NBA Free Agency began Friday night and a trio of former Syracuse Basketball stars already have agreed to contracts less than twenty-four hours later. According to ESPN and The Athletic Jerami Grant, Michael Carter-Williams, and Carmelo Anthony are off the free-agent market.
Friday night Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that Jerami Grant was on his way to Detroit on a three-year $60 million deal. Grant’s last contract was his previously high payday making $27 million through three years, this time he will average 74% of that total a season. Grant was the first big acquisition for the new Detroit Pistons’ General Manager Troy Weaver.
Weaver was a former Orange assistant coach from 2000-2004 before heading to the pros. Weaver with a solid NBA resume netted his first General Manager Job in the league. Weaver was with the Orange during a pivotal time in Syracuse history. Weaver was with Syracuse during the 2002-2003 National Championship team and was the lead recruiter for Anthony to bring him to Central New York.
On Saturday, Michael Carter-Williams signed to return to the Orlando Magic. Carter-Williams has been a member of the Magic since midway through the 2018-2019 season and has carved out a nice role off the bench
Also, on Saturday, Carmelo Anthony has agreed to return to Portland and continue in the quest to help the Trail Blazers compete in the Western Conference.
Denver was willing to match the three-year, $60M offer Jerami Grant received from Detroit. Grant enjoyed his time in Denver, but leaves for Pistons where he is expected to have an enhanced offensive role. https://t.co/qdiIhku6gb
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 21, 2020
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].