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The Rockets have signed 4 players in a row, the Clippers finally take action, and the Warriors target appears

2:46am, 2 July 2025【Basketball】

On July 1, the NBA free agent market officially opened, and there were many major signings in the NBA yesterday. James executes the $52.6 million player option and continues to stay with the Lakers; Harden jumps out of the contract and re-signs a two-year, $81.5 million contract with the Clippers; Gabarry Smith signs a five-year, $122 million contract extension with the Rockets; Randall also plans to sign a three-year, $100 million contract extension with the Timberwolves. The most surprising thing is that Ayton, who has an annual salary of 35 million, actually chose to reach a buyout agreement with the Trail Blazers to become a free agent, which will inevitably cause trouble in the market. There are many major signings in the NBA today. Let’s take a look at the specific situation today.

First, the Rockets signed four generals in a row, among which the successful poaching from the Lakers increased its strength greatly.

First, the Rockets signed a new one-year, $3 million contract with veteran Tate. At the same time, the Rockets signed with Jeff Green and Aaron Holiday with basic salary respectively, allowing the two veterans to return to the team. Although Tate has few chances to play with the Rockets, his tough defense is exactly what the Rockets need. Jeff Green is still strong. Although he is 38 years old, his contribution and experience to the Rockets are very important. Aaron Holiday was Van Vreet's first substitute last season and saved the Rockets many times at critical moments. It was not surprising that the Rockets renewed their contract with the three of them.

The Rockets' most important signing today is the successful poaching of Finney Smith from the Lakers. According to famous reporter Shams, the Rockets and Finney Smith reached a four-year, $53 million contract. Yesterday, Finney Smith refused to execute the Lakers' $15.38 million player option and chose to become a free agent. The reason why Finney Smith left the Lakers is related to Lakers general manager Pelinka. It is said that Pelinka discussed Finney Smith's ankle problem with other teams in an attempt to lower his value. After the incident was discovered by Finney Smith's team, it reduced his chances of returning to the Lakers.

Fenney Smith, as a 3D general, helped the Lakers achieve a good record last season. Last season, he played 43 games, averaging 28.8 minutes per game, contributing 7.9 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.4 assists. The most surprising thing is that his three-point shooting percentage is as high as 41%, he works diligently on the defensive end and contributes greatly to opening the team's space. He performed well in the playoffs, averaging 6.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game. Given that he doesn't play much, his role has not been fully played yet. After joining the Rockets, he will definitely be able to assist Durant in the championship.

Fenney Smith's new contract contains a non-guaranteed portion, with the last year as a player option, and a deal guarantee clause. Finney Smith, 32, can to a certain extent relieve the pressure brought by Dillon Brooks' defensive end after leaving the Rockets. Now the Rockets are strong and have a strong roster. The 15-man roster has almost taken shape. There is a chance to win the championship next season.

2, the Clippers finally took action, veteran Batum chose to sign with the Clippers again for two years of $11.5 million, and the second year of the new contract is the team option.

Batum provided the Clippers with good veteran experience and defense last season, while his three-point shooting also reached a new level. Although he is older, Batum has made great contributions to the field and is a capable assistant around Harden. Now that he has signed with the Clippers again, he has also avoided situations like the Lakers losing Finney Smith. Although the Clippers' reinforcement does not have much substantial effect, at least he has not lost his own free agent.

3, the Grizzlies re-signed a five-year, $240 million contract with Jaren Jackson Jr., with the last year being the player option.

Jaren Jackson Jr. was just selected as the All-Star last season. To be honest, he is very valuable and can be said to be the best player of the Grizzlies at present. Last season, he averaged 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 1.5 blocks per game, with a shooting percentage of up to 48.8% and a three-point shooting percentage of 37.5%. He has won the best defensive player ever. It is worth mentioning that he has scored at least 100 three-pointers and sent 100 blocks in four consecutive seasons, which is the NBA's historical record.

4, other signings Zaire Williams renewed the Nets for two years $12 million. The Suns and defender Gillespie signed a guaranteed contract. Sharp renewed the Nets' contract for $12 million in two years, and Ingles returned to the Timberwolves with $36 million a year. Aldama renewed his contract with the Grizzlies for three years $52.5 million. Paul Reed signed with the Pistons for two years $11 million. Spencer renewed his contract with a two-year, $4.5 million contract.

5, another heavyweight player was added to the free agent market, and the Jazz have reached a buyout agreement with their defender Clarkson. At this point, two players, Ayton and Clarkson, will appear in the free agent market, which will also bring major benefits to the strengthening of the Lakers and the Warriors.

It is rumored that the Lakers are very likely to sign with Ayton after Ayton has spent the clarification period, allowing the young No. 1 center to partner with Doncic. As we all know, the Lakers are extremely scarce inside. Now that Finney Smith leaves the team, they have a $14.1 million middle-class contract to sign, and have the salary space to win Ayton.

At the same time, the Warriors also plan to pursue Ayton and Carax to strengthen, and they will chase Clarkson in the free agent market. Although the Warriors are not moving at the moment, they have their own plans. Curry and Butler are older next season, which is almost their last chance to pursue the championship. The team can make reasonable reinforcement is their hope.