usatoday--2020-11-21--2020 NBA free-agent tracker: Steven Adams trade to Pelicans caps busy first day to free agency

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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 and three first-round picks .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % 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 .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .
Forward Jerami Grant reached a three-year , $ 60 million deal with Detroit , a person with direct knowledge of the deal told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 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 range .
Brooklyn made sure 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .
Mason Plumlee agreed to a three-year , $ 25 million deal with Detroit , his agent Mark Bartelstein said .
The addition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 Lakers , will join 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
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 , 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 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 .
- Justin Holiday reached an agreement to stay with the Indiana Pacers on a three-year , $ 18.8 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 , 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 is official .
Favors played for the Jazz for eight-plus seasons before switching teams .
- Malik Beasley plans to sign a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 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 .
- JaMychal Green agreed to a two-year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , The Athletic reported .

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--Opinion: Eagles' Carson Wentz, playing in Cleveland, isn't inspiring remorse among Browns fans

A quick rundown on items of interest as Week 11 rolls on in the NFL … Who ’ s hot : Ben Roethlisberger .
It ’ s striking that a man standing 6-foot-6 as the quarterback for the NFL ’ s only undefeated can fly so far under the radar of the MVP conversation .
And with Alex Smith ’ s inspiring return , it ’ s also a longshot that Big Ben will garner Comeback Player of the Year honors after his 2019 campaign was defined by elbow surgery .
Yet for the lack of splash and gaudy numbers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the best seasons of his career .
No , this is nowhere close to a carbon copy of Roethlisberger ’ s last full season in 2018 , when he led the NFL in passing attempts ( 452 ) , passing yards ( 5,129 ) and , well , interceptions ( 16 ) .
Now , with Pittsburgh ’ s offense ranked a ho-hum 24th for yards ( 18th passing ) , he ’ s an efficient , steadying force for a balanced team that doesn ’ t need him to win a shootout @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s still capable , throwing for a season-high 333 yards and four TDs against the Bengals last weekend .
But heading into Sunday ’ s game at Jacksonville , Roethlisberger ranks sixth in the NFL for passing attempts and significantly , sixth-best for interception rate , a big reason why the Steelers are second in the league with a +9 turnover ratio .
A team will win a lot of games when the quarterback has a 22-to-4 TD-to-INT ratio as Roethlisberger has , while riding a three-game streak without a pick .
Keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ win the biggest games that fuel visions of the biggest trophies .
Pressure ’ s on : Carson Wentz .
Remember the second-guessing when the Browns traded away the second pick overall in 2016 , allowing the Eagles to draft Wentz ?
Well , with Wentz set to play his first game in Cleveland on Sunday , there ’ s no outcry of remorse from Browns fans .
Wentz has the NFL ’ s third-worst passer rating ( 73.1 ) , bolstered by his league-high 12 interceptions and paltry 58.2 % completion rate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the quarterback , as Wentz ’ s propensity for faulty decisions coincides with injuries that have devastated the offensive line and wreaked much havoc on the receivers corps .
The good news : Philadelphia ( 3-5-1 ) is in first place … in the NFL ’ s worst division .
But now , the second guessing involves the level of buyer ’ s remorse for the Eagles after signing Wentz to a four-year , $ 128 million ( $ 32M per year ) contract extension while letting Super Bowl hero Nick Foles walk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ravens defense .
When New England ’ s Damien Williams gashed and slashed for 121 rushing yards last weekend , it was the most allowed to a single ball-carrier by Baltimore since Henry shredded and stiff-armed the unit for 195 yards in the AFC divisional playoff upset in January .
Now here comes the 247-pound Henry again , second in the NFL with 946 yards and catching the Ravens defense at a vulnerable time .
Baltimore could be without its two Pro Bowl-decorated interior defensive lineman , Calais Campbell and Brandon Williams .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a few with an aggressive mindset to contain Henry , which is exactly why Ravens coach John Harbaugh had them practicing in pads on Wednesday .
Next man up : Taysom Hill .
Surprise !
With Drew Brees placed on the injured list ( reportedly with five fractured ribs and a collapsed lung ) , Saints coach Sean Payton bucked his recent history and installed his hybrid weapon as the fill-in starter rather than handing the reins to Jameis Winston as the Falcons visit the ‘ Dome on Sunday .
Last year , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ went with Teddy “ Two Gloves ” Bridgewater ( 5-0 ) , while the athletically gifted Hill was still available for his impact as a specialty weapon .
What ’ s different is Bridgewater had already spent more than a year in Payton ’ s system , whereas Winston came aboard this year .
