usatoday--2020-11-22--2020 NBA free-agent tracker: Live updates and analysis

Following an unusual season that was suspended in March because of COVID-19 , restarted in a bubble in Orlando , Florida , and concluded just more than a month ago , free agency began only a month before the next season is scheduled to start on Dec. 22 .
There are many big names and not a lot of teams with salary-cap space , but free agency should be busy as teams want to put together rosters in advance of training camps , which are slated to open on Dec. 1 .
Here are players who reached deals with teams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relief for Klay Thompson injury With Thompson suffering a season-ending injury to his right Achilles , the Golden State Warriors have applied for the Disabled Player Exception worth $ 9.3 million , a person familiar with the details told USA TODAY Sports .
The person was granted anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss an internal matter .
This will give the Warriors an additional spending tool to sign a player because they have already established that Thompson wo n't be available on their roster for the 2020-21 season .
Guard Brad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million deal with the Warriors , a person familiar with the details told USA TODAY Sports .
The person was granted anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss a deal that is not official .
The Warriors pursued Wanamaker in hopes of bolstering their backcourt amid Klay Thompson 's season-ending injury to his right Achilles .
Wanamaker will likely have a significant backup point guard role behind Stephen Curry , as well as provide spot minutes at shooting guard .
Little can mitigate Thompson 's absence .
In both roles , Wanamaker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Warriors also made this signing at a relatively low price .
They still have a taxpayer mid-level exception worth $ 5.7 million .
Veteran forward Tristan Thompson and the Boston Celtics came to terms on a two-year , $ 19 million deal , his agent Rich Paul of Klutch Sports told USA TODAY Sports .
Thompson averaged 12 points and 10.1 rebounds for Cleveland last season .
The Celtics pick up more frontcourt depth with a strong defender and rebounder .
Thompson has spent his entire career with the Cavaliers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lakers continue to strengthen their roster through trades and free agency .
They champions managed to retain Kentavious Caldwell-Pope on a three-year , $ 40 million deal , his agent , Rich Paul of Klutch Sports , told USA TODAY Sports .
Pope averaged 9.3 points during the regular season but bumped that to 10.7 in the playoffs and 11 in the Finals while playing outstanding defense .
Veteran guard Rajon Rondo agreed to a two-year , $ 15 million deal in principle with the Atlanta Hawks , a person familiar with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ person was granted anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss a deal that was not official .
The person added the deal does not have any player or team options .
Rondo opted out of his player option worth $ 2.7 million with the Los Angeles Lakers fully aware that he would have plenty of interest for his smart playmaking and accountable leadership style .
Despite season-long issues with his health and shooting , the Lakers remained enamored with Rondo 's intangibles that included his passing , in-game adjustments and mentorship .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' playoff run after missing the first chunk of the NBA season restart because of an injured right thumb and back .
Rondo is expected to become a positive veteran presence for third-year guard Trae Young , who made his first All-Star appearance last season after improving from his rookie to sophomore season in points ( 19.1 to 29.6 ) , shooting percentage ( 41.8 to 43.7 ) , assists ( 8.1 to 9.3 ) and minutes ( 30.9 to 35.3 ) .
Avery Bradley came to terms on a two-year , $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a person familir with the agreement told USA TODAY Sports .
The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly until the deal is official .
The Heat have a team option on the second yeBradley remains a solid defender and 3-point shooter , and the Heat front office is trying to make sure the team has the talent to get back to the NBA Finals .
First , Gordon Hayward decided not to finish his final season with Boston at $ 34.1 million , and then he reached @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Charlotte .
Jae Crowder was instrumental in Miami 's run to the NBA Finals earlier this year .
Now he 'll get a chance to help Phoenix make the playoffs for the the first time since 2010 .
Crowder , an unrestricted free agent , has agreed to a three-year , $ 30 million deal to join a team looking to build a playoff-caliber roster .
Forward Jeff Green agreed to a one-year deal with the Brooklyn Nets , a person familiar with the terms told USA TODAY Sports .
That person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authorized to discuss a deal before it became official .
The Nets are finding ways to bolster their supporting cast for Kevin Durant and Kyrie Iriving .
Green offers positional versatility both as a wing defender and scorer as well as a paint defender and post-up scorer .
Durant has also remained close friends with Green ever since the two played together in Seattle and Oklahoma City ( 2007-2011 ) .
Forward Bobby Portis agreed to a two-year , $ 8 million deal with the Milwaukee Bucks , a person familiar with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ person was granted anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss a deal that was not official .
The person added that Portis holds a player option on his second season .
The Bucks have made several moves before and during free agency , both to bolster their chances at winning an NBA title and convincing two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo to a sign a super-max contract , which he is eligible to do beginning Dec. 1 .
The Bucks acquired Jrue Holiday from New Orleans in exchange for Eric Bledsoe , George Hill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as well as the rights to swap first-round picks in 2024 and 2026 .
Guard Fred VanVleet plans to stay with Toronto on a four-year , $ 85 million deal , his agent Brian Jungreis USA TODAY Sports .
VanVleet turned himself from undrafted player in 2016 to one of the best free agents available in 2020 .
Millsap commits to another season with Denver Paul Millsap will re-sign with the Denver Nuggets on a one-year , $ 10 million deal , a person familiar with the deal told USA TODAY Sports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was not authorized to speak until the contract was official .
Millsap provides a strong veteran presence and keeping him softens the losses of Jerami Grant and Mason Plumlee .
Guard D.J .
Augustin intends to sign a three-year , $ 21 million contract with the Milwaukee Bucks , a person familiar with the details told USA TODAY Sports .
The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak until the contract was official .
Augustin has been a reliable guard in the league for years , and the Bucks will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He averaged 10.5 points and 4.6 assists for Orlando last season .
Forward Maurice Harkless agreed to a one-year , $ 3.6 million deal with the Miami Heat , a person familiar with the details told USA TODAY Sports .
The person was granted anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss a deal that is not official .
The person added that Harkless turned down more lucrative offers elsewhere because he considered Miami to be a better fit both for his role and being closer to his family .
Harkless , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Los Angeles Clippers and the New York Knicks last year .
He has averaged 7.2 points on 45.5 % shooting and 3.3 rebounds , while also offering dependable perimeter defense .
Guard Kris Dunn bolted Chicago for Atlanta on a two-year deal , a person with direct knowledge of the agreement told USA TODAY Sports .
The person requested anonymity because he was n't authorized to speak until Dunn signed a contract .
Chicago Bulls guard Denzel Valentine signed his one-year , $ 4.6 million qualifying offer with the team , meaning he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 2020-21 season .
New Bulls GM Arturas Karnisovas is interested to see how Valentine plays in new coach Billy Donovan ’ s system .
Guard Michael Carter Williams will re-sign with Orlando on a one-year deal worth nearly $ 3 million , a person with direct knowledge of the deal told USA TODAY Sports .
The person requested anonymity because he was n't authorized to speak until the contract was official .
Guard Raul Neto , who spent last season with Philadelphia , reached a one-year , $ 1.8 million deal with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ details told USA TODAY Sports .
The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly until the deal was official .
The New Orleans Pelicans will acquire center Steven Adams from the Oklahoma City Thunder in a multi-team trade , a person familiar with the details told USA TODAY Sports .
The person was granted anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss a deal before it was official .
The Pelicans are still ironing out the other parameters of the deal .
But the trade involves sending future first- @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , something Oklahoma City has prioritized receiving in the past year in various deals .
OKC has at least a dozen first-round picks through 2026 , and accumulated three first-round picks this week in trades with the Los Angeles Lakers , Phoenix Suns and Philadelphia 76ers .
As part of their original deal The Pelicans acquired Adams to make life easier both for his frontcourt mate ( 2019 No .
1 overall pick Zion Williamson ) and backcourt players ( Most Improved recipient Brandon Ingram and veteran J.J. Redick ) .
Adams provides @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the center position .
As for the rest of the deal , the teams involved could include the Milwaukee Bucks , Dallas Mavericks , Detroit Pistons and Denver Nuggets , though details are still being finalized .
The Pelicans previously agreed to a deal this week that entailed trading Jrue Holiday to Milwaukee for guard Eric Bledsoe , forward George Hill , Milwaukee 's 2025 and 2027 first-round picks as well as the rights to swap its first-round picks in 2024 and 2026 .
Restricted free-agent guard De ’ Aaron Fox has agreed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extension with the Sacramento Kings , The Athletic reported .
This gives the Kings a long-term solution at point guard .
Fox , 22 , is one of the talented young playmakers in the league .
He averaged 21.1 points , 6.8 assists , 3.8 rebounds and 1.5 steals while shooting 48 % from the field .
Fox can improve his 3-point shooting , but it ’ s obvious the Kings and first-year GM Monte McNair are believers .
The deal , according to ESPN 's Bobby Mark , could increase from $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fox makes first- , second- or third-team All-NBA and the salary cap continues to increase .
Forward Danilo Gallinari , one of the prizes in this year ’ s free-agent class , plans to sign a three-year , $ 61.5 million contract with the Atlanta Hawks , according to a person familiar with the agreement .
The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly until the deal is official .
Gallinari , who turned 32 in August , had a fine season for Oklahoma City in 2019-20 , averaging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3-pointers .
Atlanta is trying to accelerate its plan by adding more talent and compete for a playoff spot this season .
Forward Jerami Grant reached a three-year , $ 60 million deal with Detroit , a person with direct knowledge of the deal told USA TODAY Sports .
The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly until the deal is official .
Agent Mike Kneisley negotiated the deal .
New Pistons GM Troy Weaver continues to make significant changes .
Grant leaves Denver , which had a similar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Davis Bertans will remain with the Washington Wizards on a five-year , $ 80 million deal , a person familiar with the details told USA TODAY Sports .
The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly until the deal is official .
The Wizards wanted to keep Bertans , an outstanding 3-point shooter , and went out of their way to make sure he stayed in D.C. Brooklyn ’ s Joe Harris developed into one of the league ’ s best 3-pointer shooters last season , shooting 42.4 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he stayed , reaching a four-year , $ 75 million deal with the Nets , his agent , Mark Bartelstein , told ESPN .
The Los Angeles Clippers plan to bring forward Marcus Morris back on a four-year , $ 64 million deal , a person with knowledge of the situation told USA TODAY Sports .
The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak until the contract is official .
Morris is a solid two-way player who averaged 16.7 points and shot 40.8 % on 3-pointers last season .
Guard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Miami Heat on a two-year deal worth $ 37.4 million , according to a person with direct knowledge of the situation .
The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly .
The second year of the deal is a team option .
This was not an unexpected deal as the Heat and Dragic were on the same page .
Dragic , who struggled with a plantar fascia tear during the Finals , averaged 16.2 points and 5.1 assists and shot 44.1 % from the field for Miami last season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ piece of returning to the Finals .
Guard Wesley Matthews agreed to a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers , a person with the details told USA TODAY Sports .
The person was granted anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the news before it was official .
The Lakers acquired Matthews on their bi-annual exception worth $ 3.6 million .
The Lakers were looking to add wing depth after trading Danny Green and the No .
28 pick to Oklahoma City for Dennis Schröder .
The Lakers are also expecting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his player option .
Matthews , a 13-year veteran , averaged 7.4 points and 2.5 rebounds with the Milwaukee Bucks last season .
Mason Plumlee agreed to a three-year , $ 25 million deal with Detroit , his agent Mark Bartelstein said .
The addition gives the Pistons frontcourt depth .
Plumlee averaged 7.2 points and 5.2 rebounds in 17.3 minutes per game for Denver last season but had a diminished role in the playoffs .
New Pistons general manager Troy Weaver continues to reshape the roster following a draft in which the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jordan Clarkson agreed to a four-year , $ 52 million deal to stay with the Jazz , a person familiar with the deal told USA TODAY Sports .
That person was granted anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the deal before it was official .
The Jazz acquired Clarkson last season in a deal for Dante Exum , and Utah has since become pleased with his consistent bench scoring .
Clarkson averaged 15.6 points on 46.2 % shooting .
Dwight Howard , who won his first championship last season with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Philadelphia 76ers , a person with direct knowledge of the agreement told USA TODAY Sports .
The person requested anonymity because he was n't authorized to speak until the deal is official .
Howard resurrected his career with the Lakers , averaging 7.5 points and 7.3 rebounds in 18.9 minutes per game .
He will be a solid backup for Joel Embiid as new Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey reshapes the roster .
Guard Rodney Hood agreed to a two-year , $ 21 million deal to return to the Portland Trail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the details told USA TODAY Sports .
The person was granted anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss a deal that is not official .
The person added Hood 's second year on his contract is non-guaranteed .
The Blazers have shown trust and loyalty in Hood after he injured his left Achilles tendon 21 games into last season .
Hood averaged 11.0 points on 50.6 % shooting and 3.4 rebounds before his injury .
Montrezl Harrell is leaving the Clippers but he will still call Los Angeles ' Staples Center home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20 million deal with the Lakers .
Harrell is coming off a career season that earned him the NBA 's Sixth Man of the Year Award .
- Justin Holiday reached an agreement to stay with the Indiana Pacers on a three-year , $ 18.8 million deal , a person with knowledge of the deal told USA TODAY Sports .
The person requested anonymity because he was n't authorized to speak until the contract is official .
- Derrick Favors , who played for New Orleans last season , will sign a contract @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knowledge of the deal told USA TODAY Sports .
The person requested anonymity because he was n't authorized to speak until the contract is official .
Favors played for the Jazz for eight-plus seasons before switching teams .
- Malik Beasley plans to sign a four-year , $ 60 million contract with Minnesota , The Athletic reported .
- Derrick Jones will leave Miami and join Portland on a two-year , $ 19 million contract , The Athletic reported .
- Center Jakob Poeltl will stay with San Antonio on a three-year deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agents told reporters .
- Meyers Leonard reached a two-year deal with Miami , according to The Associated Press .
- Milwaukee guard Pat Connaughton agreed to a two-year , $ 8.3 million contract , according to ESPN .
- Garrett Temple is on track to sign a one-year , $ 5 million deal with the Chicago Bulls , his agent , Mark Bartelstein , told reporters .
- Dwayne Bacon agreed to a two-year deal with Orlando for nearly $ 3.3 million , a person with direct knowledge of the deal told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anonymity because he was n't authorized to speak until the contract is official .
- Patrick Patterson will re-sign with the Los Angeles Clippers on a one-year deal , his agent Sam Goldfeder of Excel Sports said .
- Christian Wood agreed to a three-year , $ 41 million deal with Houston , the Detroit Free Press reported .
- JaMychal Green agreed to a two-year , $ 15 million deal with Denver , The Athletic reported .
- Josh Jackson agreed to a deal with the Detroit Pistons , a person familiar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The person was granted anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss a deal that is not official .

