The NBA free agency has been a roller coaster ride these past few days. In the last 72 hours, LeBron James announced his departure from Cleveland, and he will squad up with Rajon Rondo, JaVale McGee, and Lance Stephenson who will all be heading to the Los Angeles Lakers. Now that James is out of the Eastern Conference, teams are scrambling to take control of their divisions. The Cavaliers will undoubtedly fall from the playoff bracket, meaning that there will be a new Eastern Conference Champion crowned next season.
The Indiana Pacers were a contender in the playoffs this past season, and they almost defeated LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Now with James out of the way, they are making moves to take over the conference. ESPN is reporting that free-agent guard Tyreke Evans has agreed in principle to a one-year, $12 million deal with the Pacers. Evans took home the coveted Rookie of the Year award in 2010 when he played for the Kings. He was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans for a few seasons before being traded back to the Kings. His presence on the Pacers will make them one of the most formidable teams in the East. The Pacers also signed free agent Doug McDermott to a three-year, $22 million contract.