NBA Free Agent Signing Grades

Grizzlies sign Luke Kennard for 1 year, $11 million

For the past few seasons, Luke Kennard has been the No. 1 shooter in the league based on pure efficiency. Memphis is a mediocre shooting team, so being able to keep him is huge. They should have made this a multi-year deal.

Grade for Memphis: A

Trail Blazers sign guard Devonte Graham for 1 year, minimum

Portland needed at least another point guard and Graham’s a talented scorer who is very recently coming off a huge money deal, but he’s been pretty mediocre for a few seasons. He’s also not the type of reserve you would want for Scoot.

Grade for Blazers: B

Knicks sign Precious Achiuwa for 1 year, $6 million

The Knicks needed to add two bigs and so they kept reserve big man Achiuwa on a bargain of a contract, as he can and probably will be the No. 3 big. This also should have been a multiple season deal, as again, their big man depth is not what a contender should.

Grade for Knicks: A

Nets sign Keon Johnson for 2 years, minimum

The Nets have signed their promising SL and G-League guard for a really solid price. The Nets need to be adding assets, whether talent or picks so I like them taking a shot at Johnson.

Grade for Nets: B

Indiana Signs James Johnson for 1 year, minimum

Indiana has an excellent roster, but they needed locker room veterans and have signed Johnson again, who is 37. He’s a capable contributor, but he wont play very much.

Grade: B+

Pacers sign Andrew Nembhard for 3 years, $58 million

This is an excellent move as Indiana keeps their brilliant combo guard who has become a huge part of the team. He was eligible for 4-78, but he wisely took his fortune, but he also will get to free agency sooner to sign a potentially massive deal.

Grade for Indiana: A

Nets sign Hayes for 1 year, minimum
The former No. 7 pick was a huge bust with the Pistons, but Brooklyn craves talent and there were quite a few games where he was excellent, but had zero consistency. I really am a fan of these types of moves and he may thrive there.

Grade for Nets: A-

Mavericks sign Spencer Dinwiddie for 1 year, minimum

A couple of seasons ago Dinwiddie would be looking at $75+ million on his deal, but he really had a rough go of it with the Lakers and the value is at a low. His strength is his elite size for a point guard and fancy playmaking, and I like this as they really needed another on ball guard. This is is a solid deal.

Grade for Nets: A-

Suns sign guard Tyus Jones for one year, minimum

The Suns signed Monte Morris, but they still needed a sixth and reserve point guard who is legitimate and that’s Jones. He is a starter who will likely act an ace reserve and could have gotten 3-$45 and I wouldn’t have cared. This is a huge signing by the Suns, as they try to get to become contenders.

Grade for Suns: A

Bucks sign Gary Trent for 1 year, minimum

This is the fourth(?) A+ of the offseason, as it’s an incredible signing. The Bucks needed a starter at the two and someone who can be that added scorer they really needed a season ago. He said no to some bigger contracts for this as he loved his time with Damian Lillard in Portland, so he signed for the minimum; he is coming off a big money contract. What he gets is a starting job on a team that can feasibly win a title.

Grade: A+

Knicks sign Cam Payne for 1 year, minimum

The tiny scoring guard is instant bench offense, that’s who he is and so the Knicks will have him and McBride run a very strong offensive second unit. There’s no real problem with this, but Tyler Kolek, who is now their fourth point guard needs development; he is a legit first-round talent.

Grade: A-

Hornets sign Seth Curry for 1 year, minimum

Curry is a consistent 40-percent shooter who has quietly been an excellent marksmen for awhile. Yes, I have little clue why he’s not ring chasing, but it’s a minimum signing, so who cares?

Grade: A-

Spurs sign Charles Bassey for 1 year, minimum

This is a very small signing for San Antonio, but Bassey has been a solid third five for a few seasons and you need at least five bigs.

Grade: B

Spurs sign Sandro Mamukelashavili for 1 year, minimum

This is a minimum depth signing for San Antonio. Mamukelashavili been solid in his short time as a reserve five for them. He should have gotten $5 million or so.

Grade: A-

76ers sign Kenyon Martin Jr., for 2 years, $16 million

The 76ers traded for Kenyon Martin’s son, a talented scoring forward, in a deal with the Los Angeles Clippers. He’s one of their only prospects who could make himself into their starting four. This contract is fine by me, as he’s a legitimate talent.

Grade: B+

Jazz sign Johnny Jujang for 4 year, $13 million

This is the Jazz giving second-year guard Jujang a normal rookie contract, which if he develops, will be a huge steal. He was excellent in the G-League, scoring 20-plus per game, and showed a lot of offensive ability in his time with the Jazz.

