Following a somewhat busy first day of NBA free agency for big men around the league, especially those that were overseas, day two was quieter. However, the three signings of big men were all key additions for each team.
Taj Gibson on the move to Minnesota
The Minnesota Timberwolves have agreed to a two-year, $28 million deal with veteran power forward Taj Gibson. This move reunites Gibson with old head coach Tom Thibodeau and teammate Jimmy Butler. Last season playing for the Chicago Bulls and Oklahoma City Thunder, Gibson averaged 10.8 points and 6.2 rebounds.
He also shot 51.5% from the field. Since he entered the league, Gibson has been one of the best bench players and is well-known for his work ethic, professionalism, physicality, and defense.
Serge Ibaka stays in Toronto
League sources have informed Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN that the Toronto Raptors and power forward Serge Ibaka have agreed to a three-year, $65 million deal. Last season with the Orlando Magic and Raptors, Ibaka averaged 14.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks. He also shot 48% from the field and 39.1% on three-pointers. The Raptors acquired Ibaka from the Magic in a February trade for guard Terrance Ross and their first-round pick. By resigning him, the Raptors keep their core team together.
They also can an inside player who can score and play defense, as Ibaka has been named a first-team All-Defensive player three times in his career.
The Raptors acquired Ibaka from the Magic in a February trade for guard Terrance Ross and their first-round pick. By resigning him, the Raptors keep their core team together. They also get an inside player who can score and play defense, as Ibaka has been named a first-team All-Defensive player three times in his career.
Nene finally works out a deal with the Rockets
Center Nene Hilario and the Houston Rockets have finally worked out a contract agreement after seeing two previous deals fall apart. The Rockets originally offered the big man a four-year, $15 million deal, but it was scrapped because of the newly implemented Over 38 rule. The fourth year of that deal would extend the contract past Nene's 38th birthday, which is not allowed under the new NBA collective bargaining agreement (CBA).
Ironically enough, that rule is something NBPA president and new Rocket Chris Paul fought for to have in the CBA.
The Rockets then offered Nene a three-year, $10 million deal, which he said he was not interested in signing. Now, both sides have finally come to an agreement with Nene receiving a three-year, $11 million deal. Last season with the Rockets saw the 34-year-old center have the most efficient shooting season of his career. In 17.9 minutes he averaged 9.1 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1 assist and shot 61.7% from the field.