Jeff Zillgitt and Mark Medina, USA TODAY

2020 NBA free agent tracker: Day 2 concludes with Serge Ibaka agreeing with Clippers
Show Caption Hide Caption LeBron, Shaq and Durant highlight NBA free agency's greatest moments SportsPulse: NBA free agency is upon us and what better way to celebrate than to call in USA TODAY Sports' Jeff Zillgitt to highlight some of the most memorable player movement in league history. USA TODAY
NBA free agency is open for business.
Following an unusual season that was suspended in March because of COVID-19, restarted in a bubble in Orlando, Florida, and concluded just more than a month ago, free agency began only a month before the next season is scheduled to start on Dec. 22.
There are many big names and not a lot of teams with salary-cap space, but free agency should be busy as teams want to put together rosters in advance of training camps, which are slated to open on Dec. 1.
Here are players who reached deals with teams during free agency.
Saturday's deals
Veteran forward Serge Ibaka, who won a title with Toronto in 2019, agreed to a two-year, $19 million deal with the Los Angeles Clippers, a person familiar with the agreement told USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly until the contract is official. Ibaka averaged 15.4 points and 8.2 rebounds and 51.2% shooting from the field and 38.5% on 3-pointers for the Raptors last season. Ibaka helps reduce the loss of Montrezl Harrell to the Los Angeles Lakers.
— Jeff Zillgitt
With Thompson suffering a season-ending injury to his right Achilles, the Golden State Warriors have applied for the Disabled Player Exception worth $9.3 million, a person familiar with the details told USA TODAY Sports. The person was granted anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss an internal matter.
This will give the Warriors an additional spending tool to sign a player because they have already established that Thompson won't be available on their roster for the 2020-21 season.
— Mark Medina
Guard Brad Wanamaker agreed to one-year, $2.25 million deal with the Warriors, a person familiar with the details told USA TODAY Sports. The person was granted anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss a deal that is not official.
The Warriors pursued Wanamaker in hopes of bolstering their backcourt amid Klay Thompson's season-ending injury to his right Achilles. Wanamaker will likely have a significant backup point guard role behind Stephen Curry, as well as provide spot minutes at shooting guard.
Little can mitigate Thompson's absence. In both roles, Wanamaker should be a serviceable shooter and defender. The Warriors also made this signing at a relatively low price. They still have a taxpayer mid-level exception worth $5.7 million.
— Mark Medina
Veteran forward Tristan Thompson and the Boston Celtics came to terms on a two-year, $19 million deal, his agent Rich Paul of Klutch Sports told USA TODAY Sports. Thompson averaged 12 points and 10.1 rebounds for Cleveland last season. The Celtics pick up more frontcourt depth with a strong defender and rebounder. Thompson has spent his entire career with the Cavaliers and won a title in 2016.
— Jeff Zillgitt
The Lakers continue to strengthen their roster through trades and free agency. They champions managed to retain Kentavious Caldwell-Pope on a three-year, $40 million deal, his agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, told USA TODAY Sports. Pope averaged 9.3 points during the regular season but bumped that to 10.7 in the playoffs and 11 in the Finals while playing outstanding defense.
— Jeff Zillgitt
Veteran guard Rajon Rondo agreed to a two-year, $15 million deal in principle with the Atlanta Hawks, a person familiar with the details told USA TODAY Sports. That person was granted anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss a deal that was not official. The person added the deal does not have any player or team options.
Rondo opted out of his player option worth $2.7 million with the Los Angeles Lakers fully aware that he would have plenty of interest for his smart playmaking and accountable leadership style. Despite season-long issues with his health and shooting, the Lakers remained enamored with Rondo's intangibles that included his passing, in-game adjustments and mentorship. Rondo became more consistent during the Lakers' playoff run after missing the first chunk of the NBA season restart because of an injured right thumb and back.
Rondo is expected to become a positive veteran presence for third-year guard Trae Young, who made his first All-Star appearance last season after improving from his rookie to sophomore season in points (19.1 to 29.6), shooting percentage (41.8 to 43.7), assists (8.1 to 9.3) and minutes (30.9 to 35.3).
— Mark Medina
Avery Bradley came to terms on a two-year, $11.6 million deal with the Miami Heat, a person familiar with the agreement told USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly until the deal is official. The Heat have a team option on the second year of the deal. Bradley remains a solid defender and 3-point shooter, and the Heat front office is trying to make sure the team has the talent to get back to the NBA Finals.
— Jeff Zillgitt
First, Gordon Hayward decided not to finish his final season with Boston at $34.1 million, and then he reached a four-year, $120 million deal with Charlotte.
Jae Crowder was instrumental in Miami's run to the NBA Finals earlier this year. Now he'll get a chance to help Phoenix make the playoffs for the the first time since 2010. Crowder, an unrestricted free agent, has agreed to a three-year, $30 million deal to join a team looking to build a playoff-caliber roster.
- Duane Rankin, The Arizona Republic
Forward Jeff Green agreed to a one-year deal with the Brooklyn Nets, a person familiar with the terms told USA TODAY Sports. That person was granted anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss a deal before it became official.
The Nets are finding ways to bolster their supporting cast for Kevin Durant and Kyrie Iriving. Green offers positional versatility both as a wing defender and scorer as well as a paint defender and post-up scorer. Durant has also remained close friends with Green ever since the two played together in Seattle and Oklahoma City (2007-2011).
— Mark Medina
Forward Bobby Portis agreed to a two-year, $8 million deal with the Milwaukee Bucks, a person familiar with the details told USA TODAY Sports. The person was granted anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss a deal that was not official. The person added that Portis holds a player option on his second season.
The Bucks have made several moves before and during free agency, both to bolster their chances at winning an NBA title and convincing two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo to a sign a super-max contract, which he is eligible to do beginning Dec. 1. The Bucks acquired Jrue Holiday from New Orleans in exchange for Eric Bledsoe, George Hill, their 2025 and 2027 first-round picks, as well as the rights to swap first-round picks in 2024 and 2026.
— Mark Medina
Guard Fred VanVleet plans to stay with Toronto on a four-year, $85 million deal, his agent Brian Jungreis USA TODAY Sports. VanVleet turned himself from undrafted player in 2016 to one of the best free agents available in 2020.
— Jeff Zillgitt
Paul Millsap will re-sign with the Denver Nuggets on a one-year, $10 million deal, a person familiar with the deal told USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak until the contract was official. Millsap provides a strong veteran presence and keeping him softens the losses of Jerami Grant and Mason Plumlee.
— Jeff Zillgitt
Bucks add backcourt depth with Augustin
Guard D.J. Augustin intends to sign a three-year, $21 million contract with the Milwaukee Bucks, a person familiar with the details told USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly until the contract was official. Augustin has been a reliable guard in the league for years, and the Bucks will rely on his experience in the backcourt. He averaged 10.5 points and 4.6 assists for Orlando last season.
— Jeff Zillgitt
Forward Maurice Harkless agreed to a one-year, $3.6 million deal with the Miami Heat, a person familiar with the details told USA TODAY Sports. The person was granted anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss a deal that is not official. The person added that Harkless turned down more lucrative offers elsewhere because he considered Miami to be a better fit both for his role and being closer to his family.
Harkless, a nine-year veteran, played on the Los Angeles Clippers and the New York Knicks last year. He has averaged 7.2 points on 45.5% shooting and 3.3 rebounds, while also offering dependable perimeter defense.
— Mark Medina
Guard Kris Dunn bolted Chicago for Atlanta on a two-year deal, a person with direct knowledge of the agreement told USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because he wasn't authorized to speak until Dunn signed a contract.
Chicago Bulls guard Denzel Valentine signed his one-year, $4.6 million qualifying offer with the team, meaning he will be an unrestricted free agent following the 2020-21 season. New Bulls GM Arturas Karnisovas is interested to see how Valentine plays in new coach Billy Donovan’s system.
Guard Michael Carter Williams will re-sign with Orlando on a one-year deal worth nearly $3 million, a person with direct knowledge of the deal told USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because he wasn't authorized to speak until the contract was official.
— Jeff Zillgitt
Guard Raul Neto, who spent last season with Philadelphia, reached a one-year, $1.8 million deal with Washington, a person familiar with the details told USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly until the deal was official.
