Free Agency negotiations have begun in the NBA. Teams and players are now allowed to contact each other and reach verbal agreements on contracts. Some teams have not wasted any time and have agreed with players to sign them on.  3 major agreements have been reached so far

Davis extends his stay with the Pelicans

New Orleans and their fans will be glad to have Anthony Davis in their franchise for the next 6 years. The 22-year-old who was the Number One pick from the 2012 Draft, is entering the 4 year of his professional career. He had until 31 October this year, to accept any offer from New Orleans or enter the 2016/17 off-season as a restricted free agent.

The Deal is worth $145 Million over the next 5 years in effect from 2016/17 (when the new, massive salary cap is to come into play). The deal has been confirmed by a person who wishes to be anonymous as the deal cannot be signed yet. However, Davis has sent a tweet, which means the deal which is likely to be singed after July 10 will be nothing more than a mere formality.

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The 22-year-old Forward had his most prolific season as he played in the post-season for the first time in his career. Despite being swept by the Champions, Davis impressed in the regular season and post season. Davis averaged 24.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.5 steals and 2.9 blocks (leading the season) during the regular season and 31.5 points, 11 rebounds, 2 assists, 1.3 steals and 3 blocks per game in the playoffs.

These indicate his capabilities on both ends of the court. New coach, Alvin Gentry has said Davis will be the focal point of a new fast paced offence for the Pelicans. Another valuable trait of Davis is his ability to shoot from various positions as well.

Gentry has said “We’re going to play a lot faster and give (Davis) an opportunity to be in the open court, he is our best player and a lot of things are going to be built around him. I think he’s a real versatile player.”

The 2x All-Star will be looking to improve with his team as they aim to move deeper into the post season. The foundation for the pelican’s season seems solid and they will be a force to reckon with. It will be worth watching, who will be signed during free agency.

Leonard agrees to stay with the Spurs

With most of the spurs roster on Free Agency, signing those essential to the franchise’s long term future is a priority for the NBA’s most consistent team in the 21 century. Whilst it is widely expected Ginobli and Duncan will also be re-signed as Spurs want their big trio for at least one more season, Leonard has proven himself indispensable for the spurs.

He was the 2014 Finals MVP (with a pretty cool image of him from the finals), being the youngest player to win it since teammate Tim Duncan did in 1999. He was the 2014-15 NBA defensive player of the year. His 16.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 2.3 steals per game were career bests in the regular season. When he was injured in the month of December and January, the spurs were struggling. When he returned, the Spurs regained their momentum and finished the season on a strong note.

He played a major role in the Spurs post season with a 20.3 points, 7.4 rebound and 2.6 assits per game performance against Los Angeles Clippers who triumphed 4-3.

According to the reports, the broad parameters of the deal have been agreed upon by both parties. The deal will see him earn $90 million over 5 years.

He’s a great learner and he’s super competitive, has a drive to be the best that’s really uncommon in our league, he walks the walk. I mean, he’s there early, he’s there late. He wants more. He wants me and the coaches to push him. So I just talked to him about not being in that defer sort of stage. The hell with Tony, the hell with Timmy, the hell with Manu, you play the game. You are the man.”

That’s praise indeed, given by his coach Greg Popovich

With the deal to be signed around 10 July, the Spurs have a busy free agency period as they are well below the NBA rules of keeping at least 12 players in their squad.

Dragic resigns with Heat

Miami heat had a season to forget following the departure of LeBron James. After making 4 straight NBA Finals in a row, they failed to make the playoffs. With a bid to rebuild, the first step has been taken.

Goran Dragic, the 29-year-old Point Guard signed, along with his younger brother Zoran for the Miami Heat midway through the 2014/15 season following his second stint at Phoenix. The deal is worth a reported $90 Million for 5 years (and for a personal note, his most lucrative contract). He can opt out into Free Agency after the 4 year. In 2014/15, he performed well above his career average in Points, Rebounds and assists.

It’s interesting to note, that Dragic and Wade are the priority free agents that Miami want to sign. He has taken less than his maximum contract eligibility to give Miami more room to resign franchise man, Dwayne Wade who opted out of his contract, looking at a pay raise this time. (Dragic could have net well over $100 million)

He had stated, he intended to stay with the Heat for the foreseeable future and the Heat echoed the sentiment back. Miami’s president Pat Riley mentioned this in a press-interview following the conclusion of the regular season,: “If he doesn’t sign, my ass will be in that seat [next to reporters] ‎next year.”

Dragic is an effective passer of the ball on the offense and an efficient shooter, shooting well over 50% from the field. He has also improved his Free-throw accuracy. If heat can re-sign wade and create a talented squad once again, they might be able once again, attract the top-stars in the game.