NBA Free Agency Update: Powell Heads to Bulls, Melton Remains with Warriors, Carter Stays with Magic
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The opening hours of NBA free agency produced three notable guard agreements, highlighted by Norman Powell’s move to Chicago, De’Anthony Melton’s return to Golden State, and Jevon Carter’s new deal in Orlando.
Bulls Add Norman Powell
Chicago reached a two-year, $45 million agreement with veteran scorer Norman Powell, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. The second season is a team option, per K.C. Johnson of Chicago Sports Network.
Powell, 33, averaged 21.7 points last season with the Heat while shooting 47.0 percent from the floor and 38.0 percent beyond the arc. His arrival gives the Bulls another reliable offensive option alongside recent additions Nic Claxton and Zach Collins as the franchise restructures around Josh Giddey and rookie Matas Buzelis. Detroit had also pursued Powell before he chose Chicago.
Warriors Retain De’Anthony Melton
The Warriors secured free-agent guard De’Anthony Melton on a two-year, $11 million deal that includes a player option for the second season, Charania reported.
Melton posted career-best averages of 12.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.6 steals despite spending much of last year recovering from ACL surgery. Retaining the 26-year-old preserves roster flexibility as Golden State continues to monitor the ongoing LeBron James sweepstakes, according to multiple reports.
Magic Bring Back Jevon Carter
Orlando reached a one-year, veteran-minimum agreement with guard Jevon Carter, Charania added.
The 30-year-old averaged 7.2 points in 30 appearances after signing with the Magic following his release from Chicago. Carter is expected to bolster perimeter defense and supply backcourt depth behind Jalen Suggs next season.
Source: Hoops Wire