— Jeff Zillgitt
Friday's deals
The New Orleans Pelicans will acquire center Steven Adams from the Oklahoma City Thunder in a multi-team trade, a person familiar with the details told USA TODAY Sports. The person was granted anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss a deal before it was official.
The Pelicans are still ironing out the other parameters of the deal. But the trade involves sending future first- and two second-round picks to the Thunder, something Oklahoma City has prioritized receiving in the past year in various deals. OKC has at least a dozen first-round picks through 2026, and accumulated three first-round picks this week in trades with the Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns and Philadelphia 76ers.
The Pelicans acquired Adams to make life easier both for his frontcourt mate (2019 No. 1 overall pick Zion Williamson) and backcourt players (Most Improved recipient Brandon Ingram and veteran J.J. Redick). Adams provides dependable defense, screen-setting and passing from the center position.
As for the rest of the deal, the teams involved could include the Milwaukee Bucks, Dallas Mavericks, Detroit Pistons and Denver Nuggets, though details are still being finalized. The Pelicans previously agreed to a deal this week that entailed trading Jrue Holiday to Milwaukee for guard Eric Bledsoe, forward George Hill, Milwaukee's 2025 and 2027 first-round picks as well as the rights to swap its first-round picks in 2024 and 2026.
- Jeff Zillgitt and Mark Medina
Restricted free-agent guard De’Aaron Fox has agreed to a five-year, $163 million extension with the Sacramento Kings, The Athletic reported. This gives the Kings a long-term solution at point guard. Fox, 22, is one of the talented young playmakers in the league. He averaged 21.1 points, 6.8 assists, 3.8 rebounds and 1.5 steals while shooting 48% from the field. Fox can improve his 3-point shooting, but it’s obvious the Kings and first-year GM Monte McNair are believers. The deal, according to ESPN's Bobby Mark, could increase from $170 million to $196 million if Fox makes first-, second- or third-team All-NBA and the salary cap continues to increase.
- Jeff Zillgitt
Forward Danilo Gallinari, one of the prizes in this year’s free-agent class, plans to sign a three-year, $61.5 million contract with the Atlanta Hawks, according to a person familiar with the agreement. The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly until the deal is official. Gallinari, who turned 32 in August, had a fine season for Oklahoma City in 2019-20, averaging 18.7 points and shooting 40.5% on 3-pointers. Atlanta is trying to accelerate its plan by adding more talent and compete for a playoff spot this season.
- Jeff Zillgitt
Forward Jerami Grant reached a three-year, $60 million deal with Detroit, a person with direct knowledge of the deal told USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly until the deal is official. Agent Mike Kneisley negotiated the deal. New Pistons GM Troy Weaver continues to make significant changes. Grant leaves Denver, which had a similar offer ready to present.
- Jeff Zillgitt
Washington forward Davis Bertans will remain with the Washington Wizards on a five-year, $80 million deal, a person familiar with the details told USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly until the deal is official. The Wizards wanted to keep Bertans, an outstanding 3-point shooter, and went out of their way to make sure he stayed in D.C.
- Jeff Zillgitt
Brooklyn’s Joe Harris developed into one of the league’s best 3-pointer shooters last season, shooting 42.4% from that range. Brooklyn made sure he stayed, reaching a four-year, $75 million deal with the Nets, his agent, Mark Bartelstein, told ESPN.
- Jeff Zillgitt
The Los Angeles Clippers plan to bring forward Marcus Morris back on a four-year, $64 million deal, a person with knowledge of the situation told USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak until the contract is official. Morris is a solid two-way player who averaged 16.7 points and shot 40.8% on 3-pointers last season.
- Jeff Zillgitt
Guard Goran Dragic is headed back to the Miami Heat on a two-year deal worth $37.4 million, according to a person with direct knowledge of the situation. The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly. The second year of the deal is a team option. This was not an unexpected deal as the Heat and Dragic were on the same page. Dragic, who struggled with a plantar fascia tear during the Finals, averaged 16.2 points and 5.1 assists and shot 44.1% from the field for Miami last season. The Heat consider Dragic a key piece of returning to the Finals.
- Jeff Zillgitt
Guard Wesley Matthews agreed to a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, a person with the details told USA TODAY Sports. The person was granted anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the news before it was official. The Lakers acquired Matthews on their bi-annual exception worth $3.6 million.
The Lakers were looking to add wing depth after trading Danny Green and the No. 28 pick to Oklahoma City for Dennis Schröder. The Lakers are also expecting to lose Avery Bradley after he declined his player option.
Matthews, a 13-year veteran, averaged 7.4 points and 2.5 rebounds with the Milwaukee Bucks last season.
- Mark Medina
Mason Plumlee agreed to a three-year, $25 million deal with Detroit, his agent Mark Bartelstein said. The addition gives the Pistons frontcourt depth. Plumlee averaged 7.2 points and 5.2 rebounds in 17.3 minutes per game for Denver last season but had a diminished role in the playoffs. New Pistons general manager Troy Weaver continues to reshape the roster following a draft in which the Pistons had three first-round picks.
- Jeff Zillgitt
Guard Jordan Clarkson agreed to a four-year, $52 million deal to stay with the Jazz, a person familiar with the deal told USA TODAY Sports. That person was granted anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the deal before it was official.
The Jazz acquired Clarkson last season in a deal for Dante Exum, and Utah has since become pleased with his consistent bench scoring. Clarkson averaged 15.6 points on 46.2% shooting.
- Mark Medina
Dwight Howard, who won his first championship last season with the Los Angeles Lakers, will join the Philadelphia 76ers, a person with direct knowledge of the agreement told USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because he wasn't authorized to speak until the deal is official. Howard resurrected his career with the Lakers, averaging 7.5 points and 7.3 rebounds in 18.9 minutes per game. He will be a solid backup for Joel Embiid as new Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey reshapes the roster.
- Jeff Zillgitt
Guard Rodney Hood agreed to a two-year, $21 million deal to return to the Portland Trail Blazers, a person with knowledge of the details told USA TODAY Sports. The person was granted anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss a deal that is not official. The person added Hood's second year on his contract is non-guaranteed.
The Blazers have shown trust and loyalty in Hood after he injured his left Achilles tendon 21 games into last season. Hood averaged 11.0 points on 50.6% shooting and 3.4 rebounds before his injury.
-Mark Medina
Montrezl Harrell is leaving the Clippers but he will still call Los Angeles' Staples Center home after agreeing to a two-year, $20 million deal with the Lakers. Harrell is coming off a career season that earned him the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year Award.
Other free-agent deals
- Justin Holiday reached an agreement to stay with the Indiana Pacers on a three-year, $18.8 million deal, a person with knowledge of the deal told USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because he wasn't authorized to speak until the contract is official.
- Derrick Favors, who played for New Orleans last season, will sign a contract with Utah, a person with direct knowledge of the deal told USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because he wasn't authorized to speak until the contract is official. Favors played for the Jazz for eight-plus seasons before switching teams.
- Malik Beasley plans to sign a four-year, $60 million contract with Minnesota, The Athletic reported.
- Derrick Jones will leave Miami and join Portland on a two-year, $19 million contract, The Athletic reported.
- Center Jakob Poeltl will stay with San Antonio on a three-year deal worth nearly $18 million, his agents told reporters.
- Meyers Leonard reached a two-year deal with Miami, according to The Associated Press.
- Milwaukee guard Pat Connaughton agreed to a two-year, $8.3 million contract, according to ESPN.
- Garrett Temple is on track to sign a one-year, $5 million deal with the Chicago Bulls, his agent, Mark Bartelstein, told reporters.
- Dwayne Bacon agreed to a two-year deal with Orlando for nearly $3.3 million, a person with direct knowledge of the deal told USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because he wasn't authorized to speak until the contract is official.
- Patrick Patterson will re-sign with the Los Angeles Clippers on a one-year deal, his agent Sam Goldfeder of Excel Sports said.
- Trey Burke agreed to a three-year deal with Dallas, ESPN reported.
- Christian Wood agreed to a three-year, $41 million deal with Houston, the Detroit Free Press reported.
- JaMychal Green agreed to a two-year, $15 million deal with Denver, The Athletic reported.
- Josh Jackson agreed to a deal with the Detroit Pistons, a person familiar with the details told USA TODAY Sports. The person was granted anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss a deal that is not official.


