Westbrook, Sabonis, LaMello All Stay in Current Teams, Dante Exum Back in NBA

Last night was very turbulent in the NBA, and the chain reaction started with Daman Lillard asking for a trade from the Portland Trail Blazers. We’ve seen several extensions, which are only a prequel for a very interesting Sunday. 

Russell Westbrook Stays in LA for Two More Years

The former NBA MVP, Russell Westbrook, will remain in the Clippers for the next two years, with him signing a deal worth $7.8 million. It includes a player option for Westbrook at the end of the next campaign. 

Why is this clip of Westbrook & Harden cooking NPCs so aesthetically pleasing pic.twitter.com/ViC3rVnRKd

— Russ' TD ⚡ (@RussFcb) June 26, 2023

Brody averaged 15.8 points, 7.6 assists, and 4.9 boards in 21 games with the Clippers, who were determined to keep him on the team. With constant injuries following Ty Lue’s crew, Westbrook’s presence is crucial. The Clippers are also after James Harden, and we just might see their reunion in LA.

Sabonis Stays in Sacramento Long-Term

The Kings and the Lithuanian center made a new contract and added an extension to bring him $217 million over five years. Sacramento will increase Sabonis’ salary to $30.6 next season and keep him after that for four more years. 

We need to state here that Sabonis didn’t take all of the Kings’ available money but wanted to leave some space in the cap in order for the organization to create a more competitive roster. 

Sabonis was the key piece in Sacramento’s return to the playoffs after 16 years, posting 19.1 points, 12.3 boards, and 7.3 assists. He will now have the EuroLeague MVP, Sasha Vezenkov, as the teammate, with the Bulgarian signing for the Kings yesterday. 

Ball Agrees to a Max-Contract Rookie Extension

Charlotte Hornets and LaMelo Ball agreed in principle on a max-contract rookie extension that would leave the creative playmaker in North Carolina for an additional five years. The deal is worth $260 million. 

The 22-year-old became the team leader at a young age but had injury trouble. He played only 36 games last year, averaging 23.3 points with 8.4 assists, and is considered one of the most creative players seen over the past decade. 

The Hornets are trying to build a talented team, and after adding the No.2 from this year’s NBA Draft, Brandon Miller, they sealed the deal with Ball, whose future is now in Charlotte. 

Dante Exum Comes Back to NBA, Leaves Partizan for Dallas Mavericks 

The former No.5 overall pick from Australia, Dante Exum, is returning to the NBA, joining the Dallas Mavericks for a one-year guaranteed contract. Exum played for Partizan Belgrade last year, leading the team to the ABA league title and Top 8 in Euroleague, where he averaged 13.2 points per game.

Free agent G Dante Exum – a former No. 5 overall pick – is returning to the NBA on a guaranteed deal with the Dallas Mavericks, his agent Brandon Rosenthal tells ESPN. After leading Partizan to their first title in a decade, Exum brings his perimeter versatility to the Mavs.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 2, 2023

Dennis Lindsey, the former Jazz front office member, is now in Dallas, and he wanted Exum to increase the depth and versatility in the backcourt. 

Dillon Brooks and Jock Landale in Houston

One of the biggest “villains” in the NBA, the former Memphis Grizzlies forward Dillon Brooks will play for the Houston Rockets in the next four years, getting $80 million in return. After Memphis declined to negotiate a new contract with Brooks, the Rockets reacted fast, landing the 27-year-old who posted 14.3 points and was selected in the All-NBA Defensive Team.

The Australian center, Jock Landale, signed a four-year, $32 million deal with the Rockets as well. He was the backup to Deandre Ayton in Phoenix, scoring 6.6 points and 4.1 boards in 14.2 minutes per night. Landale also played for Partizan Belgrade at one point in his career, like his teammate from the Australian national team, Exum.