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Extension Deadline: deals for Gobert, Fultz, Anunoby, Kuzma and more
Markelle Fultz and the Orlando Magic have agreed to a contract extension, with Fultz securing a three-year $50 million deal. Over 70 games last season with the Magic, Fultz averaged 12.1 points, 5.1 assists and 1.3 steals in 27.7 minutes per game while shooting 46.5% from the floor and 26.7% from 3PT. This seems like an overpay to me, but I do think Fultz has turned himself into a decent rotation player and still has room to grow. He’s unlikely to ever live up to the hype of a no. 1 pick and the Sixers were right to move on, but he’s brings value to the court for the Magic. Good for him getting paid.
Other notable extensions around the NBA:
- Rudy Gobert (Utah Jazz): 5 years, $205 million
- OG Anunoby (Toronto Raptors): 4 years, $72 million
- Jonathan Isaac (Orlando Magic): 4 years, $80 million
- Luke Kennard (Los Angeles Clippers): 4 years, $64 million
- Derrick White (San Antonio Spurs): 4 years, $73 million
- Kyle Kuzma (Los Angeles Lakers): 3 years, $40 million
Kawhi Leonard plans to test free agency in 2021 offseason
Kawhi Leonard plans to decline his player option for the 2021-22 and instead test the free agent market, according to Andrew Grief of the Los Angeles Times.
Kawhi Leonard, referencing his own potential free agency, said he's "just focused on this season."
— Andrew Greif (@AndrewGreif) December 21, 2020
Added that: "If I stay healthy, the best decision is to decline the player option but it doesn't mean I'm staying or leaving."
Suns claim Frank Kaminsky off waivers
The Phoenix Suns have claimed Frank Kaminsky off waivers, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.
The Phoenix Suns have claimed F/C Frank Kaminsky off free agency waivers, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 22, 2020
Kaminsky played 39 games for the Suns last season.
Harden creating tension with teammates
As the situation between James Harden and the Houston Rockets stews, tensions are growing stronger. From Shams Charania of The Athletic:
The dynamics of the standoff will breed tension as the season tips off, and there have been signs in recent days that the pressure is already beginning to reveal itself, sources have told The Athletic.
Harden reported to training camp one week late on Dec. 8 with the intention of keeping things professional with the team despite his preference to be on a contender elsewhere, but the environment has gotten tense around the team in recent days.
[...]
For instance, The Athletic learned that Harden has had multiple verbal confrontations with teammates in practice on Sunday and Monday, and one confrontation included Harden throwing a basketball at a teammate on Monday.
Not a good look for Harden. You can try to gain leverage and all that jazz, but being an asshole to your teammates is really lame and immature. Throwing a ball at someone? What is this, gym class with 6th graders? Get it together James.