{"id":8170,"date":"2017-07-01T09:38:58","date_gmt":"2017-07-01T13:38:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lwosonnba.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/?p=8170"},"modified":"2017-07-01T09:38:58","modified_gmt":"2017-07-01T13:38:58","slug":"west-best-early-moments-nba-free-agency","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2017\/07\/01\/west-best-early-moments-nba-free-agency\/","title":{"rendered":"Western Conference Dominating NBA Free Agency"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>It&#8217;s midnight, Pacific\u00a0time (3 am Eastern) July 1. Free agency is officially underway and has been for the past three hours. In the battle of the conferences, the West is best in the early moments of NBA free agency.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Western Conference Dominating NBA Free Agency<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h3><strong>The Defending Champs Made Noise<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Priority one for the defending champion Golden State Warriors was simple. Re-sign superstar point guard <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/c\/curryst01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Stephen Curry<\/a><\/strong>. The Warriors agreed to pay Curry the first &#8220;Supermax&#8221; contract. At 12:14 am EST ESPN&#8217;s Adrian Wojnarowski tweeted this message.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Stephen Curry has agreed to a 5-year, $201M deal with Golden State, agent Jeff Austin of Octagon tells ESPN. No&#8230; <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/v8sOh909y7\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/t.co\/v8sOh909y7<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/wojespn\/status\/881002988919177216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">July 1, 2017<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>Moments before Wojnarowski&#8217;s tweet, Chris Haynes also of ESPN tweeted on other Warriors point guard <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/l\/livinsh01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Shaun Livingston<\/a><\/strong>. Livingston was a key component to the Warriors success since joining them three seasons ago. Re-signing Livingston was also a priority.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Golden State, Shaun Livingston reach agreement on 3-years, $24 million, league sources tell ESPN.<\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/ChrisBHaynes\/status\/881002060321177600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">July 1, 2017<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>According to ESPN&#8217;s Marc Stein, Superstar forward and NBA Finals MVP <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/d\/duranke01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kevin Durant<\/a><\/strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/story\/_\/id\/19757535\/kevin-durant-sign-new-deal-golden-state-warriors-later-july\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> won&#8217;t sign a new deal with the Warriors until later in July<\/a>. Durant is very happy in Oakland will re-sign when he chooses. Fellow free agent <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/i\/iguodan01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Andre Iguodala<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0is currently exploring his options and is taking meetings.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Spurs Are Not Backing Down<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Perennial contenders San Antonio Spurs showed their intentions in early free-agency as well. Point guard <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/m\/millspa02.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Patty Mills<\/a><\/strong> was a top priority and he was taken care of.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Free agent Patty Mills has agreed to a 4-year, $50M deal to stay with San Antonio, league sources tell ESPN. <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/K9ZzMOnDzR\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/t.co\/K9ZzMOnDzR<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/wojespn\/status\/880999728258793472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">July 1, 2017<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Houston is a Problem<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Days after the earth-shaking deal for <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/p\/paulch01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Chris Paul<\/a><\/strong> from the L.A. Clippers, the Houston Rockets continue to flex its muscle in an attempt to improve the roster. General Manager Daryl Morey continues\u00a0to push for more assets. Remember in the<a href=\"http:\/\/bleacherreport.com\/articles\/2718694-daryl-morey-says-nba-is-a-weapons-race-after-chris-paul-trade\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> press conference following the Paul trade<\/a>, Morey said,\u00a0&#8220;It&#8217;s a weapons race in the NBA. You&#8217;re either in the weapons race or on the sidelines. We felt like this is, with\u00a0<strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/h\/hardeja01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">James Harden<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>in his prime and <a href=\"http:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/p\/paulch01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Chris Paul<\/a> in his prime, this gives us a real shot to chase the juggernaut teams that are out there.&#8221;<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Houston continues its ultra aggressive approach and has now secured a meeting with free-agent Andre Iguodala, league sources tell ESPN.<\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/ChrisBHaynes\/status\/880961627616665601?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">July 1, 2017<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Nene has agreed to a 4 year, $15 million deal with the Houston Rockets. (<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Jonathan_Feigen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@Jonathan_Feigen<\/a>) <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/LTN2AeZUBh\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/LTN2AeZUBh<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Last Word on Basketball (@LastWordHoops) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/LastWordHoops\/status\/880988746434457600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">July 1, 2017<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Recap of the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/p\/paulch01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Chris Paul<\/a> Trade to the Rockets<\/strong><\/h3>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">REPORTS: LA Clippers trade Chris Paul to the Houston Rockets (via <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/WojVerticalNBA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@WojVerticalNBA<\/a>)<\/p>\n<p>MORE: <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/HJ5ekr3oeP\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/t.co\/HJ5ekr3oeP<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/Z9Td3DXoLt\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/Z9Td3DXoLt<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; NBA TV (@NBATV) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/NBATV\/status\/880095831722012672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">June 28, 2017<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Minnesota Timberwolves Made Moves as Well<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Tom Thibodeau, President and Head Coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves showed a fearless streak. Hours before free agency commenced the Timberwolves traded point guard <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/r\/rubiori01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ricky Rubio<\/a><\/strong> to the Utah Jazz. Needing a point guard, the Timberwolves then agreed to sign free agent point guard <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/t\/teaguje01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jeff Teague<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Timberwolves Acquire 2018 First-Round Draft Pick from Utah in Exchange for Guard Ricky Rubio \u00bb <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/PRPSpvOFlI\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/t.co\/PRPSpvOFlI<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/JrmTB5yq0r\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/JrmTB5yq0r<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Timberwolves\/status\/880925493264080901?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">June 30, 2017<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">REPORTS: Jeff Teague has agreed to 3-year, $57M deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves (via @TheVertical). <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/NBAFreeAgency?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#NBAFreeAgency<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/hEACa1p2m6\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/hEACa1p2m6<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; NBA TV (@NBATV) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/NBATV\/status\/881000809508487168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">July 1, 2017<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h3><strong>The Biggest Move of the Night<\/strong><\/h3>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Breaking: Pacers trade Paul George to Thunder for Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis, per <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/ramonashelburne?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@ramonashelburne<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/sam_amick?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@sam_amick<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/JsRRt1ih6k\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/JsRRt1ih6k<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/BleacherReport\/status\/880965669151363072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">July 1, 2017<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>Oklahoma City Thunder General Manager Sam Presti pulled off an impressive coup. <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/g\/georgpa01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Paul George<\/a><\/strong> to the Thunder was not a possibility discussed by NBA scribes, experts or analysts. However, Presti got his man. Though George drew interest from no fewer than five teams, Presti and the Thunder most importantly, had the solution to sway the Indiana Pacers front office. Many stories and explanations are expected and warranted on this. Even the Oklahoma City Police Department had an investigation. Here are their official report and finding.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Thanks for the tweets reporting the &quot;theft&quot; of Paul George by <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/okcthunder?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@okcthunder<\/a>. <\/p>\n<p>Our investigative findings: totally legal &amp; very savvy.<\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Oklahoma City Police (@OKCPD) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/OKCPD\/status\/880984935473053696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">July 1, 2017<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>George combined with newly minted league MVP <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/w\/westbru01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Russell Westbrook<\/a><\/strong> makes the Thunder immediate threats in the Western Conference.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Clippers Secured Their Prized Asset<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>With Chris Paul traded to the Rockets, the L.A. Clippers needed to keep the superstar <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/g\/griffbl01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Blake Griffin<\/a><\/strong> in Clipper-land. Brad Turner of the L.A Times broke the story.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Can confirm Blake Griffin cancelled meetings with Phoenix\/Denver, per source<\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Brad Turner (@BA_Turner) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/BA_Turner\/status\/880960402498011136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">July 1, 2017<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Blake Griffin met with Steve Ballmer, Doc Rivers, Jerry West today at Staples Center, &quot;meeting went well. Expected to sign a deal.&quot;<\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Brad Turner (@BA_Turner) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/BA_Turner\/status\/880960638515687424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">July 1, 2017<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Griffin and Clippers close to finalizing a five-year, max deal of $175 million for him to remain with team.<\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Brad Turner (@BA_Turner) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/BA_Turner\/status\/880961325068763140?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">July 1, 2017<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>The biggest acquisition the Clippers made was not re-signing Griffin, but convincing front office maestro <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/w\/westje01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jerry West<\/a><\/strong> to join the team. This is especially relevant as the Clippers have minimal salary cap space left.