Updated: Friday., Apr. 12, 2024.
Bulls sign Javonte Green for remainder of season
Somehow, Green wasn’t signed after a very nice season in Chicago a yeat ago, but due to injuries the Bulls plucked him from the G-League and he played so well, he got a rest of the season deal and is actually starting at the four. He deserves a multiple season contract.
Grade: A
Celtics sign Jrue Holiday for 4 seasons, $135 million
The Celtics starting five is incredible. They have now signed Kristaps Porzingis, Jaylen Brown and Holiday for three-plus seasons, and Jayson Tatum will be signed this offseason. Having to deal with Tatum, Sam Hauser and finding the right role players, getting Holiday signed now should make their offseason simpler. As for Holiday, he is one of the truly elite defensive guards in the league and shooting 43% from three. He could easily be averaging 20 points if on a different team, but his fit in Boston is excellent and he took a bargain deal.
Grade: A+
Suns sign Isaiah Thomas for remainder of season
This is just a short non-guaranteed deal that could cause the former multi-time All-Star point guard. He’s been trying to get into the league again, and after his short but excellent run in the NBA’s developmental league, the Suns have added him to the team. They need scoring off the bench and so he fits very well. There’s no risk here and a lot of reward.
Grade: A
Cavaliers sign Marcus Morris for season
The superior Morris twin offensively has been bouncing around the NBA, but Cleveland is a strong fit. He gives the Cavaliers valuable experience and is still a capable combo forward who can shoot. Their bench needed a guy like him.
Grade: A-
Pistons sign Taj Gibson for rest of season
The Pistons are still trash, but have improved some recently, winning some games. Their core guys are 23 or less, so Detroit needs veterans, and there are few who are more valuable in a role like that than Gibson.
Grade: B
Raptors re-sign Kelly Olynyk for two seasons, $26.3 million
The Raptors made a weird trade considering they seemed to be building a young and talented team, adding Olynyk and Ochai Agjabi for a first-round pick. Obviously, the Raptors liked Olynyk as they have given to him a very quick contract. The value is excellent for a 7-footer with his kind of offensive game, but I still have zero clue why Toronto traded a first-round choice for a veteran; at least the team is keeping him.
Grade: B
The Nets sign Jalen Wilson for three seasons, minimum
Wilson was just the 51st pick in the draft after an incredible college career at Kansas, where he won a national title. I assumed he would be able to jump into the rotation immediately for the Nets, and really, it’s odd it took them so long to sign him to a real NBA contract.
Grade: A-
The Timberwolves sign T.J. Warren to a 10-day deal
Just so you are aware, this is the first 10-day-contract I’ve graded, but this is a potentially massive addition. The Timberwolves are legitimate title contenders because of their defense and star power, but their bench bas been lacking this season. Although Warren has been through a number of injuries recently, hence not being on a team, he’s a baller and a 14.6-point-per-game pro. Warren could become a big-time bench scorer for Minnesota, and yes, he needs to be healthy and get minutes, but there’s no risk. I have a feeling it will not amount to much as there’s no patience in the NBA, but it’s just an excellent signing.
Grade: A-
The Thunder sign Mike Muscala for season
The Thunder cut former first-rounder Aleksej Pokusevski recently and have replaced him with former Thunder big Mike Muscala. Muscala adds age, shooting and experience to a young, but ridiculously talented Oklahoma City team.
Grade: B+
Hornets sign Aleksej Pokusevski for rest of season
Charlotte has been adding talent since the draft, finding pieces that fit and taking chances on talented players who become available. Tre Mann is the strongest example of this, but I really like the Hornets signing former Thunder big man Pokusevski. He’s a versatile offensive weapon, and the Hornets get a 25-game slate to see if they want to keep him.
Grade: A+
Lakers sign Spencer Dinwiddie for the season
Dinwiddie had a rather poor season for his standards with the Nets, but as a veteran 6-foot-5 guard, he has positional versatility and adds strong scoring and playmaking to the Lakers’ bench.
Grade: A-
Timberwolves sign Marcus Morris for the season
Morris adds needed depth to the Timberwolves very mediocre bench and can help them at the three and four. He also adds shooting and a strong veteran for the locker room.
Grade: A
Suns sign Thaddeus Young for the season
Young is a strong veteran for a locker room, and he can still perform despite being 35. He probably won’t play much, but he was a smart addition.
Grade: B+
Cleveland signs Craig Porter Jr. to a standard four-season contract
The undrafted point guard has earned himself a four season standard contract. He’s a capable scorer and playmaker who has earned a role on a sneakily strong Cleveland squad.
