same in the shortest possible time.

If, by any chance, the young guard earns a place on the All-NBA team, his income would be even higher.

Sacramento Kings young star De'Aaron Fox has agreed to a five-year, $163M maximum extension, with clause to reach the $195.6M super max, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.

Deal negotiated by his agent @chrisgaston_ of @FamFirstSports.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 21, 2020

The 23-year old posted 21.1 points and 6.8 assists in the past campaign.

Fox and Buddy Hield are the future of the Kings, with the two guys signing a colossal deal. They are expected to lead the franchise from California to the playoffs after 14 years of waiting.