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The NBA's official July moratorium period ended last Friday at 11 AM Central time, allowing franchises to conduct free agency business officially.
In the matter of a couple of days (Friday and Saturday), all teams announced their deals, ones that were already reported through sources - Adrian Wojnarowski and Shams Charania. Things were quiet over Sunday but rumors and reports (via sources) surrounding Carmelo Anthony and remaining (restricted) free agents picked up once again on Monday.
It was around the end of the moratorium that ESPN's Royce Young reported a possible mutual split between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Anthony sometime during the summer. As per the report, the Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets and the Miami Heat were the teams most expected to show interest in the 10-time All-Star.
Well, fuel was added to that fire on Monday. Here's a quick recap of everything (rumors and reports) that surfaced on Monday - 9th July:
#5 Houston determined to sign Melo; Philly in contention too
The Houston Rockets might have finished the 2017-18 season as the West runners-up but free agency hasn't quite gone as planned. Yes, they re-signed Chris Paul to a mega 4-year deal worth $160 million but other than that, things haven't been on the low.
As Adrian Wojnarowski's tweet suggests, the team has now lost two of their two-way wing players - Trevor Ariza (signed with the Phoenix Suns) and Luc Mbah A Moute - and are determined to sign Carmelo Anthony once he is a free agent.
Given Melo's defense and slumping offensive efficiency, this trade-off hurts the Rockets' case of making yet another run at the Golden State Warriors in the 2018-19 season. Despite the obvious loss in the trade-off, Rockets are considered favorites to sign Melo as CP3 is reportedly pushing the team to sign him.
On Sunday, Carmelo's Agent - Bay Frazier - was seated courtside at a Warriors-Rockets Summer League game alongside Rockets' personnel including Chris Paul and Coach Mike D'Antoni. Over the weekend, even the Philadelphia 76ers were added to the list of teams showing interest for Melo but so far the Rockets, just like last year, seem favorites to land him.
Cavaliers looking for Kyle Korver trades
Since losing LeBron James to the Lakers, the Cleveland Cavaliers haven't made any radical moves but reports suggest they still want to remain competitive, which are the main reason behind there being no traction to any Kevin Love trade rumors.
However, the same can't be said about another veteran on the team. According to Terry Pluto of Cleveland.com:
I hear the Cavs are looking to move Korver. He has a contract for $7.5 million this season. In 2019-2020, he also has a $7.5 million deal with $3.4 million guaranteed.
If indeed these reports are true, the Cavaliers are sure to get a lot of offers for Korver. They might not completely be pro-Cavs offers but they should be leverage something meaningful given how serviceable Korver is, even at the age of 37.
Kings interested in Marcus Smart and Rodney Hood
It's always a tough summer for restricted free-agents.
Each year, we try to make ourselves believe that the Sacramento Kings are learning from their mistakes but each summer they disappoint. They threw money at Zach LaVine, a restricted free-agent, which the Chicago Bulls matched.
And now they are expected to present an offer for Marcus Smart, who they seem to be very interested in.
Teams would pay attention to these offers or interests if the Kings ever actually make any on-court progress but the Celtics have got to be at least slightly concerned. At the end of the day, if the Kings present an offer that Boston can't match, they will lose a spectacular hustler and contributor to their squad in Marcus Smart.
That's not all. Reportedly the Kings are also interested in Rodney Hood but talks haven't progressed to the point of an offer sheet yet.
LA Clippers add Luc Mbah A Moute
For the second time in three years, Luc Mbah A Moute will play for the LA Clippers. He was previously with the team from 2015-17 and returns after spending just one season with the Houston Rockets (2017-18).
It's loss coupled with that of Trevor Ariza that has people really concerned about the Rockets' free agency so far, even if they sign Carmelo Anthony. Most of all, the Clippers suddenly look exciting again. Yes, it's a new-look and yes, they aren't championship contender but there is plenty of talent now on their roster, at the disposal of experience head coach Doc Rivers.
Guess the Lakers players!
