Thursday was another busy day in the NBA offseason, with a handful of veterans agreeing to deals, including Andrei Kirilenko and Nick Young. Metta World Peace was officially released after being amnestied by the Lakers, which should lead to an interesting waiver bidding process for the longtime small forward. Here's a recap of all of today's news from around the Association.
NBA free agent rumors roundup: Andrei Kirilenko heads to Brooklyn, Lakers nab Nick Young
Kirilenko joins Russian owner Mikhail Prokhorov in Brooklyn as the Nets continue to add pieces to their roster, while the Lakers officially say goodbye to World Peace and add Nick Young.
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Kirilenko signs with Brooklyn Nets to pursue a championship
Kirilenko agreed to a three-year deal with Brooklyn for $3.18 million annually, which comes as somewhat of a surprise. Most figured he would be looking for a much larger contract after he opted out of $10 million guaranteed from the Timberwolves for next season. It appears the Russian forward decided to he would rather have a shot at an NBA title than the extra money.
The addition of the defensive-minded Kirilenko adds to what is currently looking like a loaded roster in Brooklyn. It's unclear how new head coach Jason Kidd plans on getting sufficient playing time for all of these veterans, although it'll probably work itself out as the season moves along.
Nets fans are excited by the move, as one can tell by the reaction over on SB Nation’s Nets Daily blog.
Lakers officially say goodbye to World Peace
The writing had been on the wall for a couple of days, but the Los Angeles Lakers officially released Metta World Peace under the amnesty provision. The move saves them $21.5 million in cap space over the next three years.
World Peace tweeted on Thursday that GM Mitch Kupchak was the first to call him once the move was official.
World Peace, 34, will still be paid the money he’s owed by the Lakers. He’s now entered into a waiver bidding process for teams under the cap in which he’ll head to the highest bidder. If there are no bids, he will become an unrestricted free agent.
No longer the elite defender he used to be and a step slower on the offensive end, World Peace is still a serviceable small forward who could provide a lot for a playoff contender.
Nick Young agrees to deal with Lakers
Shortly after World Peace was released, free agent Nick Young's agent told reporters that his client had agreed to terms with the Lakers. The move makes sense for L.A., especially with Kobe Bryant's status for next season completely unknown as he recovers from a torn Achilles tendon.
Young, 28, is from Southern California and played his college ball at USC. He said it was a dream come true to sign with his hometown Lakers and should see plenty of playing time next year. He averaged 10.6 points with the 76ers last season, shooting 41 percent from the floor and nearly 36 percent from deep.
Chauncey Billups reunites with Rasheed Wallace in Detroit
Billups, the ageless wonder, agreed to a two-year deal with the Detroit Pistons on Thursday. He won an NBA title with Detroit back in 2005 and joins Rasheed Wallace, who was hired as an assistant coach earlier in the week, on the bench.
Billups has played a total of 42 games the past two seasons with the Clippers due to injuries. Given his age and the milage he’s wracked up during his 15-year tenure, he will likely serve as a bench player and helpful mentor for some of the younger guys on the roster.
The guys over at Detroit Bad Boys are thrilled that Chauncey is returning to town.
I'm stunned, in the best way possible. I don't know how much Billups has left in the tank. I don't know if he can play 82 games of consistent minutes. I know that in 22 games last season, he was productive for the Los Angeles Clippers. I'm sure that Joe Dumars signed Chauncey Billups for basketball reasons. His job may be on the line, and he can't afford to be sentimental. I don't blame him. I'd be operating in much the same way.
But I don't care.
As a fan of Detroit Pistons basketball, I am elated. I literally almost shed a tear. My stomach is in nervous knots. I have goosebumps as I'm typing this.
Ronny Turiaf headed to Minnesota
The Timberwolves have arguably been the busiest team in the league this offseason. They added yet another bench piece on Thursday, agreeing to a two-year deal with veteran big man Ronny Turiaf for $3.2 million.
The guys over at Canis Hoopus liked the idea of the move earlier in the day before it became official.
(The deal) makes sense, because the Wolves could use a veteran big man, given that they are currently with only rookie Gorgui Dieng and D-League refugee Chris Johnson behind the as yet unsigned Nikola Pekovic.
We'll talk more about this signing if it happens, but Turiaf fills a role.
Turiaf is also regarded as a great teammate and fun personality in the locker room. For a Timberwolves team with its eyes set on a playoff spot next summer, this seems to be a solid addition.
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