Still , it ’ s a bit stunning when considering Winston ’ s experience as a starter and the fact that he played the second half last week after Brees went down .
Hill , a fourth-year vet , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his multi-faceted duty – quarterback , option quarterback , runner , receiver , special teams ace – has never thrown more than two passes in a game .
Maybe Winston ’ s track record with turnovers ( last year with the Bucs , he became the first in NFL history to pass for 30 TDs while throwing 30 INTs ) was a factor .
Or maybe Payton , who has long maintained that Hill has the potential to be a long-term quarterback , has seen enough behind the scenes .
In any event @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hill to prove that he might ultimately become Brees ’ successor and for Payton to find more creative tweaks for an offense that will have a new role for Hill .
Rookie watch : Henry Ruggs III .
When the Raiders stunned the Chiefs in a Week 5 shootout at Arrowhead , they took their first lead late in the second quarter when the first-rounder from Alabama struck with a 72-yard touchdown .
Somewhere , Al Davis was smiling .
Ruggs , who blazed at the combine with a 4.27 time in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speed burner that Davis drooled over .
In the rematch at Death Star on Sunday night , Kansas City will undoubtedly try slowing Ruggs off the blocks .
While Ruggs , whose only TD this season came against the Chiefs , has done the bulk of his damage against soft coverage , no team in the league plays as much press coverage as Kansas City , on 39 % of the snaps , according to NextGen Stats .
Stomach for an upset : Patriots at Texans .
The last time Bill Belichick came @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a big win with four TD passes .
Can he do it again ?
So much has changed since last December .
Tom Brady ’ s gone .
DeAndre Hopkins was traded .
Bill O ’ Brien , fired .
If the Texans ( 2-7 ) , two-point underdogs , are to get it done , Romeo Crennel will need to shore up his run defense after it allowed two Browns runners ( Nick Chubb , Kareem Hunt ) to post 100-yard games last weekend .
And with Cam Newton as an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is undoubtedly the ticket for the Patriots ( 4-5 ) .
Which brings us back to Watson as the X-factor…if he can keep the ball away from New England ball hawk J.C. Jackson , who has intercepted a pass in five consecutive games .
If the playoffs were today : The Dolphins ( 6-3 ) would be in as the sixth seed in the AFC .
And that standing could get better with Buffalo ( 7-3 ) in striking range as the race for the AFC East title heats up .
Miami , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 3-0 ) since Tua Tagovailoa took over at quarterback and has kept mistakes to a minimum .
The roll , though , is also reflective of the huge help that Tagovailoa has received from the opportunistic Dolphins defense and particularly Emmanuel Ogbah .
The defensive end has had a breakout season with eight sacks and both of his forced fumbles during the Tua Era were returned for touchdowns .
Did you notice ?
DeForest Buckner , the mountain of a defensive tackle , has been everything the Colts could have bargained for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in an offseason trade .
The Colts will greet Aaron Rodgers on Sunday with the NFL ’ s No .
1-ranked defense and with Buckner providing a relentless rush up the middle .
His 16 quarterback hits rank third in the league among interior defensive linemen , behind Aaron Donald and Chris Jones .
Memo to Rodgers : Look out , dude .
Stat ’ s the fact : Justin Herbert , with 19 scoring strikes , is the first rookie to pass for at least two TDs in six consecutive games .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) can use the TDs to win again .
They 'll try to end a three-game losing streak on Sunday against the winless Jets .

Opinion: Eagles' Carson Wentz, playing in Cleveland, isn't inspiring remorse among Browns fans
Show Caption Hide Caption Lorenzo's Locks: The 3 best bets you should consider for NFL Week 11 SportsPulse: Lorenzo was one Nick Chubb away from a perfect weekend of bets. He's back with his three best bets for Week 11 in the NFL. SportsPulse, USA TODAY
A quick rundown on items of interest as Week 11 rolls on in the NFL …
Who’s hot: Ben Roethlisberger. It’s striking that a man standing 6-foot-6 as the quarterback for the NFL’s only undefeated can fly so far under the radar of the MVP conversation. And with Alex Smith’s inspiring return, it’s also a longshot that Big Ben will garner Comeback Player of the Year honors after his 2019 campaign was defined by elbow surgery. Yet for the lack of splash and gaudy numbers, Roethlisberger is quietly having one of the best seasons of his career. No, this is nowhere close to a carbon copy of Roethlisberger’s last full season in 2018, when he led the NFL in passing attempts (452), passing yards (5,129) and, well, interceptions (16). Now, with Pittsburgh’s offense ranked a ho-hum 24th for yards (18th passing), he’s an efficient, steadying force for a balanced team that doesn’t need him to win a shootout each week. Sure, he’s still capable, throwing for a season-high 333 yards and four TDs against the Bengals last weekend. But heading into Sunday’s game at Jacksonville, Roethlisberger ranks sixth in the NFL for passing attempts and significantly, sixth-best for interception rate, a big reason why the Steelers are second in the league with a +9 turnover ratio. A team will win a lot of games when the quarterback has a 22-to-4 TD-to-INT ratio as Roethlisberger has, while riding a three-game streak without a pick. Keep that up and maybe the Steelers will win the biggest games that fuel visions of the biggest trophies.