usatoday--2020-11-21--Republican National Committee, Michigan GOP ask state board to delay certifying election results

The Republican National Committee and Michigan Republican Party released a letter Saturday urgng the Michigan Board of State Canvassers to delay certification of Michigan 's statewide election results for 14 days and audit Wayne County 's general election results .
The state board is made up of two Republicans and two Democrats and it is scheduled to meet Monday to certify the results .
President Donald Trump lost Michigan to Democratic President-elect Joe Biden by about 154,000 votes .
Trump has made unsubstantiated allegations of election irregularities in Detroit .
The letter , written by Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Michigan Republican Party Chairwoman Laura Cox , said it supported a request by John James , a Republican candidate for the U.S.Senate , to investigate the county 's results for what it called election `` irregularities . ''
Unofficial results show James lost to Democratic incumbent Gary Peters , but James has not yet conceded .
More : GOP Senate candidate John James asks Board of State Canvassers to delay certification '' To simply gloss over those irregularities now without a thorough audit would only foster feelings of distrust among Michigan ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` In light of the already unprecedented nature of this election — conducted largely by mail in the midst of an ongoing pandemic — it would be a grievous dereliction of this Board ’ s duty to the people of Michigan not to ensure that the irregularities identified by the James campaign are thoroughly investigated by a full audit before certifying Wayne County ’ s results . ''
The alleged irregularities mentioned in the letter , even if true , would not overturn the results in the state .
Election law experts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ certify the results .
Civil rights leaders have said the delay in certifying the results would disenfranchise mostly minority voters .
The staff of the state board released a report Friday recommending certification of the vote and saying Detroit experienced fewer problems in the Nov. 3 general election than the August primary and the 2016 presidential election .
`` As in past elections , some jurisdictions made errors in reporting unofficial results , '' the report said .
`` These errors are all attributable to human error in the operation of tools used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ affect the actual tabulation of votes , and were identified and corrected . ''
More : Election law experts tell Michigan Board of Canvassers to certify election The letter from the GOP said Republicans would not trust the election results and referred to other states such as Georgia that have ordered a full , statewide audit by hand .
`` ( Georgia Secretary of State Brad ) Raffensperger noted that though he thought it was very unlikely that recount would overturn the state ’ s election results , there was no reason to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all reported procedural irregularities were fully examined , '' the letter states .
Follow Nisa Khan on Twitter @ mnisakhan .
Freep writers Paul Egan and Niraj Warikoo contributed to this report .

Republican National Committee, Michigan GOP ask state board to delay certifying election results
Show Caption Hide Caption Wayne official says Trump didn't discuss voting Wayne County Board of Canvassers Chairwoman Monica Palmer speaks outside of her attorney Michael Schwartz's Farmington Hills office Friday, Nov. 20, 2020. Detroit Free Press
The Republican National Committee and Michigan Republican Party released a letter Saturday urgng the Michigan Board of State Canvassers to delay certification of Michigan's statewide election results for 14 days and audit Wayne County's general election results.
The state board is made up of two Republicans and two Democrats and it is scheduled to meet Monday to certify the results.
President Donald Trump lost Michigan to Democratic President-elect Joe Biden by about 154,000 votes. Trump has made unsubstantiated allegations of election irregularities in Detroit.
The letter, written by Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel, who is from Michigan, and Michigan Republican Party Chairwoman Laura Cox, said it supported a request by John James, a Republican candidate for the U.S.Senate, to investigate the county's results for what it called election "irregularities." Unofficial results show James lost to Democratic incumbent Gary Peters, but James has not yet conceded.
More: GOP Senate candidate John James asks Board of State Canvassers to delay certification
"To simply gloss over those irregularities now without a thorough audit would only foster feelings of distrust among Michigan’s electorate," the letter reads. "In light of the already unprecedented nature of this election — conducted largely by mail in the midst of an ongoing pandemic — it would be a grievous dereliction of this Board’s duty to the people of Michigan not to ensure that the irregularities identified by the James campaign are thoroughly investigated by a full audit before certifying Wayne County’s results."
The alleged irregularities mentioned in the letter, even if true, would not overturn the results in the state. Election law experts have said the board is required to certify the results. Civil rights leaders have said the delay in certifying the results would disenfranchise mostly minority voters.
The staff of the state board released a report Friday recommending certification of the vote and saying Detroit experienced fewer problems in the Nov. 3 general election than the August primary and the 2016 presidential election.
"As in past elections, some jurisdictions made errors in reporting unofficial results," the report said. "These errors are all attributable to human error in the operation of tools used to report unofficial results, did not affect the actual tabulation of votes, and were identified and corrected."
More: Election law experts tell Michigan Board of Canvassers to certify election
The letter from the GOP said Republicans would not trust the election results and referred to other states such as Georgia that have ordered a full, statewide audit by hand.
"(Georgia Secretary of State Brad) Raffensperger noted that though he thought it was very unlikely that recount would overturn the state’s election results, there was no reason to hurry certification along without first ensuring that all reported procedural irregularities were fully examined," the letter states.
Follow Nisa Khan on Twitter @mnisakhan. Freep writers Paul Egan and Niraj Warikoo contributed to this report.


usatoday--2020-11-21--GOP Sen. Marsha Blackburn called Biden 'president-elect' in an interview. Her staff said she misspok