Grade: B
76ers sign Kyle Lowry for season
The 76ers traded Patrick Beverly and really had no true point guard on the roster, and Lowry gives them a reliable piece for their bench. He is no longer a star, but he’s an excellent veteran and improves their second unit.
Grade: A
Bucks sign Danilo Gallinari for the rest of the season
The 35-year-old forward gives the Bucks another veteran role player and bench shooter and scorer. He is a very nice piece for them.
Grade: A
Timberwolves sign Mike Conley for two seasons, $21 million
Mike Conley has been a 36-year-old beast for the Timberwolves. With his pesky defense, strong shooting and scoring, playmaking ability and intangibles, he is a huge piece for them. They got him for a huge steal.
Grade: A+
Lindy Waters signs a 2-year standard NBA deal with Thunder
Waters is a talented shooter and has earned an NBA contract. Contenders need cheap talent to pay their important guys more, so this is a nice move for a deep reserve.
Grade: B
Kings sign Keon Ellis to a three-year standard contract
Ellis wasn’t drafted, but has been on the Kings for parts of two seasons and has earned himself an NBA deal. He is an excellent shooter who Sacramento got to keep for little, which is a smart deal.
Grade: B
Grizzlies sign G.G. Jackson for a 4-year, standard deal
In one mock draft, I had G.G. Jackson at No. 4, so I liked his potential a lot. He had a medoocre freshman season on a very poor South Carolina team and was drafted 45th. He was signed to a two-way deal, but has played so well recently with Memphis’ many injuries. Jackson signed a 4-year deal, three of which are guaranteed. He has starting talent, so this was a wise move.
Grade: A
Los Angeles Clippers re-sign Kawhi Leonard to a 3-year, $153 million contract
This was pretty random, at least the timing, and although for 99% of the NBA, this would be ridiculous, Leonard is one of the few players who deserves it. The Clippers are one of the league’s elite teams, and he’s their No. 1 player. He is also having a huge season and is still in his prime. The franchise is a legitimate contender for a championship and will now be for at least a few more campaigns.
Grade: A-
Knicks sign Miles McBride for three seasons, $13 million
The Knicks traded sixth man and reserve point guard Immanuel Quickley to the Raptors, so they have promoted young third-stringer Miles McBride and given him fair compensation; Quickley will receive a massive contract in the offseason. Financially, McBride’s contract is not a huge deal, but he has barely played in over two seasons. Regardless, he’s a fine player and this could look like a value, so it’s a smart move.
Grade: B-
Pacers sign James Johnson for rest of season
The Pacers are fun, but they couldn’t defend my mother, which is the only reason why I see them signing Johnson for a 16th season. The forward has been a solid defender in the NBA and can shoot as a four, but I would have just given their stud rookie Jarace Walker more minutes. Johnson was kind of a blah signing.
Grade: B
Kings sign Juan Toscano-Anderson to 1-year deal
Toscano-Anderson was a champion with the Warriors as a role player, signed with the Lakers, and was then traded to Utah. He has not played in the NBA this season, but he could help the Kings because their depth isn’t a big strength and he knows well how to help winning teams. Toscano-Anderson was a smart signing.
Grade: A-
Clippers sign Daniel Thies for the rest of the season
The Pacers, who had no role for Thies cut him, and so the Clippers, who needed another big with the depth lost to the James Harden trade and the Mason Plumlee injury, signed Thies. He has quietly been an excellent and versatile reserve big man for awhile now, and he should play a big role for them.
Grade: A-
Knicks sign Taj Gibson for the rest of season
The Knicks have brought a 39-year-old center to town. It seems that it is for Gibson’s effect as a ridiculously well-respected veteran. With Julius Randle, Mitchell Robinson, Jericho Sims and Isaiah Hartenstein, there are no minutes for Gibson.
Grade: A-
Memphis Grizzlies sign Bismack Biyombo for the minimum
With starting five Steven Adams missing the season because of injury, the Grizzlies are struggling hard and simply lack quality size. Biyombo’s no star, but at least he can defend and rebound very well.
Grade: A-
Bucks sign Giannis Antetokounmpo to a 3-year, $186 million contract
It may sound insane, but $62 million a season is the price a small-market team keeping the world’s biggest talent, still in his early prime, for four more years – including this one. Four seasons is how long Damian Lillard is signed for as well, and so the Bucks will stay title contenders for at least the next four years.
