Early Grades on NBA Free-Agency Deals; Overseas Updates on Bogdanovic, Rupert and Mathias
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June — The opening hours of free agency brought three contracts that ESPN analyst Zach Kram labeled clear wins for both sides.
Atlanta Hawks: Veteran guard CJ McCollum accepted a one-year, $21 million extension after arriving mid-season in the Trae Young trade. Kram awarded the move an “A,” citing McCollum’s key role in Atlanta’s playoff run, his fit alongside the club’s young core and his ability to mentor a potential top-10 draft pick.
Phoenix Suns: Phoenix secured Collin Gillespie on a four-year, $48 million agreement (graded “A-”) and Jordan Goodwin on a three-year, $19 million pact (graded “B+”). Kram called Gillespie one of the market’s most underrated guards, while noting that Goodwin’s perimeter defense and offensive rebounding fill pressing roster needs. The Suns were just $18 million below the luxury-tax threshold entering free agency, leaving questions about the future of restricted free agent center Mark Williams.
International Roundup
Bogdan Bogdanovic: Greek powerhouse Panathinaikos is exploring a deal with the 31-year-old wing, whose $16 million team option with the Los Angeles Clippers is unlikely to be picked up, according to Sportando. Bogdanovic prefers to exhaust NBA options first; reaching a 10th NBA season would secure lifetime health-care benefits for him and his family.
Rayan Rupert: The French Basketball Federation added Rupert to its roster for the 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifying window after Frank Ntilikina was sidelined by medical issues, Eurohoops reported. Rupert split last season between Portland and Memphis, averaging 12.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.6 steals in 16 games for the Grizzlies on a two-way contract.
Dakota Mathias: Former 76ers and Grizzlies guard Dakota Mathias has joined Australia’s Tasmania JackJumpers on a one-year deal, per ESPN’s Olgun Uluc. The 28-year-old spent this past NBL season with the Brisbane Bullets, where he averaged 11.8 points and 3.4 rebounds while shooting 36.7 percent from beyond the arc.
Source: HoopsRumors
