Harden officially signed a contract in two years, the Lakers first player left the team was also released, the Timberwolves made a big profit

NBA free agent market is about to open, and today is also the last day for each team to implement player options and team options. The market is very lively, and most big-name stars have determined their next home, and each team has also made the most favorable choices for them to strengthen their lineup. The Timberwolves signed the All-Star Power Forward at an extremely low price, which made a lot of money. James of the Lakers has confirmed to stay in the team, and the first person in the team is about to be produced. Harden of the Clippers has also signed a new contract.

According to ESPN famous reporter Shams, the Timberwolves' starting power forward and three-time NBA All-Star member Randall plans to sign a three-year, 100 million contract extension with the Timberwolves, of which the third year is the player option, which is much beyond people's expectations. After all, Randall performed well last season, playing 69 games in the regular season, averaging 32.2 minutes per game, scoring 18.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 4.7 assists, shooting percentage of 48.5%, shooting percentage of 34% in three-pointers and shooting percentage of 80.6%.

In the playoffs, his personal performance has gone to a higher level. He averaged 35.5 minutes per game, scored 21.7 points, 5.9 rebounds and 4.9 assists, with a shooting percentage of 50.2%, a three-point shooting percentage of 38.5%, and a free throw percentage of 88%. His performance is far beyond people's expectations. According to his market value, he can sign a four-year, 160 million contract, and an annual salary of 40 million is not an exaggeration. But at present, his annual salary is only 33 million. The Timberwolves' signing of this high-quality power forward can be said to be a big profit and will continue to compete for the championship with Edwards next season.

Clippers star James Harden refused to implement his last year's player option of $36.3 million and chose to become a free agent, but his next home was soon confirmed. Harden then re-choosed his return to the Los Angeles Clippers with a two-year $81.5 million contract, of which the second year was Harden's player option. Harden's contract will be synchronized with Xiaoka, and their contracts will last until the 2026-27 season. During the offseason last year, Leonard renewed the Clippers early with a three-year, $153 million contract. He is also true love for the Clippers. His new contract annual salary is nearly 40 million. For Harden, who is about to turn 36 in August, this contract is actually not very attractive. After all, with his ability and age, signing a long-term large contract is a better choice.

Harden made huge concessions and sacrifices in order for the team to win the present and introduce more new players to ensure the team's salary flexibility to strive for the championship. Last season, Harden averaged 22 points, 8.7 assists, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game, and was successfully selected as the All-Star. His shooting percentage was only 41% and his three-point shooting percentage was 35%. However, he led the team to a record of 50 wins and 32 losses, ranking fifth in the Western Conference. At the same time, under his lead, inside center Zubac ushered in an explosive season.

Harden renewed his contract at such a low price, and with his strength, it is no problem to get a three-year, 150 million contract. Now I can only wish Harden to realize his dream of winning the championship next season.

Another team in Los Angeles, the Lakers, also heard two exciting news. First, James' agent Ritchie Paul revealed to ESPN that James has chosen to execute the $52.6 million player option next season. James will continue to compete in his 23rd season, and he has also become the first player in NBA history to compete in 23 seasons.

Last season, James performed well, averaging 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 8.2 assists, 1.1 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game, with a shooting percentage of 51.3% and a three-point shooting percentage of 37.6%. In the playoffs, he played 5 games against the Timberwolves, averaging 40.7 minutes per game, scoring 25.4 points, 9 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 2 steals, and 1.8 blocks, with a shooting percentage of 48.9%. It can be seen that James' sword is not old. Although he is 40 years old, he still has oil in his fuel tank to ensure that he competes on the court. He can still compete with Doncic for the championship next season. However, according to Ritchie Paul, the Lakers are planning for the future. As for whether they can strengthen their goals next season, it is really hard to say.

Meanwhile, the Lakers have a frustrating bad news that their forward Finney Smith refused to execute the $15.4 million player option next season and decided to enter the free agent market. Finney Smith's contract was signed with the Mavericks in 2022. Although he jumped out of the contract, the Lakers still have his bird rights and can provide him with a three-year, $56 million contract extension. It is not clear whether the Lakers are willing to provide him with such a large contract. If Finney Smith chooses to join other teams, the Lakers can get a $14.1 million special case to continue to strengthen, but in terms of the current free agent market, it is difficult to find a player to replace Finney Smith in this contract.

Fenney Smith was traded by the Lakers in December last year with Russell and three second-round draft picks. He helped the Lakers play 43 games last season, averaging 7.9 points and 3.6 rebounds per game. He is a typical 3D player, with a three-point shooting percentage of up to 39.8%, and a good performance in the playoffs. If the Lakers make him lose it in vain, it will be a major blow to the team members, and the depth of the lineup will not be enough. If such a high-quality forward player leaves the team, it will be difficult for the Lakers to enter the playoffs next season, let alone the championship.