The first day of NBA free agency has been a busy one for point guards, as massive deals have been doled out. Even prior to free agency, point guards were in high demand. The Los Angeles Lakers traded starting point guard D'Angelo Russell to the Brooklyn Nets, while the Minnesota Timberwolves sent starter Ricky Rubio to the Utah Jazz.
Warriors pay Stephen Curry and Shaun Livingston
Stephen Curry became the first player in NBA history to sign a supermax contract and in the process became the highest-paid athlete in American sports. Curry and the Golden State Warriors agreed to a five-year, $201 million contract, that locks up the two-time MVP that had helped lead the Warriors to two championships in the last three seasons.
The team also managed to retain the services of backup point guard Shaun Livingston by giving him a three-year, $24 million contract. Livingston has been a key bench player since joining the Warriors in 2014.
Pelicans bet big on Holiday
The New Orleans Pelicans have given Jrue Holiday a 5-year, $126 million contract. With incentives, Holiday could make up to $150 million and he has a player option on that fifth year. The Pelicans were determined to keep Holiday to pair up with All-Star big men Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins. Last season, Holiday averaged 15.4 points, 7.3 assists, and 3.9 rebounds. However, he has an injury history as he had only played in 206 of a possible 328 games in his time with the Pelicans.
Timberwolves replace Rubio with Teague
The Minnesota Timberwolves got their replacement for Ricky Rubio by signing free agent Jeff Teague to a three-year, $57 million contract. Last season in his sole year with the Indiana Pacers, Teague averaged 15.3 points, 7.8 assists, and 4 rebounds. The Timberwolves wanted a point guard who was a better shooter and for his career, Teague shoots 44.7% from the field and 35.5% from three.
He has also only missed 17 games in the last four years, while Rubio had injury problems.
Spurs keep Mills
The San Antonio Spurs kept Patty Mills away from the Brooklyn Nets with a 4-year, $50 million contract. San Antonio prioritized re-signing him to keep backcourt stability after Tony Parker ruptured his left quadriceps in the playoffs.
They are also focused on keeping their own players now that Chris Paul is not an option. Last season, Mills averaged 9.5 points, 3.5 assists and 1.8 rebounds coming off the bench as Parker's backup.
Former Rookie of the Year goes to Charlotte
The Charlotte Hornets and Michael Carter-Williams have agreed to a 1-year, $2.7 million dollar contract. He should provide depth at backup point guard for the team, backing up All-Star Kemba Walker. Last season with the Bulls, Carter-Williams averaged 6.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.5 assists. However, he really struggled shooting the ball. He shot 36.6% from the field and 23.4% from three, both career lows.
Cavaliers get a backup point guard
The Cleveland Cavaliers and Jose Calderon have agreed to a 1-year, $2.3 million dollar deal.
By signing Calderon, it is highly likely that the team will not attempt to re-sign Deron Williams. Last season with the Atlanta Hawks and Los Angeles Lakes, Calderon averaged 3.4 points, 2.1 assists, and 1.4 rebounds.