Grade: A-
Pacers sign forward Aaron Nesmith for 3 seasons, $33 million
The Pacers small forward is coming off a nice season showing solid scoring ability and becoming a plus three point shooter, which was an issue. He also defends, so he’s a really talented role player who you wouldn’t mind starting. This is fair market value.
Grade: B-
Timberwolves sign Jaden Mcdaniels for 5 seasons, $136 million
If my math is correct, this is about $27 million a season for Minnesota’s young power forward. It’s a pretty fair deal though and to the Timberwolves’ credit, nobody signs there and so they have long known they must pay extra to keep their talent. He’s an excellent defender and shooter, which is rare for a power forward and he blocks shots, so he’s one of the league’s biggest role player talents. The more I look at this the more I like it.
Grade: B
Hawks sign Onyeka Okwongu for 4 seasons, $62 million
There’s been about 14 fourth season signings and there have been some ridiculous ones, but this is one of my favorites. Okwongu was the No. 6 pick in his draft, but has been a reserve as they have had Clint Capela. Regardless, the big man is an efficient scorer, an excellent rebounder and shot-blocker, and he defends. I assume that Capela will be traded this season, and the younger center will get his chance to start and he could prove to be a key piece of the team. This is a straight bargain.
Grade: A-
Mavericks sign Josh Green for three seasons, $41 million
At about $14 million a season, this is a fair deal for their young shooting guard. At just 22, he is one of the elite shooters in the league, but has shown decent playmaking ability and rebounds well for his size. He’s one of the few valuable non Luka or Kyrie players on the team and I’m a fan of this signing.
Grade: A-
Wizards sign Deni Avidja for 4 seasons, $55 million
My friend texted me the details of this deal, and I had to ask if he were joking because the terms legitimately made me audibly laugh. There have been a lot of big-money contracts, but they were at least deserved based on revenue; basically they were valued as ridiculous, but worth the value. This deal, on the other hand, is just ridiculous. The ninth pick in the draft just a few seasons ago, Avidja hasn’t really improved in his three NBA seasons, and although he’s a solid playmaker for a three and a talented rebounder, he cannot shoot, and he is as average as it comes scoring the ball. This is arguably the offseason’s biggest signing fail to me.
Grade: F
Spurs sign Zach Collins for two seasons, $35 million
This is a really wise choice by San Antonio. With Wembanyama being so versatile, the Spurs are able to play another center, and although Collins has been a third big in the league, and technically remains one, he’s one of the elite reserve bigs of the NBA. He has even had the talent and stats of a starter. Collins was also excellent in preseason and somewhat fits San Antonio’s age range, although he is a tad older, so there’s a lot to like with this signing. His contract is actually a value.
Grade: B
The Boston Celtics sign point guard Payton Pritchard for four seasons, $30 million
This is more than Pritchard’s value now, but much less than his value could become with a big season. Pritchard is a solid reserve point guard who has shown that he is one of the biggest shooting talents in the NBA. With Malcolmn Brogdon no longer in town, the Celtics needed more bench scoring at guard, so this was smart business.
Grade: B+
The Denver Nuggets sign Zeke Nnaji to a 4-year, $32 million deal
The Nuggets are possibly looking at a dynasty, and with Nikola Jokic, Michael Porter Jr., Aaron Gordon and Jamal Murray all 28 or less, they are in excellent shape, but will need help. The loss of Jeff Green and Bruce Brown to big contracts hurts Denver a lot, and the team’s young guys need to help. It now appears the Nuggets view Nnaji as a big rotation piece, and he has shown the promise to possibly be their third big, so signing him now makes a lot of sense. Although this contract is a gamble on talent and potential, it’s wise because if Nnaji has a big season, his price could rise in a big way.
Grade: B
San Antonio Spurs sign Devin Vassell to a 5-year, $148 million deal
With so many players signing $40+ million contracts, I like that the Spurs kept their starting shooting guard for basically $30 million a season. Is that Vassell’s value? Not really, but he was one of the two big pieces they had to pair with Victor Wembanyama and they needed to keep him. Vassell is just 23 and just averaged more than 19 points, while being an elite shooter and a talented playmaker. He is coming off an injury, but this is a decent deal for the Spurs.
Grade: B-
Rockets sign Reggie Bullock for one season at the minimum
After San Antonio cut him, Houston was able to snatch one of the NBA’s elite shooters. I heard that he had plenty of interested teams, so why he chose a club with no chance to make the playoffs is an odd choice. I also have no clue why the Rockets would want to take more minutes from their young talent. This is a solid signing, I just have trouble with the reasoning.