Pressure’s on: Carson Wentz. Remember the second-guessing when the Browns traded away the second pick overall in 2016, allowing the Eagles to draft Wentz? Well, with Wentz set to play his first game in Cleveland on Sunday, there’s no outcry of remorse from Browns fans. Wentz has the NFL’s third-worst passer rating (73.1), bolstered by his league-high 12 interceptions and paltry 58.2% completion rate. It’s not all on the quarterback, as Wentz’s propensity for faulty decisions coincides with injuries that have devastated the offensive line and wreaked much havoc on the receivers corps. The good news: Philadelphia (3-5-1) is in first place … in the NFL’s worst division. But now, the second guessing involves the level of buyer’s remorse for the Eagles after signing Wentz to a four-year, $128 million ($32M per year) contract extension while letting Super Bowl hero Nick Foles walk.
Key matchup: Derrick Henry vs. Ravens defense. When New England’s Damien Williams gashed and slashed for 121 rushing yards last weekend, it was the most allowed to a single ball-carrier by Baltimore since Henry shredded and stiff-armed the unit for 195 yards in the AFC divisional playoff upset in January. Now here comes the 247-pound Henry again, second in the NFL with 946 yards and catching the Ravens defense at a vulnerable time. Baltimore could be without its two Pro Bowl-decorated interior defensive lineman, Calais Campbell and Brandon Williams. Regardless, it will take more than a few with an aggressive mindset to contain Henry, which is exactly why Ravens coach John Harbaugh had them practicing in pads on Wednesday.
Next man up: Taysom Hill. Surprise! With Drew Brees placed on the injured list (reportedly with five fractured ribs and a collapsed lung), Saints coach Sean Payton bucked his recent history and installed his hybrid weapon as the fill-in starter rather than handing the reins to Jameis Winston as the Falcons visit the ‘Dome on Sunday. Last year, when Brees missed five games, Payton went with Teddy “Two Gloves” Bridgewater (5-0), while the athletically gifted Hill was still available for his impact as a specialty weapon. What’s different is Bridgewater had already spent more than a year in Payton’s system, whereas Winston came aboard this year. Still, it’s a bit stunning when considering Winston’s experience as a starter and the fact that he played the second half last week after Brees went down. Hill, a fourth-year vet, has never started a game and in his multi-faceted duty – quarterback, option quarterback, runner, receiver, special teams ace – has never thrown more than two passes in a game. Maybe Winston’s track record with turnovers (last year with the Bucs, he became the first in NFL history to pass for 30 TDs while throwing 30 INTs) was a factor. Or maybe Payton, who has long maintained that Hill has the potential to be a long-term quarterback, has seen enough behind the scenes. In any event, this is a huge opportunity for Hill to prove that he might ultimately become Brees’ successor and for Payton to find more creative tweaks for an offense that will have a new role for Hill.
Rookie watch: Henry Ruggs III. When the Raiders stunned the Chiefs in a Week 5 shootout at Arrowhead, they took their first lead late in the second quarter when the first-rounder from Alabama struck with a 72-yard touchdown. Somewhere, Al Davis was smiling. Ruggs, who blazed at the combine with a 4.27 time in the 40, is exactly the type of speed burner that Davis drooled over. In the rematch at Death Star on Sunday night, Kansas City will undoubtedly try slowing Ruggs off the blocks. While Ruggs, whose only TD this season came against the Chiefs, has done the bulk of his damage against soft coverage, no team in the league plays as much press coverage as Kansas City, on 39% of the snaps, according to NextGen Stats.
Stomach for an upset: Patriots at Texans. The last time Bill Belichick came to town, Deshaun Watson led Houston to a big win with four TD passes. Can he do it again? So much has changed since last December. Tom Brady’s gone. DeAndre Hopkins was traded. Bill O’Brien, fired. If the Texans (2-7), two-point underdogs, are to get it done, Romeo Crennel will need to shore up his run defense after it allowed two Browns runners (Nick Chubb, Kareem Hunt) to post 100-yard games last weekend. And with Cam Newton as an added running threat, the ground game is undoubtedly the ticket for the Patriots (4-5). Which brings us back to Watson as the X-factor…if he can keep the ball away from New England ball hawk J.C. Jackson, who has intercepted a pass in five consecutive games.
