NBA free agency is officially here, and there has already been a flurry of moves in Friday's early morning hours. Hassan Whiteside has spurned the Dallas Mavericks to re-sign with the Miami Heat, while both Nicolas Batum (Hornets) and DeMar DeRozan (Raptors) have signed near-max deals with their respective teams. Here are all the latest NBA news and rumors you need to know:
Blazers to sign Parsons?
Portland surprisingly landed the first meeting with Chandler Parsons shortly after midnight, and ESPN's Tim MacMahon says they have become a real contender to land him after blowing him away with their pitch:
A source described Chandler Parsons as "really impressed" with Portland's presentation, which included a four-year max offer and emphasized the Trail Blazers' vision for him.
Owner Paul Allen, general manager Neil Olshey, coach Terry Stotts and star point guard Damian Lillard traveled to Los Angeles to meet with Parsons, who is intrigued by the possibility of joining a playoff team with a young core.
Parsons has a Friday meeting set up with the Memphis Grizzlies, sources said.
Parsons is seeking a max contract, which the Blazers offered him. The Mavericks have said they won't offer that to him, meaning he will be playing elsewhere next season. The Grizzlies and Lakers also plan on offering him a max deal.
Wade actually leaving Miami?
Dwyane Wade has spent his entire 13-year career with the Miami Heat, but has flirted with other teams as a free agent for the last few offseasons after not liking Miami's initial offer to him. That is the case again this year, and while he still may return to the team, there are no guarantees, according to the Miami Herald's Barry Jackson:
Wade is unhappy with the Heat about the approach it has taken with his contract, a friend of Wade said this week. That’s why, as ESPN reported, his agent has told Dallas, San Antonio and other teams that he’s available, though some NBA people believe Wade is simply looking for leverage. An involved person said the Heat has been unable to tell Wade exactly what it’s willing to pay him because a lot will depend on whether it can sign Whiteside or Durant. That apparently has frustrated Wade, who wants to feel like a priority.
Wade has shown interest in the Spurs and Mavs, while the Cavs could get creative to create cap room if he wanted to play with his best friend, LeBron James.
Barnes staying in Golden State?
Warriors forward Harrison is expected to receive high-money offers from multiple teams in free agency, namely the Philadelphia 76ers, but he doesn't appear to be going anywhere. As a restricted free agent, Golden State can match any offer he gets, and they plan to do just that.
A source doubts that Harrison Barnes will join the #Sixers. #GoldenState intends to match any offer he gets.
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) July 1, 2016
Barnes averaged 11.7 points and 4.9 rebounds per game last season.
Latest contract agreements
Though no deal can be officially signed until July 6, several deals have already been agreed upon (like the ones mentioned above. Here are all the deals that have already been agreed to:
D.J. Augustin - 4 years (Magic)
Nicolas Batum - 5 years, $120 million (Hornets)
Jordan Clarkson - 4 years, $50 million (Lakers)
DeMar DeRozan - 5 years, $139 million (Raptors)
Andre Drummond - 5 years, $130 million (Pistons)
Timofey Mozgov - 4 years, $64 million (Lakers)
Ish Smith - 3 years, $18 million (Pistons)
Hassan Whiteside - 4 years, $98 million (Heat)