Garland agrees to $193 million deal to stay with Cavs
Cavaliers All-Star point guard Darius Garland has agreed to a five-year, $193 million contract extension, his agent Rich Paul told the Associated Press on Saturday.
Garland's deal is the largest in franchise history.
The fifth overall pick in 2019, Garland has quickly developed into one of the NBA's top point guards. Last season, he averaged 21.7 points and 8.6 assists in 68 games while helping the Cavs win 22 more games than the previous season.
The 22-year-old Garland has improved statistically each season, but beyond that, he has grown as a leader for a rising Cleveland team that just missed the playoffs last season.
Garland agreed to the same deal that another elite young guard, Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies, struck earlier in the week as the majority of the league's offseason business began getting underway.
Garland's extension begins in the 2023-24 season and, for now, would see him making just over $33 million in the first year and escalating steadily, all the way to $44 million in 2027-28.
If he makes an All-NBA team this coming season — meaning he would have to be selected as one of the top six guards in the league, unless the league changes its voting structure before then — the numbers get even bigger, going from “max” to “supermax.”
In that scenario, Garland would start out making $40 million in 2023-24, and be due almost $53 million in 2027-28.
Williamson, Pelicans agree on $193M deal
Zion Williamson's lost season to injury and unusual absence from the New Orleans Pelicans during his recovery didn't stop the club from betting big on their long-term future together.
Williamson agreed Saturday to a five-year, $193 million extension with New Orleans that has the potential to be worth as much as $231 million, two people familiar with the situation said.
The people spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because NBA rules do not allow the extension to become official until July 6.
Classified as a maximum rookie extension under the NBA's labor agreement, the deal sets the stage for the 6-foot-6, 280-pound, highscoring forward to give an All-Star caliber boost to a squad that recently proved it could make the playoffs without him.
ESPN first reported the agreement, citing information provided by Williamson's agent, Austin Brown.
The move signifies a desire by the 2019 No. 1 overall draft choice out of Duke to see how much his return could help a squad that improved dramatically late last season and made a competitive playoff showing
Hornets, Martin agree on new contract
Three days into free agency, the Charlotte Hornets finally have their first move.
Restricted free agent Cody Martin has agreed to terms on a four-year, $32 million deal, sources with direct knowledge of the situation told the Charlotte Observer on Saturday. Bringing Martin back was among the team's top priorities.
Martin is one of their best defenders and was typically the first player summoned off the bench, showing off growth in his third season. He appeared in 71 games, starting in 11, and averaged 7.7 points and four rebounds per game.
Pistons, Boeheim agree on 2-way deal
The Detroit Pistons announced Saturday that former Syracuse guard Buddy Boeheim has signed a twoway contract with the team.
Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
Boeheim led the ACC in scoring during the 202122 season, averaging 19.2 points, and ranked second in the conference in 3-pointers made per game (2.8).
In his four years with the Orange, the youngest son of head coach Jim Boeheim averaged 14.6 points, 2.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.1 steals and 31.5 minutes in 121 games (94 starts). The 6-foot-6 Boeheim shot 41% from the field and 36.2% from distance, finished second in school history in 3-pointers made (309), and his career total of 1,765 points ranks 13th all-time in Syracuse history.