Grade: B

Pelicans sign Karlo Matkovic for 1 year, $5 million

The Pelicans have signed ’22 second-rounder Matkovic for three seasons. After being drafted he was in Europe for one year, went to the G-League after and was special there. This is signing a very talented player for very little. I’m a huge fan of this contract.

Grade: A+

Hornets sign Taj Gibson for 1 year, min

Taj Gibson is almost 40, but he’s a heck of a locker room guy and can still help if needed as a fifth big. He can teach Tidjane Saulan and Mark Williams a lot about how to play the right way.

Grade: B

Knicks sign Jalen Brunson for 4 years, $165 million

Brunson is the biggest Knicks star since at least Carmelo Anthony. The new King of the Big Apple will stay the franchise player for at least another contract. The weird part of this? He would have been given a 5-year deal valued at $280 million next offseason, but this gives him his fortune immediately and helps the Knicks, whose luxury bill will be ridiculous. This is a home run for them.

Grade: A

76ers sign Kyle Lowry for 1 year, min

Lowry will play a big role on the bench and on the court as the reserve point guard for the 76ers, who lacked a proper reserve to Maxey. He can also play with Maxey, but at the minimum it’s an incredible deal.

Grade: A

Suns sign Josh Okogie for 1 year, $16 million, TO

There is no way Okogie is valued at $8 million, this has to be to just add another medium salary to add to trades and so this is probably really a 1-8 contract. He’s a fine role player, but you can find similar at the minimum.

Grade: B

Bullets sign Saddiq Bey for 3 years, $20 million

The Bullets have been very impressive this offseason, but they should still sign Tyus Jones. Bey, is a proven scorer and the Bullets really needed a perimeter scorer, and a small forward as they traded Deni. He could start, so the value’s excellent.

Grade: B+

Nets sign Trendon Watford for 1 year, $2.6 million

Technically this is Watford signing his QO, which was worth $2.6 million. He just had a very nice season for the Nets and they could have given him four years, $20 million and it would still be a decent signing.

Grade: A-

Nuggets sign Vlatko Cancar to a 1 season, min

Most random minimum contracts get a B from me if it’s not a ridiculous value or steal. Cancar tore his knee and missed last season, but he’s a solid fifth big.

Grade: B

Pelicans sign Daniel Thies, for 1 year, min

The Pelicans needed at least one added big as they only had rookie Yves Missi and Cody Zeller at the five. Thies’ hustle and energy makes him a valuable reserve, and honestly he’s the safest starter pick of the three. They still need another big though.

Grade: A-

Heat keep Haywood Highsmith for 2 years, $11 million

Highsmith was a popular name in free agency, but it seems that loyalty won, as he is staying with the Heat. His value is double this and he could take Caleb Martin’s big role. This was an excellent move by Pat Riley.

Grade: A

Pistons sign Paul Reed for 1 year, $9 million

This is the Pistons paying Reed his $9 million contract option that the 76ers wouldn’t. This is a solid deal for a talented big man who really helps give them the third big man they lacked

Grade: B

Atlanta signs Vit Krjci for 4 years, $11 million

In his third season, Krjci played well for Atlanta and so they have awarded him with four seasons. The 6-foot-8 guard is one of their few guard prospects they have, so keeping him was very smart because I like the player and deal.

Grade: A-

Kings Sign DeMar DeRozan for 3 years, $74 million

As a Bulls guy, it’s a shame to see DeRozan leave, but it was wise for him and the Bulls. He isn’t a fit in their age range and is pricey, but he’s a nice fit on the Kings as a third 20-point scorer. The price is very fair, but the fit? Not really, as they needed a shooter in that third scorer role. He improves the team a lot, but they are still just a No. 6-10 team in the conference.

Grade: B

76ers sign Caleb Martin for 4 years, $32 million

Martin apparently said no to double this from the Heat, but the 76ers found their starting four, which was a huge need. He’s an elite role player who had a massive role with the Heat for a few seasons. This is a steal, and the 76ers are now easily the No. 2 team in the conference.

Grade: A

Pistons sign guard Malik Beasley for 1 year, $6 million

This is a bargain, as Malik Beasley could’ve made $9-$10 million a season, but why he signed with a cellar dweller is strange. The Pistons really needed a shooter at the two. If they are actually trying to win this season, he fits though and for the price? Who cares?

Grade: B+

Nuggets sign Dario Saric for 2 years, $10.6 million

I’m a big fan of Saric, as he’s so big and has abilities the majority of seven-foot bigs lack. He can really shoot the ball, and he’s also a solid playmaker. He could be their third big, but it takes minutes from their rookie big and further talents.