Grade: C+
Heat sign guard R.J. Hampton to a one season, minimum contract
The Heat, failing to get Damian Lillard, are not only starving for another star, but depth, mostly at guard. Hampton is not a starter, but he knows who he is, a defender. The Heat consistently find steals among lesser known names and Hampton might be one as well.
Grade: B
Clippers sign guard Joshua Primo to a two-way contract
For those of you not aware of two-way contracts, it is a contract that means a player can basically spend half the season with the team and half with the franchise’s minor-league affiliate. This is a big two-way deal, so I thought I’d grade it.
One of the first real stories of the league a season ago was the Spurs randomly releasing their second-season guard, who was just the 12th pick, Joshua Primo. The reason was because of some sort of behavior in a meeting with the team shrink that resulted in that provider suing the team. After missing the rest of the season, he was recently suspended for five more games for the incident, yet today, the Clippers have signed him.
This is a smart and ridiculously low-risk move. The Clippers needed both help at guard and youth, and Primo provides in areas A and B. He is only 20 and has shown he belongs in the NBA; so this is a very nice move.
Grade: B+
Milwaukee Bucks sign guard Cameron Payne to a 1-year, minimum contract
The former Suns sixth man was too expensive for them to keep, so they had to cut him, but he’s excellent at scoring the ball and can start somewhat if needed. This is important for the Bucks because they had zero depth after at the one the Damian Lillard trade, so this is a big signing. Payne should have a pretty solid role on this contending team.
Grade: A-
Boston Celtics sign Wenyen Gabriel to a one-season, minimum deal
After trading Robert Williams III for Jrue Holiday, the Celtics really needed another big man to go with Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis. The former Laker is solid and can shoot, but in no way should he be considered someone who can handle a third big-man role. As a depth signing, it’s nice.
Grade: B
Cleveland Cavaliers sign Tristan Thompson for one season, minimum
The Cavaliers drafted Thompson No. 4 in the draft 13 years ago, and he was a key role player with them for a long while and helped them win their first title. Mostly known for being Khloe Kardashian’s baby daddy, Thompson was also an excellent big man for the Cavaliers. He won’t receive too much playing time, but is a strong veteran who can help their young bigs. I love this.
Grade: A-
Los Angeles Lakers sign Jared Vanderbilt to a 4-year, $50 million contract
The Lakers have kept D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, Austin Reaves and, now, Jared Vanderbilt. Vanderbilt is a defensive big man who shoots, which is the perfect, perfect role-playing big for today’s NBA and should continue to be an excellent fit with Anthony Davis. Vanderbilt’s deal is also a steal, as he could have made at least $16 million if he was a free agent per year. This is a home run.
Grade: A+
Trail Blazers sign Kevin Knox to a one season, minimum contract
The one-time Knicks lottery pick has a lot of scoring talent and potential, but he just hasn’t shown ability to help consistency. He just played well for the Trail Blazers, and he fits the age range of the guys they seem to be looking for, so I like it.
Grade: B+
Rockets sign Boban Marjanovic for one year at the minimum
After an epic amount of money spent this offseason, the Rockets are now signing their third string center and NBA fan favorite. Marjanovic, the league’s tallest player, is no star and cannot play too much, but he is an excellent reserve.
Grade: A
Trail Blazers sign Duop Reath to 1-year, minimum deal
Not gonna lie, I had no idea who Reath was, but after a bit of research, the big man went to LSU, is a key part of the excellent Australian team, and has strong size. This is a really nice gamble for Portland.
Grade: B+
The 76ers sign veteran Danny Green for one season at the minimum
Green is mostly a shooter this point, as he’s a grandpa in basketball years, but the guy is a winner, as he has several rings and has been a strong veteran on a number of elite teams. He fits the mold of a Sixers role player, and they needed one more shooter, so I really like this move.
Grade: B+
The Lakers sign Christian Wood to a 2-year, $5.7 million contract
Probably the top free agent still available, the Lakers somehow got a 27-year-old big man who averaged 20-10 two seasons ago, just averaged 16-7, and can shoot to sign for the minimum. His value is 4-6 times more, so this is a huge, huge steal.
Grade: A-
Sacramento Kings sign JaVale McGee for one season, minimum
As was basically considered a given when waived by the Mavericks per report, McGee has signed with the Kings. The Kings may have signed Nerlens Noel recently, but McGee gives a lot more, and they had to improve the quality of size as well. This is an excellent late-offseason move.