NASHVILLE — U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn , R-Tenn. , a stalwart supporter of President Donald Trump , on Friday referred to Joe Biden as the country 's `` president-elect , '' a comment her staff later said was a mistake .
Blackburn made the comments Friday evening live on ABC News , where she was being interviewed by Juju Chang .
The remark placed her among just a handful of Republican senators signaling acknowledgment of Biden 's projected victory .
Chang asked Blackburn whether she had been in contact with Biden to congratulate him , as president-elect , on his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the president-elect , '' Blackburn said .
`` We did have the vice president come to the floor , the vice president-elect come to the floor this week to cast a vote .
I was presiding at the time .
Did n't get to speak with her . ''
U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris , D-Calif. , is projected to become the nation 's first female vice president .
Later Friday night , a spokesperson for Blackburn said the comment was a mistake and that Blackburn had `` been very clear '' on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` She simply misspoke — it 's nothing more , '' said Abigail Sigler , a campaign spokesperson for Blackburn .
Blackburn 's Senate staff did not immediately respond to a request for comment .
Sigler emailed to clarify after this story published .
The Tennessee senator 's comments Friday stand in stark contrast to remarks she has made the past two weeks , suggesting that Trump was still likely to be reelected president despite Biden leading both the popular vote and in the Electoral College , based on results that have not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Blackburn has helped raise funds for the Trump campaign 's court challenges .
Despite launching more than a couple dozen legal challenges to election outcomes in multiple states , Republicans have failed to gain traction in court to prove massive voter fraud or other irregularities that would change the outcome of the election .
`` I will say now is the time for the Trump campaign , if they have their information that they need to present in court , now is the time that they need to be taking that evidence to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interview .
When Chang pressed Blackburn on whether she believes it 's time for Republicans to accept the outcome of the election and move forward with Biden as the presumptive winner , the senator appeared to attempt to walk back her earlier comments .
`` There will be a time to do that , '' Blackburn said .
`` Right now it is important that we settle things .
I think if every legal vote is counted , Donald Trump would get four more years . ''
Asked whether she agrees with her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that the federal government should provide the Biden team with transition resources , Blackburn deflected .
Alexander , the Republican senior senator from Tennessee who did not seek reelection , made the comments on Thursday to USA TODAY Network - Tennessee .
He said that while it appeared Biden would likely be the next president and should be given access presidential transition resources , he was not yet prepared to refer to Biden as president-elect .
`` There is going to be the opportunity for them as they begin to think toward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which of course right now it looks as if they 're leading in these Electoral College votes , and from what I 'm hearing they are moving forward , '' Blackburn said of Biden 's team .
Only a few other senators from the majority party , including Sens .
Marco Rubio of Florida , Mitt Romney of Utah , Lisa Murkowski of Alaska , Ben Sasse of Nebraska and Susan Collins of Maine , have so far referred to Biden as president-elect .
Former Tennessee senators , though , have also done @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Frist each previously congratulated Biden on his projected victory .

GOP Sen. Marsha Blackburn called Biden 'president-elect' in an interview. Her staff said she misspoke.
NASHVILLE — U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., a stalwart supporter of President Donald Trump, on Friday referred to Joe Biden as the country's "president-elect," a comment her staff later said was a mistake.
Blackburn made the comments Friday evening live on ABC News, where she was being interviewed by Juju Chang.
The remark placed her among just a handful of Republican senators signaling acknowledgment of Biden's projected victory.
Chang asked Blackburn whether she had been in contact with Biden to congratulate him, as president-elect, on his victory.
"I have not spoken with the president-elect," Blackburn said. "We did have the vice president come to the floor, the vice president-elect come to the floor this week to cast a vote. I was presiding at the time. Didn't get to speak with her."
"I have not spoken with the president-elect. We did have... the vice president-elect come to the floor this week to cast a vote."
Tennessee Sen. @MarshaBlackburn joins @ABCNewsLive to discuss the 2020 presidential election. https://t.co/kdxmfLUSX7 pic.twitter.com/ZQnONMdC3i — ABC News Live (@ABCNewsLive) November 21, 2020
U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., is projected to become the nation's first female vice president.
Later Friday night, a spokesperson for Blackburn said the comment was a mistake and that Blackburn had "been very clear" on her position about the election outcome.
"She simply misspoke — it's nothing more," said Abigail Sigler, a campaign spokesperson for Blackburn. Blackburn's Senate staff did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Sigler emailed to clarify after this story published.
The Tennessee senator's comments Friday stand in stark contrast to remarks she has made the past two weeks, suggesting that Trump was still likely to be reelected president despite Biden leading both the popular vote and in the Electoral College, based on results that have not yet been certified in every state.
Blackburn has helped raise funds for the Trump campaign's court challenges. Despite launching more than a couple dozen legal challenges to election outcomes in multiple states, Republicans have failed to gain traction in court to prove massive voter fraud or other irregularities that would change the outcome of the election.
"I will say now is the time for the Trump campaign, if they have their information that they need to present in court, now is the time that they need to be taking that evidence to court," Blackburn said in the interview.
When Chang pressed Blackburn on whether she believes it's time for Republicans to accept the outcome of the election and move forward with Biden as the presumptive winner, the senator appeared to attempt to walk back her earlier comments.
"There will be a time to do that," Blackburn said. "Right now it is important that we settle things. I think if every legal vote is counted, Donald Trump would get four more years."
Asked whether she agrees with her colleague, retiring U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander, that the federal government should provide the Biden team with transition resources, Blackburn deflected.
Alexander, the Republican senior senator from Tennessee who did not seek reelection, made the comments on Thursday to USA TODAY Network - Tennessee. He said that while it appeared Biden would likely be the next president and should be given access presidential transition resources, he was not yet prepared to refer to Biden as president-elect.
"There is going to be the opportunity for them as they begin to think toward if they're declared the winner, which of course right now it looks as if they're leading in these Electoral College votes, and from what I'm hearing they are moving forward," Blackburn said of Biden's team.
Only a few other senators from the majority party, including Sens. Marco Rubio of Florida, Mitt Romney of Utah, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Ben Sasse of Nebraska and Susan Collins of Maine, have so far referred to Biden as president-elect.
Former Tennessee senators, though, have also done so. Republicans Bob Corker and Bill Frist each previously congratulated Biden on his projected victory.
Follow Nashville reporter Natalie Allison on Twitter at @natalie_allison.


usatoday--2020-11-22--In Dr. Fauci's words: Why Americans shouldn't fear a COVID-19 vaccine authorized by the FDA

Americans are beginning to see light at the end of this year-long pandemic tunnel with Friday 's announcement Pfizer and its partner BioNTech are submitting its candidate vaccine , BNT162b2 , to the Food and Drug Administration for emergency authorization .
The companies revealed earlier this week the vaccine was 95 % effective .
If it is authorized as swiftly as is expected , frontline health care workers could receive the first doses of the vaccine before the end of December .
While some people have shown enthusiasm at the prospect of a quick turnaround , others are more skeptical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that under normal circumstances would take years to approve could be ready to roll out in a couple of weeks and still be safe ?
Dr. Anthony Fauci , director of the National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases , stressed to the USA TODAY Editorial Board last week public confidence in the COVID-19 vaccine approval process is key to beating the pandemic .
Before a vaccine is submitted for FDA authorization , an independent Data Monitoring Committee ( DMC ) reviews clinical trial data to confirm it is safe .
The committee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have experience serving in a DMC , have relevant expertise and experience in clinical trials , according to FDA guidance .
Throughout the trials , the committee members monitor effectiveness , safety and study conduct , and even consider interim changes depending on new data that may emerge from other studies .
About half the trial participants must be two months past their second shot as severe adverse effects are more likely to happen within six weeks .
The DMC for the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine study `` has not reported any serious safety concerns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ companies said in a statement .
Fauci said he looked at the study data Sunday afternoon .
The Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee ( VRBPAC ) will advise the FDA whether it should issue an emergency use authorization for the vaccine .
VRBPAC is a group of outside experts who advise FDA on whether or not to approve drugs , therapeutics and vaccines after they have gone through FDA 's rigorous approval process .
The group plans to meet Dec. 10 to evaluate the Pfizer vaccine candidate .
Then Pfizer submits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public ’ s first chance to see how strong the evidence really is will come in early December at a public meeting of the FDA 's scientific advisers .
A few days before the meeting , the FDA will release its own internal analysis , which will set the stage for the advisers ' daylong debate about any signs of safety concerns and how the new vaccine technology works before rendering a verdict .
They ’ ll recommend not just whether FDA should allow broader use of the vaccine generally but if so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ important to note even if the candidate vaccine gets authorized and is distributed by the millions , it 's still considered `` investigational . ''
The 44,000-person study will keep going until it becomes unethical to keep giving trial participants placebo shots , in which case , scientists will have concluded that the vaccine is safe and effective .
Until then , anyone offered the authorized vaccine must get a “ fact sheet ” describing potential benefits and risks before going through with it , Dr. Marion Gruber , chief of FDA ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Academy of Medicine this week .
Fauci stressed the importance of instilling vaccine confidence in the American public when it 's available to the general population starting April through July .
If most of the country gets vaccinated within that time frame , he estimates the U.S. can return to pre-pandemic normalcy by fall 2021 .
No matter how well the vaccine works in preventing the coronavirus , it won ’ t end the pandemic if not enough people take it .
Vaccine efficacy is how well the vaccine works in a vaccinated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a controlled trial .
Vaccine effectiveness is the impact of the vaccine on the community and the dynamics of the disease , Fauci said .
If 30 % to 50 % of the population do n't get vaccinated , Fauci says the efficacious vaccine has no chance of becoming effective in the community .
Health and patient safety coverage at USA TODAY is made possible in part by a grant from the Masimo Foundation for Ethics , Innovation and Competition in Healthcare .
The Masimo Foundation does not provide editorial input .

