Over a billion dollars were spent when NBA free agency opened on Wednesday
Thursday 2 July 2015 12:52, UK
NBA franchises combined to commit more than $1bn on free agent signings in the hours after players were made available on Wednesday.
Kevin Love of the Cleveland Cavaliers was the biggest individual recipient, securing a new $110m five-year deal from the franchise he joined last summer along with LeBron James.
The first day of free agency saw dozens of deals completed, although most involved players staying with their teams and prime contract-less stars like James, Dwyane Wade and LaMarcus Aldridge remain unsigned.
Jimmy Butler and Mike Dunleavy also stayed put in Chicago for around $115m combined, while Slovenian guard Goran Dragic agreed a five-year, $90m deal to remain in Miami and Paul Millsap will stick with Atlanta for $59m over three years.
Draymond Green also earned a large reward for helping the Golden State Warriors to the NBA title, in the form of a new $85m five-year deal.
But there were still some significant players on the move, with Dallas Mavericks center Tyson Chandler securing a $52m four-year deal with the Phoenix Suns.
Atlanta's DeMarre Carroll agreed to a deal with Toronto for $60m over four years and veteran swingman Paul Pierce will reunite with his former coach Doc Rivers at the Los Angeles Clippers on a $10.6m three-year pact.
More than a third of the 200-plus free agents were signed on the opening day, but three of the prime available stars are yet to commit to a deal.
James is expected to return to Cleveland for another go at winning his home franchise a first NBA title, although reports emanated over the weekend that the Los Angeles Lakers could make a shock move for the 30-year-old.
Wade took a pay cut to stay with the Heat last summer, but is believed to be looking for a max-term contract from the only franchise he has represented as a professional.
Most of the intrigue seems to be swirling around Aldridge, who looks set for a big pay day whether or not he returns to the Portland Trail Blazers.
Aldridge has already met with a number of teams, with Yahoo's Adrian Wojnarowski revealing on Wednesday the San Antonio Spurs had made a big impression on the power forward.
Spurs stars Tony Parker and Tim Duncan were part of the team that attempted to woo Aldridge, who has also been linked with the Phoenix Suns, the Lakers and the Toronto Raptors.