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">The Clippers will likely only have the $8.4m mid-level exception after the Blake Griffin max contract. Los&#8230; <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/OX5vRoR4nc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/t.co\/OX5vRoR4nc<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/BobbyMarks42\/status\/881027820666802176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">July 1, 2017<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Free agent JJ Redick is meeting with the 76ers, league sources tell ESPN. <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/pRKukjMkON\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/t.co\/pRKukjMkON<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/wojespn\/status\/881002173403873281?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">July 1, 2017<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Beautiful Music is Playing in Utah<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The Utah Jazz acquired Ricky Rubio from the Minnesota Timberwolves as stated earlier. While the Jazz has questions about key players, they remain optimistic the all-star forward <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/h\/haywago01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Gordon Hayward<\/a><\/strong> re-signs with the team. However, it appears that the Jazz is resigned to the fact that <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/h\/hillge01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">George Hill<\/a><\/strong> is gone.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Breaking from <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/tribjazz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@tribjazz<\/a>: guard Ricky Rubio is coming to Utah after trade with Minnesota <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/YTp8mS7dJn\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/t.co\/YTp8mS7dJn<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/09ncAAEFRU\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/09ncAAEFRU<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Salt Lake Tribune Sports (@sltribsports) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/sltribsports\/status\/880895340525756416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">June 30, 2017<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p><strong>Other Teams to Look At<\/strong><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Among the FAs the Lakers called tonight: Iggy, Rondo &amp; Ben McLemore<\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/ramonashelburne\/status\/881019354036314112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">July 1, 2017<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Hearing Andre Iguodala and Rudy Gay among the first meetings for Sacramento Kings free agency. Kings taking hard look at everyone<\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Sean Cunningham (@SeanCunningham) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/SeanCunningham\/status\/880951354990014468?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">July 1, 2017<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Kings free agency meetings tonight, I&#39;m told: Andre Iguodala and Patrick Patterson.<\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Sam Amick (@sam_amick) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/sam_amick\/status\/881052785621385217?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">July 1, 2017<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">NBA Free Agency 2017: Bogdan Bogdanovic to sign a 3 year, $36 million contract with Kings <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/lUwCEmVtVD\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/t.co\/lUwCEmVtVD<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Sactown Royalty: A Kings Herald Joint (@sactownroyalty) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/sactownroyalty\/status\/880126566805774345?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">June 28, 2017<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">League sources: Growing resignation among interested teams that New Orleans comes to terms quickly with Jrue Holiday on rich five-year deal<\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/TheSteinLine\/status\/880820092442783744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">June 30, 2017<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>Finally, it must be noted that this is less than six hours into the NBA free agency period. Many more deals shall occur over the next few days. Most noteworthy, there is a seven-day moratorium period. During this period players can teams come to agreements, however deals will only be signed after the moratorium ends on July 7.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h1><\/h1>\n<h4><strong>Main Photo<\/strong><\/h4>\n<div class=\"getty embed image\" style=\"background-color: #fff; display: inline-block; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue',Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; color: #a7a7a7; font-size: 11px; width: 100%; max-width: 594px;\">\n<div style=\"padding: 0; margin: 0; text-align: left;\"><a style=\"color: #a7a7a7; text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal !important; border: none; display: inline-block;\" href=\"http:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/523135014\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/div>\n<div style=\"overflow: hidden; position: relative; height: 0; padding: 67.003367% 0 0 0; width: 100%;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" style=\"display: inline-block; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; margin: 0;\" src=\"\/\/embed.gettyimages.com\/embed\/523135014?et=OCTE-iS3S2N6HemKlx8eVQ&amp;tld=com&amp;viewMoreLink=off&amp;sig=wwxgwD2uFSXPYTYAC_gaDURUyqaGJ09VUIARRxDGJmA=&amp;caption=true\" width=\"594\" height=\"398\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<p style=\"margin: 0;\">\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Free agency is officially underway. In the battle of the conferences, the West is best in the early moments of NBA free agency.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":466,"featured_media":8177,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[25,31,11,27,21,62,33,22,29],"tags":[65,226,229,399,96,297,1022,50,314,48],"class_list":["post-8170","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-warriors","category-rockets","category-pacers","category-clippers","category-timberwolves","category-nba","category-pelicans","category-thunder","category-kings","tag-basketball","tag-blake-griffin","tag-chris-paul","tag-gordon-hayward","tag-nba","tag-nba-free-agency","tag-patty-mills","tag-paul-george","tag-ricky-rubio","tag-stephen-curry"],"modified_by":"Harrison Marcus","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8170","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/466"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8170"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8170\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8177"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8170"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8170"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8170"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}