If the playoffs were today: The Dolphins (6-3) would be in as the sixth seed in the AFC. And that standing could get better with Buffalo (7-3) in striking range as the race for the AFC East title heats up. Miami, heading into Denver, has been perfect (3-0) since Tua Tagovailoa took over at quarterback and has kept mistakes to a minimum. The roll, though, is also reflective of the huge help that Tagovailoa has received from the opportunistic Dolphins defense and particularly Emmanuel Ogbah. The defensive end has had a breakout season with eight sacks and both of his forced fumbles during the Tua Era were returned for touchdowns.
Did you notice? DeForest Buckner, the mountain of a defensive tackle, has been everything the Colts could have bargained for when they obtained him from San Francisco in an offseason trade. The Colts will greet Aaron Rodgers on Sunday with the NFL’s No. 1-ranked defense and with Buckner providing a relentless rush up the middle. His 16 quarterback hits rank third in the league among interior defensive linemen, behind Aaron Donald and Chris Jones. Memo to Rodgers: Look out, dude.
Stat’s the fact: Justin Herbert, with 19 scoring strikes, is the first rookie to pass for at least two TDs in six consecutive games. Now if only the Chargers (2-7) can use the TDs to win again. They'll try to end a three-game losing streak on Sunday against the winless Jets.


usatoday--2020-11-21--If Republicans want to win, they must move beyond Trump. Can they?

After Donald Trump leaves the White House , voluntarily or subject to a trespassing eviction notice , will he still define the Republican Party and call the shots for it ?
No one doubts that he will try .
He will still want American politics to be all about him .
If four years of being president didn ’ t improve his behavior , being sidelined certainty won ’ t .
His attack and insult brand of political communication will , if anything , intensify – as unfathomable as that is to contemplate .
Any Republican cooperation with the Joe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ act of quislings .
Now , what Trump says as a former president is obviously less consequential than what he said as president .
The impact of his tweets , assuming he doesn ’ t get bounced from the platform , will be attenuated .
Nevertheless , Trump tweets will remain catnip to journalists and political commentators .
He will succeed in making American politics still at least partly about him .
So , Trump will remain a presence .
But will he remain a force , someone whose opinion dictates what Republicans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from acting , or commenting , in a contradictory direction ?
The answer to that lies with the Republican base .
And there is a bit of a mystery there .
Before Trump , the Republican base was highly issue-oriented .
Some members cared intensely about abortion and other social issues .
Some cared intensely about immigration .
Some cared intensely about taxes and government regulation of the economy .
Some cared intensely about national security .
USA TODAY Editorial Board : Donald Trump whiffs on what 's left of his presidency as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overlap amongst these segments .
Most of the Republican base were what was called full-spectrum conservatives , aligning with all these issues , if more strongly motivated by one or the other .
The loyalty was to these causes , not particular politicians .
The last politician for whom there was personal loyalty within the GOP base was Ronald Reagan .
Since then , Republican politicians were judged , and supported , based upon the extent of their fealty to these issue positions .
Deviate , and they had problems with the base @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Trump was able to transition this loyalty to causes to loyalty to him .
He was generally sound on the issues of importance to the base , although national security conservatives worry about his retrenchment from America ’ s role as the ultimate guarantor of global security and order .
But the loyalty to Trump went well beyond what he earned on issues .
The base became loyal to Trump personally and expected all other GOP politicians to do likewise .
Deviation from Trump created base problems , even if the deviating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of conservative issues .
Why is uncertain , although I have a theory .
The base has a visceral disdain for political correctness , the norms of political discourse enforced by the cultural citadels of the media and academia .
And an intense rejection of identity and grievance politics .
Jill Lawrence : Stacey Abrams would be a great Democratic Party chair if she could be talked into it Most Republican politicians have tried to appease the citadels and finesse the issues of identity and grievance politics .
Trump was the first prominent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the base ’ s disdain and rejection of these suffocating cultural forces .
He was skewered for it from the citadels .
And that made the loyalty personal as well as issue-oriented .
I think that , in general , Republican pols now understand that there is no appeasing the citadels .
And the demands of identity and grievance politics — e.g.
, defund the police — have escalated to the point that they can no longer be finessed .
They must be rejected or accepted .
So , Trump won ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the base .
The question is whether the base will accept doing it in ways less alienating than Trump ’ s .
