Free agency frenzy starts for NBA teams, some big moves on first day

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) – Star point guard Kyle Lowry, who won the 2019 NBA title with the Raptors, is set to join the Miami Heat, an NBA insider said early Tuesday.

"Kyle Lowry has agreed to a three-year deal for approximately $90M with the Miami Heat, sources tell ESPN," Adrian Wojnarowski said on Twitter.

Lowry, 35, was a longtime Toronto Raptors point guard, having played for the Canadian-based franchise in 2012-2021.

The six-time All-Star won an NBA title in 2019 with Toronto, the team's only NBA championship in history.

Lowry averaged 17.2 points, 7.3 assists and 5.4 rebounds per game last season.

He was an Olympic gold medalist with the US national team in Rio 2016.

- Hawks' Young agrees to $207M contract extension

Atlanta Hawks All-Star guard Trae Young, 22, is willing to stay at his team for an extravagant contract.

"Atlanta Hawks All-Star G Trae Young has agreed to a five-year, $207 million designated rookie maximum extension, his agent Omar Wilkes of @KlutchSports tells ESPN," Wojnarowski said.

The 2020 All-Star has been playing for the Hawks since 2018. Young played with 25.3 points and 9.4 assists per game average last season.

- OKC guard Gilgeous-Alexander to get max contract

Canadian combo guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is set to seal a maximum contract with his team Oklahoma City Thunder.

"Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has agreed to a five-year, $172 million maximum rookie contract extension, his agent Thaddeus Foucher of @Wasserman tells ESPN," Wojnarowski tweeted.

Gilgeous-Alexander, 23, previously played for the Los Angeles Clippers.

He has been an OKC guard since 2019.

- Phoenix star Paul gives green light to stay for $120M

Phoenix Suns' All-Star guard Chris Paul was said to be certain to carry on with his team for a new deal, which will be more than $100 million.

"Phoenix Suns All-Star guard Chris Paul has agreed to stay on a new four-year deal that could be worth as much as $120 million, his agents Steve Heumann and Ty Sullivan of @CAA_Basketball tell ESPN," Wojnarowski said on Twitter.

Paul, 36, is one of the respected NBA players with an 11-time All-Star selection.

He has been playing for the Suns since 2020.

Paul won Olympic gold medals twice with the US national team in Beijing in 2008 and London in 2012.

- Allen stays at Cleveland for $100 million

Jarrett Allen agreed with the Cleveland Cavaliers to continue to play for his team for a large sum of money.

"Restricted free agent C Jarrett Allen has agreed to a five-year, $100 million contract to stay with the Cleveland Cavaliers, his agents Derrick Powell and Jim Tanner tell ESPN," Wojnarowski tweeted.

The 23-year-old center played for the Brooklyn Nets in 2017-2021 before moving to the Cavaliers in January.

- Pelicans sending guard Ball to Bulls

The New Orleans Pelicans are sending their point guard Lonzo Ball to the Chicago Bulls.

"New Orleans Pelicans guard Lonzo Ball is landing on a four-year, $85 million contract with Chicago Bulls in a sign-and-trade agreement, his agent and @KlutchSports CEO Rich Paul tells ESPN," Wojnarowski said.

The 23-year-old played for the Los Angeles Lakers and the Pelicans.