Grade: B+

Hornets sign Miles Bridges for 3 years, $75 million

The legal issues seem to be fine, but Bridges has a poor reputation off the court. When playing, he is an ace scorer and is a monster athlete. For that, he gets $25 million per season; a fair value, but that’s a lot of money for someone with his rep.

Grade: B

Pistons sign Simone Fontecchio for two season, 16 million

When the Pistons traded for Fontecchio last season, he was excellent, showing strong shooting and scoring for Detroit. This is a nice value move for them.

Grade: B

Kings sign Jordan McLaughlin for 1 year, min

The Kings needed guard depth after trading Chris Duarte and Davion Mitchell, and he’s a fine fifth guard. It’s a very solid signing.

Grade: B

Warriors sign Buddy Hield for 2 years, $21 million

As a huge fan of Buddy Hield’s game, this is my favorite signing so far. It’s a cheap deal as his value’s twice that, and he and Steph Curry are an incredible shooting/scoring duo. They have to make another big move – Lauri Markkanen? – but this was as strong as a signing can get.

Grade: A+

Heat sign Alec Burks, for one year, min

Burks has efficiency issues, but he can really score the ball and he should have tripled the minimum. This adds vital offensive depth.

Grade: A

Timberwolves sign Joe Ingles for 1 year, min

Ingles was a versatile bench weapon for the Bucks for a number of seasons. He is a talented offensive player with a unique game, and he can help Minnesota off the bench who list Kyle Anderson.

Grade: B+

Pacers sign James Wiseman for 2 years, min

I still see Wiseman as a starter in the league. He is 23 and still has that elite talent, so this is a zero-risk move; it may very well give them a huge addition to their bench.

Grade: A

Timberwolves sign PJ Dozier for one year, min

After a season playing in Europe, Dozier comes to Minnesota as a needed depth piece. He may not play, but you still need strong players 10-14, and he’s fine.

Grade: B

Mavericks sign Klay Thompson for 3 years, $50 million

Obviously, due to the cheapness of the contract, Klay Thompson prioritized winning after he was insulted by the Warriors deal; he joins arguably the No. 1 team in the West as their No. 3 scorer. He makes a contender a lot stronger, but I wanted to see him and Curry retire as a duo, they earned that. This is a huge steal for them.

Grade: A

Celtics sign Jayson Tatum for 5 years, $314 million

This is the biggest contract in league history as this is what’s known as a supermax, meaning he had to stack awards to get it. The No. 1 player on the No. 1 squad in the league and a recent champion who is 26 was obviously getting paid and this is obviously a ton, but it was happening regardless; he earned this. He is one of the biggest stars in the league and as the man they trust to be “the guy” for a dynasty, I’m fine with this contract.

Grade: B+

Celtics sign Derrick White for 4 years, $125 million

Yes, it’s pricey, but for a main guy on a title winner they saw that $31 million value. Their tax bill will be huge, but this keeps them the favorites to repeat this upcoming season.

Grade: B

Cavaliers sign Donovon Mitchell for 3 years, $150.3 million, PO

It’s a bit risky for Mitchell only taking three campaigns, but this contract takes him to age 30, so he can sign another, bigger max deal. This is very likely just a 2-100 deal where he will be a free agent after. If Mitchell wants to stay, they can give him another max deal at 30. Still he said no to $100 million, which I would not. He’s one of the 15 or so biggest stars in the league and the small market Cavs were able to keep their franchise guy. They can now trade Garland for another star talent.

Grade: A-

Raptors sign Garrett Temple for 1 year, min

Temple is 38, fun fact. He must be a heck of a teammate, because he hasn’t really played in three seasons. I have no issue giving minimums to these types of guys, but as the Raptors aren’t winning are they wasting a roster spot?

Grade: C+

Warriors sign Kyle Anderson for 3 years, $28 million

Kyle Anderson is a fine rotation piece, but not at this price. They lost the opportunity to trade for Paul George and seemed to hurry to make some kind of deal at the position. I like him and Melton, but they have to make a big move – Markkanen??.

Grade: C

Clippers sign Nic Batum for two years, $10 million

Sorry, Clippers. You lost Paul George and signed Nic Batum for $5 million per season. Batum at $5 million isn’t really what they needed.

Grade: D+

Heat sign Thomas Bryant for 1 year, minimum

The Heat needed another five and so they kept Bryant for another season; he a talented reserve scoring big. If given minutes, he would have a lot of double-doubles.

