Several NBA teams have been making deals after this year’s NBA Draft. As a result, more than a few players are looking to be moved into deals that will cost hundreds of millions of dollars.

Rockets and Trail Blazers Expand

The Houston Rockets are bolstering their ever-expanding roster by bringing in experienced players. The latest addition is Jeff Green, who earned a victory in the 2023 NBA championship. Houston has secured Green’s services for the next two years with a contract worth $16 million.

According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, this deal includes an unprotected salary and a team option for the 2024-25 season, offering the potential to earn up to $1.6 million at any given time. In his previous season, Green averaged 7.8 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 19 games.

In an unprecedented move, Jerami Grant has joined the Trail Blazers with a lucrative deal worth $160 million over five years. According to Scotto, he has the option to make the final year of the contract optional.

Last season, Grant showed his prowess by maintaining an impressive average of 20.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game, all while playing for 35.7 minutes. Next season, with the surprise departure of Damian Lillard, Grant will assume a more prominent position in Portland.

Ben Simmons had an abysmal performance throughout the 2022-23 season, achieving his lowest score in his career. The highly anticipated No. 1 pick appears to have lost its signature style, though the Nets remain optimistic about witnessing a transformative point guard in it the following year.

As a restricted free agent, P.J. Washington showed his willingness to accept the Hornets’ qualifying offer, unless an improved deal can be reached with the team. Heavy.com’s Sean Deveney reports that the strategy is for the young forward to explore unrestricted free agency next summer. During his time with the Hornets last season, Washington averaged 15.7 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game, playing for 32.6 minutes.

Atlanta Hawks On The Prowl

In a significant move, the Atlanta Hawks secured the services of All-Star Dejounte Murray with a lucrative contract worth $120 million over four years. This decision ensures that the formidable partnership of Trae Young and Murray, both All-Star caliber players, will remain intact for the next four seasons.

This marked a promising start to the offseason. However, sources suggest the Hawks are actively looking to add another prominent player, Pascal Siakam, to further elevate their roster. Reports suggest Siakam may be on the market, and it has been confirmed that the Hawks attempted to enter into negotiations for his services not long ago.

It’s worth noting that signing Murray to a long-term contract could provide the Hawks with a chance to reignite their search for Siakam. They still possess enough clout despite parting with a significant portion of their assets to secure Murray from the San Antonio Spurs last year.

The Hawks’ acquisition of Siakam would allow them to build a highly qualified roster that could greatly expand their financial flexibility. Given the formidable competition posed by Boston, Miami, Philadelphia, Cleveland and Milwaukee in the Eastern Conference, Atlanta has the potential to become a prominent contender rather than a fringe playoff team.

Even though the cost is high, the upcoming salary cap increase and Young and Murray’s existing contracts for another four years make it feasible to extend Siakam. In the long run, this extension could be a fantastic deal.