Grade: A+
Brooklyn Nets sign center Harry Giles for one season at the minimum
Harry Giles was once a truly elite Duke prospect, but had a number of injuries; in college and in the NBA. He wasn’t in the league a season ago, but Brooklyn, which really needed another big, has made a nice gamble. Giles is not a star, but he could be a very nice reserve.
Grade: B
Mavericks sign Derrick Jones Jr. for one season at the minimum
Jones made an odd move in becoming a free agent, as he had another season with the Bulls and there was a chance he might not have been signed by a team. Jones, however, is simply an incredible athlete who gives benches a huge boost of energy. He’s a fun role guy.
Grade: B
Hornets sign RFA P.J. Washington to a 3-year, $48 million deal
One of the last few real free agents of note, P.J. Washington will be in Charlotte for three more seasons. A very solid starting four, this contract is not only excellent value given that he signed a very similar deal to a lot of lesser combo forwards, but he continues to improve. Washington is a weapon and a very nice piece for a franchise that needs more guys like him to start winning some games.
Grade: A-
Mavericks sign Markieff Morris for one season, minimum
Morris is no longer is a viable 20-minute guy like his twin, but he’s a really helpful, physical reserve big man who can shoot the ball. The Mavericks need as much veteran help as they can sign.
Grade: A
Grizzlies sign Shaq Harrison to a 1-year, minimum deal
Harrison is an elite defender who is a heck of a role player when given minutes. He’s not much of an offensive talent, but the man is a monster defensively. The Grizzlies have a lot of depth at guard, so he likely won’t play a lot, but I like this move.
Grade: A
Celtics sign Svi Mykhailiuk for one season at the minimum
Mykhailiuk is now on his seventh team in six seasons, but that’s the life of a 10th man in the league. He is an excellent shooter though, and the Celtics needed one.
Grade: B
Pistons extend Isaiah Stewart for four years and $68 million
Isaiah Stewart added a jump shot and just averaged 11 points and eight reboungs. If he can continue to improve, this $17 million-per-year deal will be a steal. As for now, it’s a very fair extension.
Grade: B
Celtics agree with Kristaps Porzingis on an additional two seasons, $60 million
The Celtics added two seasons to Porzingis’ current deal, so this is more of a 3-year, $97 million contract. Porzingis is the star big the Celtics have lacked and gives them arguably the league’s premier roster after Denver. This price is also more than fair value.
Grade: A
Cavaliers sign Ty Jerome for two seasons, $5 million
This a really solid move, as Jerome is a sneaky excellent role player. He’s a shooter and strong playmaker who should be able to run Cleveland’s second unit if asked, and the money is more than fair.
Grade: B
Trail Blazers sign Matisse Thybulle for three seasons, $33 million
This is technically matching a sign-restricted sheet, and although $11 million is a bit too much for a guard with zero scoring or shooting talent, he fits. Assuming the Trail Blazers trade Damian Lillard, they will be led by a roster of young offensively gifted guards, and having an ace defender like Thybulle is somone they had to find.
Grade: A-
Suns re-sign Yuta Watanabe for one season, $2.3 million
Watanabe is one of the NBA’s premier shooters and just came off a season in which he shot 44% from long range. He should have been paid at least $10 million a season, but he must want a ring from signing with the Suns. This might be my favorite signing in free agency so far.
Grade: A
Rockets sign Aaron Holiday for one season at the minimum
This is simply a depth move, but Holiday is a talented shooter. I have no issue with this.
Grade: B
Heat sign Thomas Bryant for two seasons, $5 million
I really like how the Heat have been adding strong veterans for depth, which will be needed if they are aiming for a championship run, which is possible when they trade for Lillard. Thomas is a big talent who can help the Heat win.
Grade: A-
Suns sign Drew Eubanks for two seasons, $5 million
Eubanks just had a really nice season in Portland and turned that into a multi-season contract with the Suns. He is a nice reserve big and comes cheap, which is important for the Suns.
Grade: B
Warriors sign Cory Joseph for one season, $3.2 million
This is a sneakily solid signing by the Warriors, providing them with much-needed veteran depth. He’s as solid of a No. 2 point guard as you can find, but as the Warriors are loaded at guard, minutes will be difficult to find. Still, this is a nice move.
Grade: A-
Nets sign Lonnie Walker IV for one season, $6.5 million
The Lakers may have soured on Walker, but he quietly had a really nice season for them, thriving as a shooter. I have no idea why the Nets paid Walker more than double what Yuta Watanabe received, as the former Net is a superior talent, but market-wise, this is fine.