If Republicans actually want to win ... Republicans are celebrating that the 2020 election results weren ’ t as bad as expected .
That ’ s as good of a result as the Trump approach can produce .
Actually winning , rather than losing by less than expected , requires a different approach .
The story of this election is that Trump alienated independents who voted against him by a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voters wasn ’ t enough to overcome this .
Independents didn ’ t turn against Trump primarily on issues , although his management of COVID-19 played a role .
Independents primarily turned against him because of his boorish behavior .
Republican base voters , and officeholders in bullet-proof safe districts , can sneer at that prioritization all they want .
And continue to celebrate losing by less than expected .
Or the Republican Party can move beyond Trump and the way he plays politics , while staying true on the issues , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Robert Robb is an editorial columnist for the Arizona Republic , where this column originally appeared .
Follow him on Twitter : @ RJRobb

If Republicans want to win, they must move beyond Trump. Can they? Opinion: Will the Republican base remain personally loyal to Trump, or accept a less alienating way of making the same points?
Show Caption Hide Caption How do Republicans move forward without Trump? Will Donald Trump remain a force, someone whose opinion dictates what Republicans do? Columnist Robert Robb has some advice for the GOP. Arizona Republic
After Donald Trump leaves the White House, voluntarily or subject to a trespassing eviction notice, will he still define the Republican Party and call the shots for it?
No one doubts that he will try. He will still want American politics to be all about him. If four years of being president didn’t improve his behavior, being sidelined certainty won’t. His attack and insult brand of political communication will, if anything, intensify – as unfathomable as that is to contemplate. Any Republican cooperation with the Joe Biden administration will be denounced as the act of quislings.
Now, what Trump says as a former president is obviously less consequential than what he said as president. The impact of his tweets, assuming he doesn’t get bounced from the platform, will be attenuated.
Nevertheless, Trump tweets will remain catnip to journalists and political commentators. He will succeed in making American politics still at least partly about him.
Will Trump remain a force?
So, Trump will remain a presence. But will he remain a force, someone whose opinion dictates what Republicans do, or at least paralyzes them from acting, or commenting, in a contradictory direction?
The answer to that lies with the Republican base. And there is a bit of a mystery there.
Before Trump, the Republican base was highly issue-oriented. Some members cared intensely about abortion and other social issues. Some cared intensely about immigration. Some cared intensely about taxes and government regulation of the economy. Some cared intensely about national security.
USA TODAY Editorial Board: Donald Trump whiffs on what's left of his presidency as COVID-19 deaths pass 250,000
There was considerable overlap amongst these segments. Most of the Republican base were what was called full-spectrum conservatives, aligning with all these issues, if more strongly motivated by one or the other.
The loyalty was to these causes, not particular politicians. The last politician for whom there was personal loyalty within the GOP base was Ronald Reagan. Since then, Republican politicians were judged, and supported, based upon the extent of their fealty to these issue positions. Deviate, and they had problems with the base.
Why the personal loyalty to Trump?
Trump was able to transition this loyalty to causes to loyalty to him. He was generally sound on the issues of importance to the base, although national security conservatives worry about his retrenchment from America’s role as the ultimate guarantor of global security and order.
But the loyalty to Trump went well beyond what he earned on issues. The base became loyal to Trump personally and expected all other GOP politicians to do likewise. Deviation from Trump created base problems, even if the deviating politician was still sound on the full-spectrum of conservative issues.
Why is uncertain, although I have a theory. The base has a visceral disdain for political correctness, the norms of political discourse enforced by the cultural citadels of the media and academia. And an intense rejection of identity and grievance politics.
Jill Lawrence: Stacey Abrams would be a great Democratic Party chair if she could be talked into it
Most Republican politicians have tried to appease the citadels and finesse the issues of identity and grievance politics. Trump was the first prominent GOP politician to give full-throated expression of the base’s disdain and rejection of these suffocating cultural forces. He was skewered for it from the citadels. And that made the loyalty personal as well as issue-oriented.
I think that, in general, Republican pols now understand that there is no appeasing the citadels. And the demands of identity and grievance politics — e.g., defund the police — have escalated to the point that they can no longer be finessed. They must be rejected or accepted. So, Trump won’t be alone anymore in satisfying this hunger in the base.
The question is whether the base will accept doing it in ways less alienating than Trump’s.
If Republicans actually want to win ...
Republicans are celebrating that the 2020 election results weren’t as bad as expected. That’s as good of a result as the Trump approach can produce. Actually winning, rather than losing by less than expected, requires a different approach.