Grade: A-

Suns sign Monte Morris for 1 year, $3 million

Monte Morris has been one of the finest true point guard reserves for several seasons and gives the Suns an actual point guard, which they lacked. He will probably come off the bench, but he could have a legitimate bench role. For the price this is a steal.

Grade: A+

Lakers sign LeBron James for 2 years, $104 million, PO

It seems that LeBron James will only play till age 41 due to the way this contract was made. $52 million for a 39-year-old is normally a pretty big “oh no” move for a team, but this is still his value. He might not be what he was, but he’s earned another max. With James and Anthony Davis, they still need a third guy or they might miss the playoffs.

Grade: A-

Lakers sign Bronny James to a multi-year guaranteed contract.

This just is not how rookie contracts work. At pick 55, nobody gets guaranteed season contracts, let alone multiple. The nepotism is pretty ridiculous.

Grade: F

Celtics sign Xavier Tillman for two years, $10 million

This is an excellent deal although he had a small role when traded to the Celtics. He really showed that he has rotation big potential as a Grizzly, and this is a really solid price. I really like that they have been able to keep their depth pieces for cheap.

Grade: A-

Suns sign Damion Lee for 1 season, minimum

The brother-in-law to Stephen Curry is quietly one of the elite shooters in the league as well and Lee continues to earn his keep. He’s coming off serious injury, but as a shooter he can really help the Suns and their poor depth

Grade: A-

Warriors sign guard Deanthony Melton for 1 year, $13 million

This is very intriguing deal. Melton is one of the stronger 3-and-D talents in the league and was excellent in Philly, so I would have kept him; this is a bargain. Players like Melton are getting 20 million per season, so obviously this is a steal. He’s a bit of a poor man’s Klay Thompson and could start for them; he pairs with Curry very nicely. Philly really should have kept him.

Grade: A-

Heat sign Kevin Love for two years, $8 million

Love in his mid 30s is a shell of his former superstar self, but is a really solid reserve big mainly due to his rebounding and scoring talent. He should continue to age fine and is a cheap, strong bench option.

Grade: B+

Timberwolves sign Luka Garza for 2 years, minimum

Garza is probably the No. 1 fifth big man in the league and can become a No. 2 five and fourth big man. He is huge and a strong scorer/rebounder. This was a nice move keeping their important big depth, they use a lot of bigs.

Grade: B+

Jazz sign Drew Eubanks for 2 years, $10 million

With the Jazz likely trading Markkanen it’s smart to find depth and Eubanks is in no way a big name, but when he is actually playing, he helps his team.

Grade: B

Clippers sign Kris Dunn for 1 year, min

Kris Dunn has become a really strong defensive specialist and although he’s not a very talented scorer, he has playmaking talent and defenders who guard guards like him can be rare. This is a solid move as they lost Paul George, who is an excellent defender. They still need a second star, like a DeMar DeRozan or Zach Lavine.

Grade: B+

Clippers sign Kevin Porter for 2 years, $5 million, TO

Porter was recently a big time scorer with a big money deal, but legal issues got him basically tossed from the league. The contracts obviously a steal, but he’s a pariah and should he still be able to play in the league? I dislike this.

Grade: D+

Celtics sign Neemias Queta for 1 year, $2 million

This is not a very interesting signing as they are just keeping their fifth big man around. It’s cheap and he knows this team, so it’s fine.

Grade: A-

Thunder sign Isaiah Hartenstein for 3 years, $87 million

I like Hartenstein. He’s gritty, hustles and is a very talented role player. This is paying him like he’s a franchise five. This is the biggest overpay so far this offseason. If they start him with Chet Holmgren, they would work very well and if that’s the case for signing him then you can see the merit, but the ridiculous money is the largest part of the grade.

Grade: C

Pistons sign Tobias Harris for 2 years, $50 million

I’ve written for awhile saying that Tobias Harris will for some reason join the Pistons, i.e. the team with the fewest wins. They want a vet to help in then locker room and on the court. He should be starting at the four and giving them 16-19 points. It makes little sense why he’s again being overpaid and he picked a team that will not win.

Grade: D

Bulls sign Jalen Smith for 3 years, $29 million

The Bulls continue to build their roster and getting excellent talent. The one position they lacked a developmental option was the five and the Bulls can seriously try and trade Vucevic. Smith’s a shooting and scoring big man that might become their starter. Also, stealing him from a rival adds intrigue. The value could have easily been twice this and it would have been fine.

Grade: A

Thunder sign Aaron Wiggins for 5 years, $48 million

For an uber-talented role player, it’s rare to see a 5-year deal, but the contract is very fair. Wiggins has become a big part of their rotation and should be there another five seasons.