Grade: B
Mavericks sign Seth Curry for two seasons, $10 million
Curry isn’t his brother, but he has been one of the NBA’s elite shooters for awhile now. He is one of my favorite role players in the league, and Dallas had to improve its reserves.
Grade: A-
Lakers sign Jaxon Hayes for two seasons, $4.6 million
This seems like the mesh of a depth pick and also developmental as Hayes is a bust as a lottery pick, but he’s still 23, a 7-footer and has performed when given minutes. The issue is that he rarely got minutes in four Pelican seasons. This is a nice, small move.
Grade: A
Suns sign Damion Lee for two seasons, $4 million
The Curry Brothers’ brother in law is a baller in his own right, and just like his brothers is a fantastic shooter. He’s a solid sixth man, and the Suns kept him for very little.
Grade: A
Kings re-sign Domantas Sabonis for five seasons, $217 million
It’s kinda strange saying that a $217 million contract is solid value, but star big men are expensive and you could say that he’s the No. 3 center in the NBA after Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid. Forty-three million dollars a season is a lot of money, but in today’s NBA, this is a relative value signing.
Grade: B
Knicks sign Donte DiVincenzo for three seasons, $47 million
I love that Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo, who were all college teammates, are on the same team again. However, I’m not the biggest fan of this signing, as it is just meh, but the value is solid. DiVincenzo has played roles on elite teams like Milwaukee and Golden State, which is promising, but I just am not a big fan of paying money like this to guys who will not make a difference when it comes to winning.
Grade: B
Rockets sign Dillon Brooks for four seasons, $80 million
Yes, they have a ton of money to spend, and yes, Dillon Brooks is a fantastic defender, but he’s pretty poor offensively. Additionally, he’s a big-time personality for a non-star. I like him as a player, but in no world is he an $80 million guy.
Grade: D+
Jazz re-sign Jordan Clarkson for three seasons, $33 million
I assumed Clarkson wanted to be moved to a contender, but he has agreed to a contract that ties him to the Jazz for three more seasons. Their scoring guard is a nice veteran piece for the rebuilding Jazz, and this is a bargain move.
Grade: A-
Lakers sign Rui Hachimura for three seasons, $51 million
As the Lakers traded assets for Hachimura, they needed to keep him. He was excellent in the playoffs, but he was quite average for basically his first four seasons, mostly in Washington. The way I look at this contract, it’s the Lakers paying Hachimura for the playoff run, which is a mistake.
Grade: C
Pacers sign Bruce Brown for two seasons, $45 million
Brown is arguably the premier role player in the NBA, and there were obviously plenty of teams interested, but then there were rumors he’d receive a huge contract; then the Pacers signing news was released. I love Brown, but no role player should be making this type of money.
Grade: C
Suns sign Eric Gordon for two seasons, $7 million
The Clippers for financial reasons had to cut Eric Gordon, who has basically been the league’s premier bench player for a decade; he is the perfect role player and one of the league’s elite shooters. This is the Suns signing a fantastic sixth man for almost the minimum.
Grade: A
Hawks sign guard Dejounte Murray to a four-season, $120 million contract
If this sounds weird to you, it probably is, as Murray wasn’t a free agent, but the Hawks now have their 26-year-old all-star guard signed for five more seasons. It is also weird as there were rumors he was on the market. Regardless, he’s one of the elite two-way guards in the league and I like this. I’d rather have Murray than Memphis’ Desmond Bane.
Grade: A-
Lakers sign Gabe Vincent for three seasons, $33 million
The Lakers have nailed the draft and free agency this offseason, and this is a fine signing as well. The cost is more than fair, but I liked the fit of Dennis Schroder, who signed a very similar deal. Vincent has a similar game to D’Angelo Russell, so it’s hard to say I love this deal. I would have rather seen the Lakers keep Malik Beasley.
Grade: B
Thunder sign Valiljie Misic to a 3-year, $23.5 million deal
NBA fans have been waiting awhile for Misic to come to the United States from Europe, where the 30-year-old guard has been a superstar for years. Oklahoma City has long owned his rights, and it will be nice to see how he helps his NBA team.
Grade: A
Cavaliers re-sign Caris Levert for two seasons, $32 million
Levert has been an elite role player when healthy, which has been an issue, but he is a big-time scorer and playmaker. The Cavaliers have a bit of a hole at small forward and the money’s decent, so this is a nice deal.
Grade: B
Kings sign Sasha Vazenjo for three seasons, $20 million
Vazenjo was arguably the premier player in Europe and has a Euroleague MVP award. He is truly a perfect fit for the Kings.
