NBA Rumors: Free-Agent Deals Already Being Agreed to?

The NBA offseason is in full swing as teams make coaching and front-office changes ahead of theNBA DraftandNBA Free Agency. The draft is slated for Nov. 18, but the start of free agency remains up in the air as the league office and the players union negotiate the terms of the upcoming season. An expedited start date of Dec. 22 has been floated around, but the NBPA’s Michele Roberts hascasted her doubtsabout that being feasible. Some players have recentlyproposeda start date of Jan. 18 instead. Here’s the latest rumors involving the draft and free agency:

• Some free agents have possibly already lined up their next deals ahead of the official start of free agency, asDan Feldman of NBC Sportsoutlines. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst and Bobby Marks both have heard about agreements being arranged, as Feldman cites:

The NBA ostensibly cracked down tampering.

How is that going?

Brian Windhorst of ESPN:

I have already heard of a deal that’s been agreed to. Who knows whether it’s true or not?

Bobby Marks of ESPN:

I had one agent – because I was talking about his free agent and salary projections, right? And he said, “Hey, you’re really low. I’ve already got two offers from two different teams.”

• TheHouston Rocketsare “100 percent committed” to trying to contend duringJames Harden’s prime, perESPN’s Tim MacMahon. Houston recently agreed to a deal withDallas MavericksassistantStephen Silasto become their next head, which wasreportedlymotivated by his experience with offensive-minded guards.
• TheLos Angeles Clippersare expected to pursue point guardRajon Rondothis offseason, according toMarc Stein of The New York Times. Rondo played an important role during the Lakers’ 2020 championship run.
• Two NBA sources tellRick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observerthat theCharlotte Hornetsare focused on selecting Memphis big man James Wiseman in the upcoming draft. Charlotte currently owns the No. 3 pick but would consider moving up if they need to, per Bonnell.