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It’s official: LeBron James and Paul George are about to be free agents. One of them might even sign with a new team. They are among the many players who, by 5 p.m. ET on Saturday, had to decide whether or not to pick up their player options. Others had to wait until that time to find out whether or not their team options would be picked up.
Here’s a rundown of the news, starting with the two stars:
Lakers might get discount on James; Sixers to pursue George
James isn’t going anywhere, and, if taking less than the max on his new deal means that the Lakers can add a difference-making player, he just might do that, according to a source who would know: James’ agent, Rich Paul, who told ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, “He is prioritizing a roster improvement. He’s been adamant about exuding all efforts to improve the roster.”
The Lakers, who drafted James’ son, Bronny, with the No. 55 pick on Thursday, could potentially open up the non-taxpayer midlevel exception ($12.9 million), provided that James is willing to make around $18 million less than he did last season. Good players can be had at that number, and, by the way, Klay Thompson and the Golden State Warriors appear to be headed for a split.
Both the Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers are among Thompson’s suitors, according to The Athletic. The Clippers’ most pressing concern, though, is George’s free agency. If they don’t offer him a four-year contract, will he leave for the Philadelphia 76ers? Philly reportedly wants him, and on Sunday he’ll meet with the Clippers, the 76ers and the Orlando Magic, per The Athletic. The Magic, like the Sixers, have the cap space to offer him a maximum contract.
Grizzlies decline Kennard’s option, but reportedly want to keep him
When the Memphis Grizzlies drafted two shooters — Jaylen Wells and Cam Spencer — in the second round of the NBA Draft on Thursday, it was fair to wonder about the future of Luke Kennard. Memphis acquired Kennard at the 2023 trade deadline, and, while he has shot the ball efficiently since then, his defensive…
Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/2024-nba-player-team-option-decisions-lebron-james-paul-george-luke-kennard-hit-free-agency-per-reports/
Author : James Herbert
Publish date : 2024-06-30 02:18:37
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