via Imago
Image Credits: Imago
via Imago
Image Credits: Imago
The NBA free agency is underway, with a few key players unceremoniously leaving their teams and finding new ones. The changes are being closely monitored by fans and analysts alike, including former Los Angeles Lakers star Shaquille O’Neal. While the 51-year-old NBA icon took to Instagram to share the contract details of various players, the Houston Rockets acquiring two players for $210 million surprised the NBA community.
O’Neal himself was one of the highest-earning players during his time in the league. From signing a 7-year $120 million contract with the Lakers, to a 5-year $101 million contract with Miami, O’Neal’s earnings reflected his dominance on the court. So is seeing so many current NBA players earning big money surprising for the Big Aristotle?
Shaquille O’Neal may be stunned by the latest free agency moves
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When he’s not posting updates about his adventures or things he likes, Shaquille O’Neal uses it to inform his fans about the important events occurring in the world of basketball. A world with which he still finds himself closely associated.
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ATLANTA, GEORGIA – APRIL 22: Shaquille O’Neal attends Game Three of the Eastern Conference First Round between the Miami Heat and the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on April 22, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
The former Los Angeles Lakers star went up on Instagram to share a post with his 31.2 Million followers. The post, uploaded by ESPN and Sports Center, showed ten major cash grabs gained by different players this offseason so far.
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Aside from the $210 Million cost incurred by the Rockets in acquiring Brooks and VanVleet, the post also showed that the Dallas Mavericks spent $126 Million on Kyrie Irving, while Jerami Grant was acquired by the Portland Trail Blazers for a whopping $160 Million. 4x champion Draymond Green will also be returning to Golden State after signing a 4-year $100 million extension.
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The addition of Brooks and VanVleet can help the Rockets make some noise next season under new head coach, Ime Udoka.
Dillon Brooks and Fred VanVleet could help the Houston Rockets
Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN dropped a ‘Woj Bomb’ about the Rockets yesterday. NBA’s number 1 villain, Dillon Brooks, is headed to Houston after agreeing to a 4 year, $80 million contract. The news came just a day after it was confirmed that the Rockets had acquired former Toronto Raptors star Fred VanVleet on a stunning 3-year, $130 million deal.
The two acquisitions have resulted in the Rockets spending $210 million on a combined total of 1 All-Star appearance. While Brooks fills the team’s requirement to have a defensive presence, VanVleet brings championship experience to a young roster.
Both players had contrasting performances last year. In a game against the Charlotte Hornets, VanVleet dropped a career-high 20 assists. He averaged 19.3 points and 7.2 assists last season. The former Memphis Grizzlies player, on the other hand, averaged 14.3 points, 2.6 assists, and 3.3 rebounds per game. His 39.6% shooting from the field was a career-low.
What are your thoughts on the Rockets’ additions? Let us know in the comments.
