NBA free agency sees declined options, major trades and unsigned stars
The NBA free-agency period saw several player-option decisions and a wave of signings and trade negotiations. Yahoo Sports reported that Marcus Smart and James Harden declined their player options, while Deandre Ayton and Zach LaVine exercised theirs. NBC Sports noted that Kevin Huerter re-signed with Detroit, Kristaps Porzingis joined Golden State and Ja Morant was traded to Portland. Bleacher Report released a grading of recent trades and extensions, assigning each team a performance rating.
Later, Yahoo Sports indicated that Kawhi Leonard returned to Toronto, LeBron James left Los Angeles and the Boston Celtics failed to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo. Heavy. com highlighted ongoing trade speculation involving Trey Murphy, Anthony Davis and possible salary-dump moves by the Lakers. Hoops Rumors then confirmed that restricted free agents Jalen Duren, Peyton Watson and Bennedict Mathurin remained unsigned, while unrestricted stars LeBron James and James Harden were in talks, and five multi-team trades awaited final approval.