The story of this election is that Trump alienated independents who voted against him by a large margin. Turbocharging turnout among base voters wasn’t enough to overcome this.
Independents didn’t turn against Trump primarily on issues, although his management of COVID-19 played a role. Independents primarily turned against him because of his boorish behavior.
Republican base voters, and officeholders in bullet-proof safe districts, can sneer at that prioritization all they want. And continue to celebrate losing by less than expected.
Or the Republican Party can move beyond Trump and the way he plays politics, while staying true on the issues, and have a chance of actually winning.
Robert Robb is an editorial columnist for the Arizona Republic, where this column originally appeared. Follow him on Twitter: @RJRobb


usatoday--2020-11-21--Reigning NBA Sixth Man of the Year Montrezl Harrell signing two-year deal with Lakers

The animosity between two intra-city rivals just took a dramatic turn because of what happened at the negotiating table .
After winning the NBA ’ s Sixth Man of the Year Award with the Los Angeles Clippers , Montrezl Harrell agreed to a two-year , $ 20 million deal to play for the Lakers , Harrell 's agent , Rich Paul of Klutch Sports , told USA TODAY Sports .
The move elicited a response from Clippers guard Patrick Beverley , whose post on Twitter , which featured face-palm and cursing face emojis accompanied by the word `` what , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Beverley added in a follow-up tweet that he was `` happy for '' Harrell . )
It seems understandable why the Clippers would be a bit surprised by Harrell 's move to the Lakers .
The Lakers acquired a player that posted career highs in points ( 18.6 ) and rebounds ( 7.1 ) last season with the Clippers .
Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka had talked about wanting to further enhance his championship roster .
The team had already acquired NBA Sixth Man of the Year candidate Dennis Shröder from Oklahoma City @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 28th pick .
The Lakers then found their wing replacement by agreeing to a one-year deal with former Milwaukee Bucks guard Wesley Matthews .
Meanwhile , the Clippers are reeling after squandering a 3-1 playoff series lead to the Denver Nuggets , which led to coach Doc Rivers being let go .
Opinion : Will Warriors ' Klay Thompson ever be the durable star again ?
The Lakers did not exactly acquire a perfect player .
Harrell does not offer the same kind of rim protection as Dwight Howard , who tweeted he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before deleting the announcement and agreeing to a deal with the Philadelphia 76ers .
Harrell also struggled in the playoffs following the death of his grandmother .
Still , the Lakers acquired a player that offers toughness , secondary scoring and a team-first mindset – all at the expense of a Clippers team that has forever struggled for relevancy in a city that remains enamored with the Lakers .

Mark Medina and Jeff Zillgitt, USA TODAY

Reigning NBA Sixth Man of the Year Montrezl Harrell signing two-year deal with Lakers
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
The animosity between two intra-city rivals just took a dramatic turn because of what happened at the negotiating table.
After winning the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year Award with the Los Angeles Clippers, Montrezl Harrell agreed to a two-year, $20 million deal to play for the Lakers, Harrell's agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, told USA TODAY Sports.
The move elicited a response from Clippers guard Patrick Beverley, whose post on Twitter, which featured face-palm and cursing face emojis accompanied by the word "what," captured his emotions well. (Beverley added in a follow-up tweet that he was "happy for" Harrell.)
It seems understandable why the Clippers would be a bit surprised by Harrell's move to the Lakers.
The Lakers acquired a player that posted career highs in points (18.6) and rebounds (7.1) last season with the Clippers. Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka had talked about wanting to further enhance his championship roster.
The team had already acquired NBA Sixth Man of the Year candidate Dennis Shröder from Oklahoma City for Danny Green and the No. 28th pick. The Lakers then found their wing replacement by agreeing to a one-year deal with former Milwaukee Bucks guard Wesley Matthews. Meanwhile, the Clippers are reeling after squandering a 3-1 playoff series lead to the Denver Nuggets, which led to coach Doc Rivers being let go.
Free-agent tracker: Live updates and analysis
Opinion: Will Warriors' Klay Thompson ever be the durable star again?
The Lakers did not exactly acquire a perfect player. Harrell does not offer the same kind of rim protection as Dwight Howard, who tweeted he had agreed to return to the Lakers before deleting the announcement and agreeing to a deal with the Philadelphia 76ers. Harrell also struggled in the playoffs following the death of his grandmother.
Still, the Lakers acquired a player that offers toughness, secondary scoring and a team-first mindset – all at the expense of a Clippers team that has forever struggled for relevancy in a city that remains enamored with the Lakers.
Follow USA TODAY NBA writer Mark Medina on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.


