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
