NBA free-agency moves: Huerter returns to Pistons, Porzingis joins Warriors, Morant traded to Trail Blazers
Kevin Huerter re-signed with Detroit, Kristaps Porzingis signed with Golden State, and Ja Morant was traded to Portland as the NBA free-agency period continues.
Kevin Huerter has agreed to a three-year, $27 million contract with the Detroit Pistons, the third year being a team option. Huerter, who was acquired by Detroit in the Jaden Ivey trade, averaged 8.6 points per game last season.
Veteran forward Harrison Barnes returned to the San Antonio Spurs on a one-year, $8 million deal. Barnes started the season in the Spurs’ lineup before being replaced by Julian Champagnie, who also re-signed with the team on a three-year, $45 million contract.
Center Jusuf Nurkic signed a two-year, $22 million extension with the Utah Jazz after posting a double-double average of 10.9 points and 10.4 rebounds last season.
Kristaps Porzingis joined the Golden State Warriors on a two-year, $40 million contract. He appeared in 32 games last season, averaging 16.7 points and 5.2 rebounds.
Restricted free agent Jalen Duren is in negotiations with the Detroit Pistons, seeking a contract above $40 million per year, while the team has indicated a range in the mid-$30 million per year.
The Oklahoma City Thunder exercised the $17.7 million team option on guard Lu Dort for the upcoming season.
The Portland Trail Blazers acquired guard Ja Morant from the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for forward Jerami Grant and forward Kris Murray. Morant will earn $42.2 million this season and $44.9 million the next.
James Harden declined his $42.3 million player option with the Cleveland Cavaliers, positioning himself for a new multi-year contract at a lower annual salary.
Point guard Devin Carter was traded from the Sacramento Kings to the Atlanta Hawks for a future second-round pick.
The Kings picked up Zach LaVine’s $49 million player option for the 2026-27 season, keeping him under contract while remaining open to a trade.
Golden State forward Draymond Green declined his $27.7 million player option and will become a free agent, with expectations of re-signing on a longer, lower-average deal.
Lakers guard Marcus Smart declined his $5.4 million player option, making him a free agent as teams, including the Lakers and Houston, evaluate potential offers.