By: Faisal Quyyumi, contributing intern (@_faisalquyyumi ) Doing weekly updates of the NBA free agency is my objective. However, since it has only been three days, it would be inaccurate to title this as “Week 1 Update”. For now let’s just focus on the third day of the free agency and cover all of the non-stop drama. The biggest trade on Friday, July 3rd would be that of the Los Angeles Clipper’s exciting, charismatic, gigantic, one-half of lob city: DeAndre Jordan. He walked away from a five-year $109 million offer from the Clippers, and decided to return to his home state of Texas, meanwhile accepting a four-year $80 million contract. Although, DeAndre is one of the worst free-throw shooters in the league (career – 41.7%), he also is one of the league’s leaders in field goal percentage (career – 66.4 %) since his offensive prowess consists of highlight reel dunks. This season, Jordan led the league in rebounds and field goal (15 RPG & 71%), was fourth in blocks (2.23 BPG). This trade has turned into a major step back for a team thirsty for a NBA Championship. Along with Jordan, Portland Trailblazers two-way guard Wesley Matthews decided to sign with Dallas Mavericks on a deal worth $52 million for 4 years. Matthews is one of Portland’s four starters who has decided to leave Rip City in hopes for a better chance at winning somewhere else. In Portland, Matthews was the second leading scorer behind Lillard averaging almost 16 points per game. Throughout Friday, there seemed to be a memo for players to sign to teams located in Texas. The Houston Rockets resigned point guard Patrick Beverly – who often pesters other teams guards on the defensive end due to his agility, footwork, toughness, and speed – on a four-year $25 million contract. The Rockets also resigned veteran guard Corey Brewer on a three year $23.4 million contract. Four-time All-Star and NBA champion, Rajon Rondo, decided to take his talents to the west coast and join the Sacramento Kings on a one-year deal worth $9.5 million and hopes to gain more money the following summer due to the TV deal. And after having the most horrendous season in franchise history, the New York Knicks (17-65) have signed Arron Afflalo for two-years worth $16 million deal, Robin Lopez for four years totaling $54 million, and west-coast raised Derrick Williams on a two-year, $10 million contract. Too say that this free agency has been surprising would be an understatement. With more than three months left until the regular season, we can expect for some more super teams to be created.