usatoday--2020-11-21--Less pomp and circumstance? Biden inauguration likely to be scaled-down affair in response to COVID

WASHINGTON – Donald Trump is still trying to sow doubts about the election results , but planning already has begun for inaugural ceremonies in which Joe Biden is expected to officially become the nation ’ s 46th president .
But while planners of past presidential inaugurations have had to resolve complex issues like how to handle crowd control and security matters , organizers of the Jan. 20 ceremony are confronting an unprecedented challenge : How do you safely stage a presidential inauguration in the middle of a deadly pandemic ?
“ Even in normal times , it ’ s a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who served as staff director of the joint congressional committee that oversaw Barack Obama ’ s first inauguration in 2009 .
Next year , “ it ’ s going to be really difficult , ” Gantman said .
A look back : Joe Biden turns 78 .
Here 's how old other presidents were on Inauguration Day Presidential inaugurations typically are attended by hundreds of dignitaries – including former presidents , Supreme Court justices and members of Congress – while hundreds of thousands of spectators spill out across the National Mall to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Obama ’ s first inauguration was estimated at a record-shattering 1.8 million .
Biden ’ s inauguration is likely to look far different than past inaugural ceremonies .
Planners are expecting the 59th Inaugural Ceremonies to be smaller than in previous years because of the health risks posed by COVID-19 , which already has infected more than 11 million Americans and killed more than 250,000 .
The question is how much smaller .
Organizers are committed to “ traditional , safe and inclusive ceremonies ” and are proceeding “ under the direction that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the plans than it is to scale up , ” said Paige Waltz , spokeswoman for the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies , which is responsible for putting together the inaugural events to be held at the Capitol .
The committee is considering a number of health and safety precautions , such as face masks and social distancing , to protect the attendees , Waltz said .
'You ’ ve got to have trust . '
The strategy Joe Biden hopes will lead to agreement in a post-Trump era Another proposal under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyone who will be on the stage near the president-elect .
In addition , the traditional inaugural lunch held after the swearing-in ceremony and attended by the new president and members of Congress may be moved from Statuary Hall in the Capitol to Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center to allow more room for social distancing .
Other traditional inaugural events , such as the parade from the Capitol to the White House and a series of evening inaugural balls , remain in question .
Planning for those events is handled by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ winning candidate shortly after the election .
Biden ’ s office said this week it had no information to share on the selection of an inaugural committee or the fate of inaugural events under its domain but that details would be released soon .
Coronavirus strategy : A spiraling COVID-19 crisis will confront Joe Biden on day one .
What ’ s his plan and how will he get it done ?
There is precedence for dialing back the inaugural pomp and circumstance .
Ronald Reagan ’ s second swearing in was moved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parade was canceled because of bitterly cold weather in 1985 .
Washington , D.C. , Mayor Muriel Bowser ’ s office said it is awaiting guidance from the president-elect on whether the traditional inaugural parade would go on as usual next year .
“ We are planning for a parade as well as the other elements of the inauguration traditions , ” said John Falcicchio , the mayor ’ s chief of staff and deputy mayor for planning and economic development .
“ However , each inauguration reflects the person being sworn in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Presidential Inaugural Committee to understand how we can support their vision.
” The District of Columbia has put in place COVID restrictions that limit most gatherings to 50 people .
While most inaugural events are held on federal land , which means those restrictions wouldn ’ t apply , inaugural balls are often held at venues in the city that would be subject to the crowd limits .
Crowd control and enforcement of COVID restrictions would be less complicated at events like the swearing-in or inaugural balls because organizers could limit the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But an inaugural parade would be more problematic .
Besides the large crowd on the National Mall for Obama ’ s first inauguration , spectators lined up along the streets of Washington hours before the parade kicked off to jockey for a prime viewing spot for the procession down Pennsylvania Avenue from the Capitol to the White House .
“ How do you do that safely – even with masks ?
” Gantman asked .
“ People have to sit right next to each hour for hours at a time.
” “ It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of cooperation , ” he said .
Avoiding gridlock : Joe Biden and Mitch McConnell are friends who have brokered deals in the Senate : Can they still work together ?
Meanwhile , a number of protests are planned in Washington to coincide with the inauguration .
Five groups have applied for permits with the National Park Service to stage protests .
A group called DC Action Lab is planning a 5,000-person protest against the inauguration at various locations , including Lafayette Park across from the White House .
Pro-Trump groups also are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other locations to offer prayers and support for the outgoing president .
Michael Collins covers the White House .
Reach him on Twitter @ mcollinsNEWS .

