NBA free agency: Early winners and losers include the Clippers and Victor Wembanyama

The opening hours of NBA free agency came and went with a relative whimper, save for the news that Paul George “is signing his next contract with another team,” presumably the Philadelphia 76ers. Still, there was some movement, and for that we are morally obligated to provide you with the winners and losers.

The Clippers will introduce fans to a new arena at the start of the 2024-25 campaign, so what is their first order of business in free agency? Adding Kevin Porter Jr., who pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault and a harassment violation in January, months after his arrest on domestic violence charges in New York City.

Porter has not played in the NBA since the arrest. The Houston Rockets deactivated Porter and traded the remainder of his contract to the Oklahoma City Thunder, who promptly waived him this past October. He played six games in Greece this past spring, which was apparently enough for the Clippers to sign him.

We should mention: Porter was traded to the Rockets shortly after he reportedly threw a tantrum in the Cleveland Cavaliers’ locker room, allegedly throwing food and confronting general manager Koby Altman. Houston also suspended Porter for “losing his temper” at halftime of a separate game in January 2022.

The Clippers’ second order of business in free agency? Working with Russell Westbrook to find a trade, possibly to the Denver Nuggets, according to Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer. Westbrook recently picked up a $4 million contract option for the coming season. The one-time MVP played well off the bench for the Clippers, averaging an 18-8-7 per 36 minutes. He finished tied for seventh in Sixth Man of the Year voting.

And the Clippers’ third order of business in free agency? Losing Paul George.

The Clippers’ big three is no more. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

“Heading into this offseason, our roster was constructed [with] three great players 33 and over, two of whom could become free agents,” the Clippers said in a strange statement. “We wanted to retain them on contracts that would allow us, under the constraints of the new CBA, to continue building the team.

“We negotiated for months with Paul…

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Author : Yahoo Sports

Publish date : 2024-07-01 04:24:50

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