NBA free agency is officially here, and there has already been a flurry of moves in Friday's early morning hours. Players like Hassan Whiteside, Nic Batum and DeMar DeRozan elected to return to their teams. But several players found lucrative deals elsewhere, led by Timofey Mozgov's $64 million deal with the Lakers. The rumor mill is buzzing with meetings and contracts, and we're here to get you caught up on what's happened so far. Here are all the latest NBA rumors and news you need to know.
Evan Turner Gets Paid
Turner is heading to the Portland Trail Blazers and he's getting quite the contract.
To clarify on Turner to Blazers deal: Turner has agreed to a four-year, $70M free agent deal.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojVerticalNBA) July 1, 2016
That's not max money, but it's still an impressive contract for Turner.
Parsons To Grizzlies
It seems that Chandler Parsons will be taking his talents to Memphis.
Free agent Chandler Parsons is nearing agreement on a four-year, $94M max deal with the Memphis Grizzlies, league sources tell @TheVertical.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojVerticalNBA) July 1, 2016
Parsons wanted a max deal, something his previous team, the Dallas Mavericks, wasn't going to get. That deal has since been agreed upon by both sides, making Parsons a member of the Grizzlies, once they're allowed to actually sign.
Evan Fournier Signs
Fournier was a restricted free agent for the Magic, but they weren't going to let anyone even make an offer for him.
Evan Fournier gets a five-year, $85 million contract extension to stay in Orlando, source told @TheUndefeated.
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpearsESPN) July 1, 2016
That's not max money, but it's an impressive amount for Fournier. He'll continue to start at SG and provide 3-point shooting for Orlando.
O.J. Mayo Banned By NBA
Mayo was hoping to cash in on this year's free agency windfall, but he'll be out of the league for at least two years. The NBA announced that Mayo has been banned for two years for violating the league's drug policy.
Here is the NBA release. O.J. Mayo can't reapply to the league for two years after failing anti-drug program. pic.twitter.com/XyMlBbwUxE
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpearsESPN) July 1, 2016
The drug that Mayo tested positive for isn't clear, but it's reportedly a "drug of abuse." Here are the drugs of abuse, per the NBA CBA.
I'm empathetic. People are asking. The NBA CBA is a public document. Drugs of abuse:
— Jeff Zillgitt (@JeffZillgitt) July 1, 2016
Amphetamine and its analogs
Cocaine
LSD
Opiates
PCP
Dwight Howard Latest
After seeing Mozgov's massive contract, Howard likely hopes to make near the max this year. The Celtics and Trail Blazers had showed interest in Howard, but it's the Hawks that might be the favorite.
Atlanta Hawks and free agent Dwight Howard made a strong connection in meeting today, sources tell @TheVertical. There's traction there.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojVerticalNBA) July 1, 2016
Atlanta is Howard's home town team, although there's still no word on if the Hawks and Howard can agree to contract terms.
Amar'e Stoudemire Interested In Return To Knicks?
Stoudemire didn't play a major role for the Heat this year, something he wasn't that happy about. He's previously played for the Knicks and is open to a return.
You can’t change things you can’t control. I did enjoy playing with Carmelo [Anthony]. I did enjoy playing with my teammates I played with there. But I felt it was time to see if I could win a championship sooner rather than later. I rolled the dice with Dallas and Miami. But I think New York is a team that needs a [center] or another big. If they want to bring me back, that would be a nice opportunity for me.
The Knicks are expected to land Joakim Noah this offseason, but could use another player behind him. If Stoudemire is willing to take a backup role, perhaps he could be a fit.
Latest contract agreements
Though no deal can be officially signed until July 6, several deals have already been agreed upon. Below, we have every deal signed so far, with the source linked as well.
D.J. Augustin - 4 years, $29 million with Magic (Source)
Jerryd Bayless - 3 years, $27 million with 76ers (Source)
Nicolas Batum - 5 years, $120 million with Hornets (Source)
Bradley Beal - 5 years, $128 million with Wizards (Source)
Jordan Clarkson - 4 years, $50 million with Lakers (Source)
DeMar DeRozan - 5 years, $139 million with Raptors (Source)
Andre Drummond - 5 years, $130 million with Pistons (Source)
Evan Fournier - 5 years, $85 million with Magic (Source)
Al Jefferson - 3 years, $30 million with Pacers (Source)
Jeremy Lin - 3 years, $36 million with Nets (Source)
Timofey Mozgov - 4 years, $64 million with Lakers (Source)
Chandler Parsons - 4 years, $94 million with Grizzlies (Source)
Ish Smith - 3 years, $18 million with Pistons (Source)
Mizra Teletovic - 3 years, $30 million with Bucks (Source)
Evan Turner - 4 years, $70 million with Trail Blazers (Source)
Hassan Whiteside - 4 years, $98 million with Heat (Source)