Americans are beginning to see light at the end of this year-long pandemic tunnel with Friday's announcement Pfizer and its partner BioNTech are submitting its candidate vaccine, BNT162b2, to the Food and Drug Administration for emergency authorization.
The companies revealed earlier this week the vaccine was 95% effective. If it is authorized as swiftly as is expected, frontline health care workers could receive the first doses of the vaccine before the end of December.
While some people have shown enthusiasm at the prospect of a quick turnaround, others are more skeptical. How is it possible a vaccine that under normal circumstances would take years to approve could be ready to roll out in a couple of weeks and still be safe?
Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases, stressed to the USA TODAY Editorial Board last week public confidence in the COVID-19 vaccine approval process is key to beating the pandemic.
Before a vaccine is submitted for FDA authorization, an independent Data Monitoring Committee (DMC) reviews clinical trial data to confirm it is safe. The committee is made up of career scientists who have experience serving in a DMC, have relevant expertise and experience in clinical trials, according to FDA guidance.
Throughout the trials, the committee members monitor effectiveness, safety and study conduct, and even consider interim changes depending on new data that may emerge from other studies.
About half the trial participants must be two months past their second shot as severe adverse effects are more likely to happen within six weeks. The DMC for the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine study "has not reported any serious safety concerns related to the vaccine," the companies said in a statement. Fauci said he looked at the study data Sunday afternoon.
The Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) will advise the FDA whether it should issue an emergency use authorization for the vaccine. VRBPAC is a group of outside experts who advise FDA on whether or not to approve drugs, therapeutics and vaccines after they have gone through FDA's rigorous approval process. The group plans to meet Dec. 10 to evaluate the Pfizer vaccine candidate.
A few days before the meeting, the FDA will release its own internal analysis, which will set the stage for the advisers' daylong debate about any signs of safety concerns and how the new vaccine technology works before rendering a verdict.
It’s important to note even if the candidate vaccine gets authorized and is distributed by the millions, it's still considered "investigational" until it goes through the full approval process and is issued a license. FDA has said all vaccines authorized under EUA will continue through to licensing.the 44,000-person study will continue to assess long term safety and effectiveness.
Anyone offered the authorized vaccine must get a “fact sheet” describing potential benefits and risks before going through with it, Dr. Marion Gruber, chief of FDA’s vaccine office, told the National Academy of Medicine this week.
Fauci stressed the importance of instilling vaccine confidence in the American public when it's available to the general population starting April through July. If most of the country gets vaccinated within that time frame, he estimates the U.S. can return to pre-pandemic normalcy by fall 2021.
No matter how well the vaccine works in preventing the coronavirus, it won’t end the pandemic if not enough people take it.
Vaccine efficacy is how well the vaccine works in a vaccinated group compared to a placebo group in a controlled trial. Vaccine effectiveness is the impact of the vaccine on the community and the dynamics of the disease, Fauci said.
If 30% to 50% of the population don't get vaccinated, Fauci says the efficacious vaccine has no chance of becoming effective in the community.
Follow Adrianna Rodriguez on Twitter: @AdriannaUSAT.
Health and patient safety coverage at USA TODAY is made possible in part by a grant from the Masimo Foundation for Ethics, Innovation and Competition in Healthcare. The Masimo Foundation does not provide editorial input.


usatoday--2020-11-22--NFL Week 11 roundtable: What were most regrettable moves of the offseason?

It did n't take until Black Friday for buyer 's remorse to set in for some NFL teams .
Even with the coronavirus pandemic creating uncertainty about the future salary cap outlook , several teams still made bold moves this past offseason to reshape their rosters .
For some , that meant casting off marquee players to move in a different direction .
Others looked to bring on top talent , even if it meant paying a hefty premium in the form of lucrative contracts or early draft picks .
With 10 regular-season weeks already completed , we asked NFL @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sports : What 's the most regrettable move made by any team this offseason ?
Worst move ?
That ’ s too easy to call , especially when seeing yet another replay of DeAndre Hopkins leaping above three Bills defenders to snag that “ Hail Murray ” prayer for the absolute Play of the Year .
The Texans ( 2-7 ) gave away D-Hop for what ?
A song , a refurbished laptop , a six-pack of Bud Light , a blank cassette tape and a box of paper clips .
OK , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Bill O ’ Brien , shipped the All-Pro receiver and best jump-ball artist in the NFL for a running back trying to get his groove back , David Johnson , and a second-round pick while swapping fourth-round slots .
I mean , you can find running backs all over the place .
Look at what the Seahawks have done this season to manufacture a running game with a committee around Russell Wilson .
So , unless you ’ re dealing for Dalvin Cook or Jim Brown , you just don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve got a twisted sense of the addition-by-subtraction concept .
Kudos , Arizona .
Cardinals GM Steve Keim should have his picture plastered in every post office in Harris County , Texas , for sure , as a wanted man .
Billy The Kid , wearing a GM hat .
What a heist .
And poor Deshaun Watson .
No knock against Brandin Cooks , Will Fuller , Randall Cobb , Kenny Stills and Keke Coutee ( the occupants of the Texans ’ receivers room ) , but every franchise quarterback should be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like Hopkins .
Ask Kyler Murray , who was so brutally honest in sharing his thoughts while in the midst of heaving the miracle throw .
“ Hop down there somewhere.
” Too bad for the Texans that he isn ’ t down in Houston .
O ’ Brien lost his job as Houston has plummeted from division champ ( 10-6 ) to also-ran , and there ’ s no doubt that trading away Hopkins — the most egregious in a series of baffling moves — is the one to define his downfall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ expendable ” in part because O ’ Brien had difficulty connecting with him and deemed him bad for the culture .
They should have paid the man and worked through the other stuff .
But at least O ’ Brien earned himself a place on the Cardinals ’ holiday gift list .
It ’ s almost too obvious to state .
But if you were under a rock , or off the grid , or on a plane back from stormy Cleveland like the Houston Texans were when DeAndre Hopkins wowed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immediately see the spectacular and since endlessly memed Hail Mary grab Hopkins snatched as time expired in the Cardinals ’ 32-30 win over Buffalo on Sunday .
The 42-yard catch screamed its case for our last roundtable question exploring which team made the best offseason move .
Viewing the catch against the backdrop of the Texans ’ 10-7 loss to the Browns the same afternoon left Houston looking worse than the chances of one , let alone three , Buffalo defenders vs. Hopkins .
Hopkins has netted 912 yards and four touchdowns while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ further options for quarterback Kyler Murray and teammates .
Houston still has a special quarterback in Deshaun Watson , but running back David Johnson — part of Houston ’ s spoils in exchange for Hopkins — hasn ’ t contributed enough , the Texans ranking second to last in the league in rushing yards and attempts .
Houston ’ s top-10 passing attack hasn ’ t translated into scoring ( 25th in league ) nor wins ( Texans are 2-7 ) .
Might it have had that potential with Hopkins still in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ O ’ Brien after four games have a guess .
The stock answer has to be the Texans ’ trade of WR DeAndre Hopkins to Arizona , a move that looks increasingly worse by the week given the way Nuk is playing in the desert — Hail Murray !
— and the modest-at-best compensation Houston got in return for its best player .
So assuming my colleagues feel similarly , I ’ d also offer a reminder that the Packers could have drafted WR Tee Higgins instead of QB Jordan Love … and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ look about now ?
Even if you love the Love move , it also wouldn ’ t have taken much maneuvering for Green Bay to make a slight move up in the second round for WR Chase Claypool ( instead of settling for rarely used , one-dimensional RB A.J .
Dillon ) … and how good would an Adams-Claypool pairing look about now ?
DeAndre Hopkins ’ impact in Arizona speaks for itself .
It feels like every single week , he comes up with some game-changing play to help elevate his team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forward in his development , but having a target like Hopkins certainly helps .
I don ’ t know if we ’ d be talking about Murray as an MVP candidate if the Cardinals had not acquired Hopkins , who leads the NFL in receiving yards ( 912 ) and ranks second in catches ( 72 ) .
And Arizona certainly wouldn ’ t own a 6-4 record without Hopkins .
Meanwhile , Bill O ’ Brien still might have a job as head coach and general manager of the Houston Texans right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instead of giving the receiver the long-term deal he wanted and deserved .
Instead of further strengthening his team as it sought to build on its first playoff win under Deshaun Watson , O ’ Brien instead robbed his quarterback of his most reliable weapon .
Houston opened the year 0-4 , and O ’ Brien paid the price , getting fired .