Less pomp and circumstance? Biden inauguration likely to be scaled-down affair in response to COVID
Show Caption Hide Caption Biden: 'More people may die' if Trump resists smooth transition President-elect Joe Biden said "more people may die" without cooperation from the Trump administration on COVID vaccine distribution. Associated Press, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Donald Trump is still trying to sow doubts about the election results, but planning already has begun for inaugural ceremonies in which Joe Biden is expected to officially become the nation’s 46th president.
But while planners of past presidential inaugurations have had to resolve complex issues like how to handle crowd control and security matters, organizers of the Jan. 20 ceremony are confronting an unprecedented challenge:
How do you safely stage a presidential inauguration in the middle of a deadly pandemic?
“Even in normal times, it’s a big job,” said Howard Gantman, who served as staff director of the joint congressional committee that oversaw Barack Obama’s first inauguration in 2009.
Next year, “it’s going to be really difficult,” Gantman said.
A look back: Joe Biden turns 78. Here's how old other presidents were on Inauguration Day
Presidential inaugurations typically are attended by hundreds of dignitaries – including former presidents, Supreme Court justices and members of Congress – while hundreds of thousands of spectators spill out across the National Mall to witness the ceremonies. The crowd at Obama’s first inauguration was estimated at a record-shattering 1.8 million.
Biden’s inauguration is likely to look far different than past inaugural ceremonies.
Planners are expecting the 59th Inaugural Ceremonies to be smaller than in previous years because of the health risks posed by COVID-19, which already has infected more than 11 million Americans and killed more than 250,000.
The question is how much smaller.
Organizers are committed to “traditional, safe and inclusive ceremonies” and are proceeding “under the direction that it is more feasible to scale down the plans than it is to scale up,” said Paige Waltz, spokeswoman for the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, which is responsible for putting together the inaugural events to be held at the Capitol.
The committee is considering a number of health and safety precautions, such as face masks and social distancing, to protect the attendees, Waltz said.
'You’ve got to have trust.' The strategy Joe Biden hopes will lead to agreement in a post-Trump era
Another proposal under consideration would require a COVID test for anyone who will be on the stage near the president-elect. In addition, the traditional inaugural lunch held after the swearing-in ceremony and attended by the new president and members of Congress may be moved from Statuary Hall in the Capitol to Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center to allow more room for social distancing.
Other traditional inaugural events, such as the parade from the Capitol to the White House and a series of evening inaugural balls, remain in question.
Planning for those events is handled by the Presidential Inaugural Committee created by the winning candidate shortly after the election.
Biden’s office said this week it had no information to share on the selection of an inaugural committee or the fate of inaugural events under its domain but that details would be released soon.
Coronavirus strategy: A spiraling COVID-19 crisis will confront Joe Biden on day one. What’s his plan and how will he get it done?
There is precedence for dialing back the inaugural pomp and circumstance. Ronald Reagan’s second swearing in was moved inside the Capitol Rotunda and the inaugural parade was canceled because of bitterly cold weather in 1985.
Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser’s office said it is awaiting guidance from the president-elect on whether the traditional inaugural parade would go on as usual next year.
“We are planning for a parade as well as the other elements of the inauguration traditions,” said John Falcicchio, the mayor’s chief of staff and deputy mayor for planning and economic development. “However, each inauguration reflects the person being sworn in, so we await the appointment of the Presidential Inaugural Committee to understand how we can support their vision.”
The District of Columbia has put in place COVID restrictions that limit most gatherings to 50 people. While most inaugural events are held on federal land, which means those restrictions wouldn’t apply, inaugural balls are often held at venues in the city that would be subject to the crowd limits.
Crowd control and enforcement of COVID restrictions would be less complicated at events like the swearing-in or inaugural balls because organizers could limit the number of tickets that are distributed. But an inaugural parade would be more problematic.
Besides the large crowd on the National Mall for Obama’s first inauguration, spectators lined up along the streets of Washington hours before the parade kicked off to jockey for a prime viewing spot for the procession down Pennsylvania Avenue from the Capitol to the White House.
“How do you do that safely – even with masks?” Gantman asked. “People have to sit right next to each hour for hours at a time.”
“It’s going to take a lot of cooperation,” he said.
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Meanwhile, a number of protests are planned in Washington to coincide with the inauguration.
Five groups have applied for permits with the National Park Service to stage protests. A group called DC Action Lab is planning a 5,000-person protest against the inauguration at various locations, including Lafayette Park across from the White House. Pro-Trump groups also are planning smaller demonstrations at Lafayette Park and other locations to offer prayers and support for the outgoing president.
Michael Collins covers the White House. Reach him on Twitter @mcollinsNEWS.