Grade: A+
Heat sign Richardson to a two-season, $6 milllon contract
The Heat recently lost lost most of their guards, and although Richardson shouldn’t be a starter on a team that sees itself as a contender, this is a really nice deal. He’s a solid role player who is perfect for the roster, assuming the Heat get Damian Lillard.
Grade: A
Nuggets sign Justin Holiday for one season, $3 million
The Nuggets have been adding quality depth to their roster, and Holiday has been a strong three-and-D guy for a decade or so. He probably won’t play very much, but he could still help.
Grade: B+
Clippers sign Mason Plumlee for one season, $5 million
Plumlee’s market value is triple this, and he could have had a bigger role and received more money, so the Clippers were very lucky to keep him. This is quietly one of the biggest values of free agency.
Grade: A
Raptors sign Dennis Schroder to a 2-year, $24 million deal
The Raptors lost their long-time point guard in free agency, and then signed the Lakers’ former starting one. Schroder is a somewhat inefficient scorer and shooter, but he is a strong distributor and a solid starter at the position. The money’s fine.
Grade: B+
Grizzlies sign Desmond Bane to a 5-year, max contact
The Grizzlies have signed their young shooting guard to a five-season, $210 million max deal that will keep him in Memphis for six more seasons. Health has been his only real issue, but he’s an elite shooter and scorer who may have to become “the guy” for Memphis if Ja Morant has more issues. This is way, way too much money, but they had to pay Bane.
Grade: B
Nuggets re-sign Reggie Jackson for two seasons, $10 million
Jackson was not a huge part of the Nuggets after the trade from Los Angeles, but he is still an elite reserve guard. Having a guy off the bench with his scoring and playmaking ability is huge, and his value is double this. I love the champions keeping him for so cheap.
Grade: A
Pacers sign Tyrese Haliburton to a 5-year, max contract
The Pacers have given a max contract of five seasons, $260 million to stud point guard Tyrese Haliburton, which will keep him with them for six more seasons. In his first season in Indiana, he was an all-star, and after averaging 20-4-10, he has become the franchise player the team has lacked. This is way too much, but the Pacers had to give it to the young guard.
Grade: B+
Hornets sign Lamelo Ball to a five-season, max contract
Ball has also earned a max contract from the Hornets; a $260 million dollar deal that makes their 23.3-6.4-8.4 star point guard a Hornet for six more seasons. He’s probably 1B to Kemba Walker’s 1A as the biggest star in franchise history, and this was a move the organization had to make.
Grade: B+
Lakers sign Austin Reaves for four seasons, $56 million
This is the biggest contract the Lakers were allowed to give to Reaves, but nobody thought he would actually take it. I legitimately thought he would sign a deal for $90 million or so, but he really, really must have wanted to stay with the Lakers. They have had a brilliant free agency – incredible really.
Grade: A
Lakers sign D’Angello Russell to a 2-year , $36 million deal
This is a bigger steal to me than the Lakers’ contract with Austin Reaves, because Russell is young, a former 20-point scorer and all-star. I thought Russell would get at least $25 million per season. He’s the excellent third scorer the Lakers needed, and this deal is a big-time value.
Grade: A
Timberwolves give Anthony Edwards a five-season, max contract
Minnesota now has franchise player, star shooting guard Anthony Edwards signed for six seasons. A max deal of $260 million isn’t cheap, but he is the fourth young player to receive that max deal, and is easily my favorite of the four. He has legitimate superstar potential, isn’t constantly having injury concerns, and should continue to improve. Edwards isn’t as talked about as Lamelo Ball, but he is easily the premier talent from that draft class three offseasons ago. Edwards is fantastic.
Grade: A-
Warriors re-sign Draymond Green for four seasons, $100 million
The Warriors’ dynasty continues! Defensive and emotional leader Draymond Green has chosen to spend the rest of his prime with the Warriors. After Stephen Curry, Green’s the biggest part of their dynasty, and it seems that they will have four more tries at another ring. For what Green brings to the Warriors, I have no issues with the money and love that they are keeping him.
Grade: A
Bucks re-sign Khris Middleton to a 3-year, $102 million deal
Although Middleton was injured for half the season and wasn’t really himself for most of the year, he is still a star on a contender and deserves this money. Middleton is a 20-point scorer, an excellent defender and a perfect fir. This helps keep the Bucks a contending team, which is big, but they need to keep Brook Lopez too. This is costly, but this is Middleton’s value.
