NBA Free Agency

If You Can't Beat 'Em, Join 'Em.

What in the world? What just happened? In what has to be one of the wildest Free Agencies since "The Decision", we have missed quite a bit while being off for the Fourth of July. With so much to cover, let us hit the high points and discuss.

Kevin Durant to Golden State

Wow! In the biggest surprise, Kevin Durant leaves the only franchise that he has ever known. We all knew that Durant would be visiting teams, but I don't think that anyone would have imagined that he would have gone to Golden State: the team that his OKC Thunder took to the brink in the Western Conference Finals only to lose in Game 7 after having a 3-1 lead. Sure, we had heard early reports that Durant might consider going, but I cannot believe yet that he signed. Just because the bully on the playground beat the crap out of you does not mean that you should be his friend. Durant signed a two-year contract worth $54.3 million with a player option after the first year. Durant has since stated that he intends on staying with the Warriors throughout the rest of his career. A hard pill to swallow if you remember the last time Durant had a contract negotiation. While LeBron was having his decision on ESPN, Durant tweeted his extension with the Thunder out over Twitter. Best of luck to the young man, but we're still scratching our heads over this one.



Dwayne Wade Leaves Heat for Bulls

Dwayne Wade returns home as he signs a contract with the Chicago Bulls. For the first time in his long career, Wade will be the highest paid player on the team. Feeling unwanted and unappreciated in Miami, Wade goes to Chicago where it was rumored he might sign with the last time he was a free agent. Joining him will be Rajon Rondo who also signed with the Bulls to the tune of two-years $28 million. Wade will now make $47.5 million over the next two seasons when he could have stayed in Miami for about $7 million less. Wade is known for taking pay cuts to bring in talent. Now, he has decided that it is time for him to earn his due. Congratulations on returning home!




Next post, we will look at some of the more puzzling signings of this Free Agency Period. Tune in next time to see the busts!




-Dug
@chansm1th

Memorial Weekend "Kick"-Off

See what I did there?

It's finally Friday! Hope you're ready for a long weekend filled with sports, cookouts, and friends. I know that I am. Let's get in it and look at what happened and what will take place. 

Warriors Still Alive and Kicking, 120-111

Let's just give it up. Draymond Green is going to kick. Brace yourself and watch out because it's apparent after last night that his "shooting motion" isn't going to change. The Warriors fought off elimination with help from the same old crew and someone you had forgotten about. Steph Curry went for 31 while his running mate Klay Thompson dropped 27. The surprise was former number one pick Andrew Bogut dropping 15 points and grabbing 14 rebounds. It also didn't hurt that they hit 31 of 34 free throws. Kevin Durant showed up to play, but his 40 points just wasn't enough. Westbrook also had a very nice line: 31 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists, and 5 steals. Still leading the series, OKC played sharp and good enough to win. Game 6 takes the series back to OKC on Saturday. 

Penguins Outlast Lightning, Advance to Finals

The Pittsburgh Penguins eliminated Tampa Bay last night with a 2-1 victory. They will advance to their 5th Stanley Cup Final to take on San Jose, who is playing in their first. Game 1 is Monday night. 

Looking toward tonight, Cleveland leaves the country again to try and finish off Toronto. Game 6 tip is at 8:30 and the Cavs can advance to a second straight Finals appearance with a win. Don't count out Toronto though. They have beaten Cleveland each time the matchup has been in Toronto. Expect the series to come back south on Sunday for Game 7. 

That's all for today. Be sure to check back for stuff from our other writers (hint, hint)

-Dug

@chansm1th

Friday Morning Wake Up Call

Good Friday morning! We have made it through another week, nearly, and it's almost time for the weekend. Before we get ahead of ourselves, we need to go over what happened last night and see what's on tap today. Let's jump in. 

San Jose Advances to Western Conference Finals

The Sharks held a televised practice last night when there was supposed to be a game. If any one sees Nashville's starting five, let them know that they are now on vacation. Pekka Rinne stopped 21 shots, but it was the five that got by him that were the difference. San Jose now advanced to their first Western Conference Finals since 2011 when they take on St Louis in Game 1 on Sunday. 

OKC Closes Out Spurs

Oklahoma City defeated San Antonio 113-99 to advance last night in the NBA Playoffs. A late push by the Spurs kept the score closer than it really was. The Thunder would not be denied this time. Trying to avoid sending the series back to San Antonio, they led after three quarters 91-65. In what might have been Tim Duncan's last game, he turned in one of his better performances of the playoffs scoring 19 points. Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook combined for 65. The Thunder will meet up at Golden State for Game 1 on Monday. 

Looking forward to today, it will be a light schedule. Toronto has a chance to knock out Miami when the two teams meet in South Beach tonight for Game 6. In something we haven't touched on, The Players Championship second round is currently underway. Jason Day was the leader after the first round after a -9 round. He will tee off at 1:58 today and currently leads by two strokes. 

That's about all I have for now. Be sure to check back through the the day for breaking stories and updates. 

-Dug

@chandm1th