There was not as much activity on the third day of NBA free agency as the first two days, but there were still two major signings yesterday involving All-Stars Kevin Durant and Paul Millsap. Plus, the Indiana Pacers added a veteran guard while the Phoenix Suns waived one.
Kevin Durant takes less for Golden State
The Golden State Warriors have doled out a lot of money in free agency to Stephen Curry, Shaun Livingston, Andre Iguodala and David West. Now Kevin Durant has finally signed after all these moves, taking $9 million less than the max by agreeing to a two-year, $53 million deal.
By taking less money the Warriors were about to keep Livingston and Iguodala, as well as save about $20 million in luxury tax. Between these five players, the Warriors have committed a total $328.3 million dollars this offseason. Last season, the 2017 Finals MVP averaged 25.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, 4.8 assists 1.6 blocks and 1.1 steals.
Paul Millsap gets paid by the Nuggets
As first reported by The Vertical, big free agent and four-time All-Star Paul Millsap has agreed to a three-year, $90 million deal with the Denver Nuggets. The Nuggets do have a team option on the third year of the 32-year-old's contract, which limits their liability in the event Millsap's game deteriorates quickly.
Millsap said "It was pretty simple" to make his decision, as he said Denver make it known that they have wanted him, while the Atlanta Hawks never even made him an offer.
Last season Millsap averages a career high in points (18.7) and assists (3.7), along with 7.7 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 0.9 blocks.
Darren Collison reunites with the Pacers
The Indiana Pacers and point guard Darren Collison have reunited by agreeing to a two-year, $20 million deal. He deals also has a partial guarantee for its second year.
Collison last played for the Pacers in the 2011-12 season and has come back to the team after five years. Last season Collison averaged 13.2 points, 4.6 assists, 2.2 rebounds and 1 steal. He also shot 47.6% from the field and a career-best 41.7% on three-pointers.
Leonardo Barbosa gets waived by the Suns
Only one year after Leonardo Barbosa left the Warriors to sign a two-year, $8 million deal with the Phoenix Suns he had been waived by the team.
This move saves the Suns $3.5 million, giving them almost $12 million in cap space to work with as the team looks to pursue future draft assets and young players. Barbosa had previously played for the Suns from 2003-04 to 2009-10 and also in the 2013-14 season. Last season the shooting guard averaged 6.3 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 14.4 minutes.
