The NBA offseason is yet to start but already a number of moves are being made by teams. Just recently Jimmy Butler went to the Timberwolves, Chris Paul to the Rockets, Dwight Howard moved to Charlotte, and the Lakers shipped D'Angelo Russell to Brooklyn. With big names opting out of their final contracts and a number of players like Pual George and Paul Millsap wanting to get traded, things are about to get even more exciting once offseason begins this weekend. Here are some big players and their upcoming offseason plans.
Durant opts out to help Warriors
This year's NBA Finals MVP has reportedly opted out of his player option, this doesn't mean that he is testing free agency but this means he wants to take a pay cut to help the Warriors gain leverage this upcoming NBA offseason. He is set to earn around 27.7 million dollars should he opt-in his player contract, but after expressing that he wants to stay with the Golden State Warriors he decided to take a pay cut in order to give the Warriors financial room to make moves once offseason begins this July 1. With Andre Iguodala and Stephen Curry's contract expiring it is likely that the Warriors will sign Curry and will have to let go of Iguodala for them to avoid paying the luxury tax next season.
Blake Griffin and Millsap will talk to the Suns
The Phoenix Suns are planning to get busy this offseason, with them already setting meetings with two NBA All-Stars. Once the offseason starts this weekend, Blake Griffin of the Los Angeles Clippers and Paul Millsap of the Atlanta Hawks will meet with the Phoenix Suns front office.
Griffin opted out of his player option with Chris Paul leaving for Houston, and Paul Millsap is likely to leave Atlanta with the Hawks rebuilding. Despite the confirmed meetings, the Clippers are still confident that they are going to keep Griffin, and Millsap and the Hawks have apparently discussed a sign and trade deal for him to go to Houston.
Jrue Holiday set meeting with Gentry
As the offseason begins the Pelicans make it a priority to resign the 27-year-old guard Jrue Holiday, he averaged 15.4 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.9 assists last season. Despite not making the playoffs Alvin Gentry is still planning on a team with Davis, Cousins and Holiday at the core. One leverage the Pelicans have for Holiday is offering a five-year contract, which NBA rules permit the Pelicans to do so. It would be exciting to see how the Pelicans can improve if they get a full camp with Davis, Cousins and Holiday healthy.