NFL Week 11 roundtable: What were most regrettable moves of the offseason?
Show Caption Hide Caption NFL midseason superlatives: Who's the best couple, who's the worst, and who's getting canceled? SportsPulse: Everyone does midseason awards and grades. So we decided to do superlatives. Jarrett Bell and Mike Jones pick who's been the best and worst couples as well other superlatives for the first half of the NFL season. SportsPulse, USA TODAY
It didn't take until Black Friday for buyer's (or seller's) remorse to set in for some NFL teams.
Even with the coronavirus pandemic creating uncertainty about the future salary cap outlook, several teams still made bold moves this past offseason to reshape their rosters. For some, that meant casting off marquee players to move in a different direction. Others looked to bring on top talent, even if it meant paying a hefty premium in the form of lucrative contracts or early draft picks.
With 10 regular-season weeks already completed, we asked NFL reporters and columnists from around USA TODAY Sports: What's the most regrettable move made by any team this offseason?
Their answers:
Worst move? That’s too easy to call, especially when seeing yet another replay of DeAndre Hopkins leaping above three Bills defenders to snag that “Hail Murray” prayer for the absolute Play of the Year. The Texans (2-7) gave away D-Hop for what? A song, a refurbished laptop, a six-pack of Bud Light, a blank cassette tape and a box of paper clips. OK, actually, Houston’s since-fired dictator, Bill O’Brien, shipped the All-Pro receiver and best jump-ball artist in the NFL for a running back trying to get his groove back, David Johnson, and a second-round pick while swapping fourth-round slots. I mean, you can find running backs all over the place. Look at what the Seahawks have done this season to manufacture a running game with a committee around Russell Wilson. So, unless you’re dealing for Dalvin Cook or Jim Brown, you just don’t dump your stud receiver because you’ve got a twisted sense of the addition-by-subtraction concept.
Kudos, Arizona. Cardinals GM Steve Keim should have his picture plastered in every post office in Harris County, Texas, for sure, as a wanted man. Billy The Kid, wearing a GM hat. What a heist. And poor Deshaun Watson. No knock against Brandin Cooks, Will Fuller, Randall Cobb, Kenny Stills and Keke Coutee (the occupants of the Texans’ receivers room), but every franchise quarterback should be so lucky to have a security blanket like Hopkins. Ask Kyler Murray, who was so brutally honest in sharing his thoughts while in the midst of heaving the miracle throw. “Hop down there somewhere.” Too bad for the Texans that he isn’t down in Houston. O’Brien lost his job as Houston has plummeted from division champ (10-6) to also-ran, and there’s no doubt that trading away Hopkins — the most egregious in a series of baffling moves — is the one to define his downfall. And just think: Hopkins became “expendable” in part because O’Brien had difficulty connecting with him and deemed him bad for the culture. They should have paid the man and worked through the other stuff. But at least O’Brien earned himself a place on the Cardinals’ holiday gift list.
It’s almost too obvious to state. But if you were under a rock, or off the grid, or on a plane back from stormy Cleveland like the Houston Texans were when DeAndre Hopkins wowed the world, perhaps you didn’t immediately see the spectacular and since endlessly memed Hail Mary grab Hopkins snatched as time expired in the Cardinals’ 32-30 win over Buffalo on Sunday. The 42-yard catch screamed its case for our last roundtable question exploring which team made the best offseason move. Viewing the catch against the backdrop of the Texans’ 10-7 loss to the Browns the same afternoon left Houston looking worse than the chances of one, let alone three, Buffalo defenders vs. Hopkins. Hopkins has netted 912 yards and four touchdowns while commanding constant attention from defenses that unlock further options for quarterback Kyler Murray and teammates. Houston still has a special quarterback in Deshaun Watson, but running back David Johnson — part of Houston’s spoils in exchange for Hopkins — hasn’t contributed enough, the Texans ranking second to last in the league in rushing yards and attempts. Houston’s top-10 passing attack hasn’t translated into scoring (25th in league) nor wins (Texans are 2-7). Might it have had that potential with Hopkins still in the mix? Ownership who fired coach Bill O’Brien after four games have a guess.
The stock answer has to be the Texans’ trade of WR DeAndre Hopkins to Arizona, a move that looks increasingly worse by the week given the way Nuk is playing in the desert — Hail Murray! — and the modest-at-best compensation Houston got in return for its best player.
So assuming my colleagues feel similarly, I’d also offer a reminder that the Packers could have drafted WR Tee Higgins instead of QB Jordan Love … and how good would a Davante Adams-Higgins pairing look about now? Even if you love the Love move, it also wouldn’t have taken much maneuvering for Green Bay to make a slight move up in the second round for WR Chase Claypool (instead of settling for rarely used, one-dimensional RB A.J. Dillon) … and how good would an Adams-Claypool pairing look about now?
DeAndre Hopkins’ impact in Arizona speaks for itself. It feels like every single week, he comes up with some game-changing play to help elevate his team. Kyler Murray has taken huge strides forward in his development, but having a target like Hopkins certainly helps. I don’t know if we’d be talking about Murray as an MVP candidate if the Cardinals had not acquired Hopkins, who leads the NFL in receiving yards (912) and ranks second in catches (72). And Arizona certainly wouldn’t own a 6-4 record without Hopkins.
Meanwhile, Bill O’Brien still might have a job as head coach and general manager of the Houston Texans right now had he not traded away Hopkins instead of giving the receiver the long-term deal he wanted and deserved. Instead of further strengthening his team as it sought to build on its first playoff win under Deshaun Watson, O’Brien instead robbed his quarterback of his most reliable weapon. Houston opened the year 0-4, and O’Brien paid the price, getting fired.


usatoday--2020-11-22--2020 NBA free agent tracker: Day 2 concludes with Serge Ibaka agreeing with Clippers