Grade: A-
Trail Blazers re-sign Jerami Grant for five seasons, $160 million
It looks like Grant will get the biggest contract in free agency. He is Portland’s No. 2 scorer and probably a legitimate No. 3 guy on a contender. Also, Damian Lillard said it pretty clearly that he wanted the Trail Blazers to keep him, and I think that fifth season was a nod toward Lillard, but it’s far too much money and there was zero need for five years. Grant is youngish and an excellent scorer, but this is ridiculous.
Grade: C-
Nets sign Cam Johnson for 4-year, $104 million deal
Johnson was a fantastic shooter and role player for three and a half seasons in Phoenix and a star in half a season with Brooklyn. If we saw three seasons of Brooklyn Cam Johnson, yeah I’d say this is an excellent value contract, but this is far too much. The Nets needed to keep him, as their Bridges/Johnson duo seems to be their foundation along with their draft picks, but this is for too much money.
Grade: C-
Pelicans sign Herb Jones for four seasons, $54 million
The Pelicans have re-signed starting three Herb Jones, and I like this deal a lot. There’s been much more given to lesser players recently, and he’s a strong scorer and rebounder who is a playmaker and excellent defensive talent. Jones needs to improve as a shooter, but he is valuable.
Grade: B
Rockets sign Fred VanVleet to 3-year, $130 million deal
This is a ridiculous contract with an average annual value of $43 million, but I kind of like it. The Rockets are incredibly young and have a stable of A+ young talents who need tutoring, and you have to love signing a UDFA guard who became a champion and All-Star. VanVleet teaching Jalen Green and Amen Thompson could be huge for the Rockets, and since they had a ridiculous amount of cash to spend, this deal works.
Grade: B
Lakers sign Taurean Prince to a 1-year, $4.5 million contract
Prince is a really talented shooter and scorer who makes for an excellent bench piece. The Lakers had to find a cheap shooter, so this has to be considered a big win.
Grade: A+
Timberwolves sign Shake Milton for two seasons, $10 million
The Timberwolves have no money to spend, had no depth – more so at guard -, and they got Milton for cheap; that is simply excellent business. Milton is a strong shooter, a solid scorer, a playmaker at the two, and can be an excellent third guard. I love this deal.
Grade: A+
Mavericks re-sign Kyrie Irving to a 3-year, $126 million
The AAV of this deal is more than $40 million which is a lot for a guy you cannot trust, regardless it’s just a 3 season deal. He’s a true superstar and pairing him with Luka Doncic for 3 seasons makes them one of the league’s elite duos. Like him or not, this is a win.
Grade: A-
Wizards Kyle Kuzma for four seasons, $102 million
Kuzma is one of the elite shooting bigs in the NBA and just averaged 21-7 for the Wizards. He is also an excellent playmaker, but seriously, I have no idea why he re-signed on what should be the league’s celler dwellers for awhile. I’m guessing that money was a factor. It’s difficult to really understand this for him and the team.
Grade: D
Kings re-sign Harrison Barnes to a 3-year, $54 million deal
The Kings have chosen to re-sign long-time King Harrison Barnes for three more seasons. He’s had an excellent career with them and just had a big season in their recent playoff return, but I’m not the biggest fan of this. Value-wise it’s a bit too much, and although I would be fine with a $15 million per year deal, this is too much. I wanted to see Sacramento go big this offseason, and this isn’t the start I wanted. The Kings have the money to make one more large-ish move due to the Richaun Holmes trade; I just hope they are able to go big to improve the roster.
In no way would losing Barnes have helped the Kings, and they probably needed to keep him, but not at that price.
Grade: D+
Chicago Bulls re-sign Nikola Vucevic for three seasons, $60 million
As a basketball move, I really like this for the Bulls. Nikola Vucevic is only 32, and he just averaged 17.6 points, 11 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game. Vucevic is a big part of the Bulls, so on its face, this contract is a steal. He could have easily gotten an extra $10+ million.
As a franchise move, it is hard to love it. Chicago is stuck in average purgatory and giving an aging center $60 million increases the team’s chances of staying there. Because of that, it’s really hard to love this.
Grade: B
Timberwolves sign Naz Reid to a 3-year, $42 million deal
Reid is Minnesota’s third big after the big-money duo of Karl Anthony-Towns and Rudy Gobert. That is a duo that cannot work, and this deal only makes me think more that Minnesota will be dealing Anthony-Towns soon.
Reid averaged 11-5 in 19 minutes a game, which means he produces, and this is a more than fair contract, more so if he takes a bigger role. Reid can be a starting big.