Following an unusual season that was suspended in March because of COVID-19 , restarted in a bubble in Orlando , Florida , and concluded just more than a month ago , free agency began only a month before the next season is scheduled to start on Dec. 22 .
There are many big names and not a lot of teams with salary-cap space , but free agency should be busy as teams want to put together rosters in advance of training camps , which are slated to open on Dec. 1 .
Here are players who reached deals with teams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ibaka , who won a title with Toronto in 2019 , agreed to a two-year , $ 19 million deal with the Los Angeles Clippers , a person familiar with the agreement told USA TODAY Sports .
The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly until the contract is official .
Ibaka averaged 15.4 points and 8.2 rebounds and 51.2 % shooting from the field and 38.5 % on 3-pointers for the Raptors last season .
Ibaka helps reduce the loss of Montrezl Harrell to the Los Angeles Lakers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thompson injury With Thompson suffering a season-ending injury to his right Achilles , the Golden State Warriors have applied for the Disabled Player Exception worth $ 9.3 million , a person familiar with the details told USA TODAY Sports .
The person was granted anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss an internal matter .
This will give the Warriors an additional spending tool to sign a player because they have already established that Thompson wo n't be available on their roster for the 2020-21 season .
Guard Brad Wanamaker agreed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Warriors , a person familiar with the details told USA TODAY Sports .
The person was granted anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss a deal that is not official .
The Warriors pursued Wanamaker in hopes of bolstering their backcourt amid Klay Thompson 's season-ending injury to his right Achilles .
Wanamaker will likely have a significant backup point guard role behind Stephen Curry , as well as provide spot minutes at shooting guard .
Little can mitigate Thompson 's absence .
In both roles , Wanamaker should be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also made this signing at a relatively low price .
They still have a taxpayer mid-level exception worth $ 5.7 million .
Veteran forward Tristan Thompson and the Boston Celtics came to terms on a two-year , $ 19 million deal , his agent Rich Paul of Klutch Sports told USA TODAY Sports .
Thompson averaged 12 points and 10.1 rebounds for Cleveland last season .
The Celtics pick up more frontcourt depth with a strong defender and rebounder .
Thompson has spent his entire career with the Cavaliers and won a title @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strengthen their roster through trades and free agency .
They champions managed to retain Kentavious Caldwell-Pope on a three-year , $ 40 million deal , his agent , Rich Paul of Klutch Sports , told USA TODAY Sports .
Pope averaged 9.3 points during the regular season but bumped that to 10.7 in the playoffs and 11 in the Finals while playing outstanding defense .
Veteran guard Rajon Rondo agreed to a two-year , $ 15 million deal in principle with the Atlanta Hawks , a person familiar with the details told USA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss a deal that was not official .
The person added the deal does not have any player or team options .
Rondo opted out of his player option worth $ 2.7 million with the Los Angeles Lakers fully aware that he would have plenty of interest for his smart playmaking and accountable leadership style .
Despite season-long issues with his health and shooting , the Lakers remained enamored with Rondo 's intangibles that included his passing , in-game adjustments and mentorship .
Rondo became more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after missing the first chunk of the NBA season restart because of an injured right thumb and back .
Rondo is expected to become a positive veteran presence for third-year guard Trae Young , who made his first All-Star appearance last season after improving from his rookie to sophomore season in points ( 19.1 to 29.6 ) , shooting percentage ( 41.8 to 43.7 ) , assists ( 8.1 to 9.3 ) and minutes ( 30.9 to 35.3 ) .
Avery Bradley came to terms on a two-year , $ 11.6 million deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ familir with the agreement told USA TODAY Sports .
The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly until the deal is official .
The Heat have a team option on the second yeBradley remains a solid defender and 3-point shooter , and the Heat front office is trying to make sure the team has the talent to get back to the NBA Finals .
First , Gordon Hayward decided not to finish his final season with Boston at $ 34.1 million , and then he reached a four-year , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jae Crowder was instrumental in Miami 's run to the NBA Finals earlier this year .
Now he 'll get a chance to help Phoenix make the playoffs for the the first time since 2010 .
Crowder , an unrestricted free agent , has agreed to a three-year , $ 30 million deal to join a team looking to build a playoff-caliber roster .
Forward Jeff Green agreed to a one-year deal with the Brooklyn Nets , a person familiar with the terms told USA TODAY Sports .
That person was granted anonymity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a deal before it became official .
The Nets are finding ways to bolster their supporting cast for Kevin Durant and Kyrie Iriving .
Green offers positional versatility both as a wing defender and scorer as well as a paint defender and post-up scorer .
Durant has also remained close friends with Green ever since the two played together in Seattle and Oklahoma City ( 2007-2011 ) .
Forward Bobby Portis agreed to a two-year , $ 8 million deal with the Milwaukee Bucks , a person familiar with the details told USA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss a deal that was not official .
The person added that Portis holds a player option on his second season .
The Bucks have made several moves before and during free agency , both to bolster their chances at winning an NBA title and convincing two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo to a sign a super-max contract , which he is eligible to do beginning Dec. 1 .
The Bucks acquired Jrue Holiday from New Orleans in exchange for Eric Bledsoe , George Hill , their 2025 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the rights to swap first-round picks in 2024 and 2026 .
Guard Fred VanVleet plans to stay with Toronto on a four-year , $ 85 million deal , his agent Brian Jungreis USA TODAY Sports .
VanVleet turned himself from undrafted player in 2016 to one of the best free agents available in 2020 .
Millsap commits to another season with Denver Paul Millsap will re-sign with the Denver Nuggets on a one-year , $ 10 million deal , a person familiar with the deal told USA TODAY Sports .
The person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to speak until the contract was official .
Millsap provides a strong veteran presence and keeping him softens the losses of Jerami Grant and Mason Plumlee .
Guard D.J .
Augustin intends to sign a three-year , $ 21 million contract with the Milwaukee Bucks , a person familiar with the details told USA TODAY Sports .
The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly until the contract was official .
Augustin has been a reliable guard in the league for years , and the Bucks will rely on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ averaged 10.5 points and 4.6 assists for Orlando last season .
Forward Maurice Harkless agreed to a one-year , $ 3.6 million deal with the Miami Heat , a person familiar with the details told USA TODAY Sports .
The person was granted anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss a deal that is not official .
The person added that Harkless turned down more lucrative offers elsewhere because he considered Miami to be a better fit both for his role and being closer to his family .
Harkless , a nine-year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Clippers and the New York Knicks last year .
He has averaged 7.2 points on 45.5 % shooting and 3.3 rebounds , while also offering dependable perimeter defense .
Guard Kris Dunn bolted Chicago for Atlanta on a two-year deal , a person with direct knowledge of the agreement told USA TODAY Sports .
The person requested anonymity because he was n't authorized to speak until Dunn signed a contract .
Chicago Bulls guard Denzel Valentine signed his one-year , $ 4.6 million qualifying offer with the team , meaning he will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season .
New Bulls GM Arturas Karnisovas is interested to see how Valentine plays in new coach Billy Donovan ’ s system .
Guard Michael Carter Williams will re-sign with Orlando on a one-year deal worth nearly $ 3 million , a person with direct knowledge of the deal told USA TODAY Sports .
The person requested anonymity because he was n't authorized to speak until the contract was official .
Guard Raul Neto , who spent last season with Philadelphia , reached a one-year , $ 1.8 million deal with Washington , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ USA TODAY Sports .
The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly until the deal was official .
The New Orleans Pelicans will acquire center Steven Adams from the Oklahoma City Thunder in a multi-team trade , a person familiar with the details told USA TODAY Sports .
The person was granted anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss a deal before it was official .
The Pelicans are still ironing out the other parameters of the deal .
But the trade involves sending future first- and two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oklahoma City has prioritized receiving in the past year in various deals .
OKC has at least a dozen first-round picks through 2026 , and accumulated three first-round picks this week in trades with the Los Angeles Lakers , Phoenix Suns and Philadelphia 76ers .
As part of their original deal The Pelicans acquired Adams to make life easier both for his frontcourt mate ( 2019 No .
1 overall pick Zion Williamson ) and backcourt players ( Most Improved recipient Brandon Ingram and veteran J.J. Redick ) .
Adams provides dependable defense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ position .
As for the rest of the deal , the teams involved could include the Milwaukee Bucks , Dallas Mavericks , Detroit Pistons and Denver Nuggets , though details are still being finalized .
The Pelicans previously agreed to a deal this week that entailed trading Jrue Holiday to Milwaukee for guard Eric Bledsoe , forward George Hill , Milwaukee 's 2025 and 2027 first-round picks as well as the rights to swap its first-round picks in 2024 and 2026 .
Restricted free-agent guard De ’ Aaron Fox has agreed to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Sacramento Kings , The Athletic reported .
This gives the Kings a long-term solution at point guard .
Fox , 22 , is one of the talented young playmakers in the league .
He averaged 21.1 points , 6.8 assists , 3.8 rebounds and 1.5 steals while shooting 48 % from the field .
Fox can improve his 3-point shooting , but it ’ s obvious the Kings and first-year GM Monte McNair are believers .
The deal , according to ESPN 's Bobby Mark , could increase from $ 170 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first- , second- or third-team All-NBA and the salary cap continues to increase .
Forward Danilo Gallinari , one of the prizes in this year ’ s free-agent class , plans to sign a three-year , $ 61.5 million contract with the Atlanta Hawks , according to a person familiar with the agreement .
The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly until the deal is official .
Gallinari , who turned 32 in August , had a fine season for Oklahoma City in 2019-20 , averaging 18.7 points @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Atlanta is trying to accelerate its plan by adding more talent and compete for a playoff spot this season .
Forward Jerami Grant reached a three-year , $ 60 million deal with Detroit , a person with direct knowledge of the deal told USA TODAY Sports .
The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly until the deal is official .
Agent Mike Kneisley negotiated the deal .
New Pistons GM Troy Weaver continues to make significant changes .
Grant leaves Denver , which had a similar offer ready @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will remain with the Washington Wizards on a five-year , $ 80 million deal , a person familiar with the details told USA TODAY Sports .
The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly until the deal is official .
The Wizards wanted to keep Bertans , an outstanding 3-point shooter , and went out of their way to make sure he stayed in D.C. Brooklyn ’ s Joe Harris developed into one of the league ’ s best 3-pointer shooters last season , shooting 42.4 % from that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , reaching a four-year , $ 75 million deal with the Nets , his agent , Mark Bartelstein , told ESPN .
The Los Angeles Clippers plan to bring forward Marcus Morris back on a four-year , $ 64 million deal , a person with knowledge of the situation told USA TODAY Sports .
The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak until the contract is official .
Morris is a solid two-way player who averaged 16.7 points and shot 40.8 % on 3-pointers last season .
Guard Goran Dragic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a two-year deal worth $ 37.4 million , according to a person with direct knowledge of the situation .
The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly .
The second year of the deal is a team option .
This was not an unexpected deal as the Heat and Dragic were on the same page .
Dragic , who struggled with a plantar fascia tear during the Finals , averaged 16.2 points and 5.1 assists and shot 44.1 % from the field for Miami last season .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ returning to the Finals .
Guard Wesley Matthews agreed to a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers , a person with the details told USA TODAY Sports .
The person was granted anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the news before it was official .
The Lakers acquired Matthews on their bi-annual exception worth $ 3.6 million .
The Lakers were looking to add wing depth after trading Danny Green and the No .
28 pick to Oklahoma City for Dennis Schröder .
The Lakers are also expecting to lose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ option .
Matthews , a 13-year veteran , averaged 7.4 points and 2.5 rebounds with the Milwaukee Bucks last season .
Mason Plumlee agreed to a three-year , $ 25 million deal with Detroit , his agent Mark Bartelstein said .
The addition gives the Pistons frontcourt depth .
Plumlee averaged 7.2 points and 5.2 rebounds in 17.3 minutes per game for Denver last season but had a diminished role in the playoffs .
New Pistons general manager Troy Weaver continues to reshape the roster following a draft in which the Pistons had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreed to a four-year , $ 52 million deal to stay with the Jazz , a person familiar with the deal told USA TODAY Sports .
That person was granted anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the deal before it was official .
The Jazz acquired Clarkson last season in a deal for Dante Exum , and Utah has since become pleased with his consistent bench scoring .
Clarkson averaged 15.6 points on 46.2 % shooting .
Dwight Howard , who won his first championship last season with the Los Angeles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a person with direct knowledge of the agreement told USA TODAY Sports .
The person requested anonymity because he was n't authorized to speak until the deal is official .
Howard resurrected his career with the Lakers , averaging 7.5 points and 7.3 rebounds in 18.9 minutes per game .
He will be a solid backup for Joel Embiid as new Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey reshapes the roster .
Guard Rodney Hood agreed to a two-year , $ 21 million deal to return to the Portland Trail Blazers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told USA TODAY Sports .
The person was granted anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss a deal that is not official .
The person added Hood 's second year on his contract is non-guaranteed .
The Blazers have shown trust and loyalty in Hood after he injured his left Achilles tendon 21 games into last season .
Hood averaged 11.0 points on 50.6 % shooting and 3.4 rebounds before his injury .
Montrezl Harrell is leaving the Clippers but he will still call Los Angeles ' Staples Center home after agreeing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal with the Lakers .
Harrell is coming off a career season that earned him the NBA 's Sixth Man of the Year Award .
- Justin Holiday reached an agreement to stay with the Indiana Pacers on a three-year , $ 18.8 million deal , a person with knowledge of the deal told USA TODAY Sports .
The person requested anonymity because he was n't authorized to speak until the contract is official .
- Derrick Favors , who played for New Orleans last season , will sign a contract with Utah @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the deal told USA TODAY Sports .
The person requested anonymity because he was n't authorized to speak until the contract is official .
Favors played for the Jazz for eight-plus seasons before switching teams .
- Malik Beasley plans to sign a four-year , $ 60 million contract with Minnesota , The Athletic reported .
- Derrick Jones will leave Miami and join Portland on a two-year , $ 19 million contract , The Athletic reported .
- Center Jakob Poeltl will stay with San Antonio on a three-year deal worth nearly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reporters .
- Meyers Leonard reached a two-year deal with Miami , according to The Associated Press .
- Milwaukee guard Pat Connaughton agreed to a two-year , $ 8.3 million contract , according to ESPN .
- Garrett Temple is on track to sign a one-year , $ 5 million deal with the Chicago Bulls , his agent , Mark Bartelstein , told reporters .
- Dwayne Bacon agreed to a two-year deal with Orlando for nearly $ 3.3 million , a person with direct knowledge of the deal told USA TODAY @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was n't authorized to speak until the contract is official .
- Patrick Patterson will re-sign with the Los Angeles Clippers on a one-year deal , his agent Sam Goldfeder of Excel Sports said .
- Christian Wood agreed to a three-year , $ 41 million deal with Houston , the Detroit Free Press reported .
- JaMychal Green agreed to a two-year , $ 15 million deal with Denver , The Athletic reported .
- Josh Jackson agreed to a deal with the Detroit Pistons , a person familiar with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ person was granted anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss a deal that is not official .