Grade: B

Thunder sign Isaiah Joe for 4 years, $48 million

The 6-foot-4 shooting guard is one of the truly special shooters in the league. For a volume shooter and scorer like Joe, $12 million a season is a fair deal. This is average elite shooter cash.

Grade: B

76ers sign Kelly Oubre for 2 years, $13 million with a second season PO

Oubre is a very talented three-and-D role player who honestly deserves double what they are paying, but at least he has his option. He will be a starter or huge rotation piece for a true title contender. This is ridiculous steal for the team.

Grade: A

76ers sign guard Tyrese Maxey for 5 years, max

Maxey in one season went from an ace scoring small shooting guard to a legit point guard and star. He is one of the league’s elite offensive players and is the No. 2 guy on a title contender. He is also capable of running the offense, but Paul George should help him there. Maxey deserved this money

Grade: B+

Spurs sign Chris Paul for one year, $10 million

The money and the match is excellent. They needed a true point guard and found one of the elite ones. Yes, he’s old, but he will teach Wemby, Vassell and Castle so much, it’s like adding a coach. He must not want a championship, because at his age he should be ring hunting.

Grade: A

Clippers sign Derrick Jones for 3 years, $30 million

As soon as the Clippers lost Paul George, they signed the Mavericks starter who is a marvel of an athlete and is very talented as a stopper. He adds some bounce and hustle whether they use him as a starter or main reserve. The value is also very fair.

Grade: B+

Bucks sign Delon Wright for 1 year, $3 million

Delon Wright has the size that you want from a reserve combo guard and has two way abilities Milwaukee covets. For a fifth guard, he will play well when given the opportunity.

Grade: B+

76ers sign Paul George for a 4 years, max contract

Paul George chose to become a free agent, and the 76ers were the natural place for him to sign. They have two All-Stars, they had cash, and they want a title. It’s a ton of money for a 33-year-old, but this makes the 76ers the No. 2 team in the East. He will give them 23/5/5 with excellent defense at the three. This is a home run for Philadelphia.

Grade: B

Clippers re-sign James Harden to a 2 year, $70 million deal with a PO

This is very expensive, but with Clippers knowing they were losing George they had to keep their third star and so he got paid. There are far bigger contracts that are far uglier than this, and again, they needed to keep him. They have to find a stronger No. 2 if they want a chance to win.

Grade: B+

Pacers re-sign Obi Toppin for 4 seasons, $60 million

This is an interesting signing, as the four isn’t a need and they have Walker who should play an increased role, but Toppin played very well for them. Being able to sit Siakam and bring Toppin in the game’s a huge luxury, so I get why they made the deal and the money’s strong value.

Grade: B

Lakers sign guard Max Christie for 4 years, $32 million

His brother was just drafted by the Clippers and then he gets $30 million; it’s pretty impressive. He’s a shooter who defends and has strong size for the position. This is the Lakers signing him with the hope he improves and makes this a huge bargain.

Grade: B

Kings re-sign Alex Len for 1 year, minimum

Len’s been a solid reserve for Sacramento for a couple seasons and he gets another. The former No. 5 pick is still a strong scorer and rebounder who can start if needed.

Grade: B

Celtics re-sign Luke Kornet for 1 year, minimum

Kornet’s largest talent is his massive size, which he knows how to utilize well. He also has been the fourth big in Boston, meaning he was in the rotation of a title winning rotation. He works there.

Grade: B+

76ers sign Eric Gordon for 1 year, $5 million

Why would Gordon leave the Suns where he was a sixth man for basically the same money he would have made in Phoenix? This gives the 76ers a duo of scoring guards in rookie Jared McCain and Gordon. This is an excellent move.

Grade: A

Bullets sign Jonas Valancinas for 3 seasons, $27 million

After drafting Alex Sarr, signing a bulky five makes little sense, but it looks like they may use their rookie as a four; he’s obviously a five. Regardless, he’s a strong starting five and the money’s actually a bargain.

Grade: B

Andre Drummond signs with 76ers for 2-seasons, $10m

Drummond is one of the ace reserve fives in the league and they get to pair him with the leagues No. 1 big. I love them getting excellent depth with the health of Joel Embiid a question.

Grade: A

Detroit re-signs Cade Cunningham for five years, maximum

Cunningham is a star, about to be an All-Star and is the Pistons’ franchise player. He’s earned a max contract. He’s their No. 1 scorer and distributor and is a huge part of them trying to get to the playoffs. They had to keep him and he has a shot to become one of the franchise’s biggest stars, he is that talented.

Grade: B+

Suns sign Masin Plumlee for 1 year, minimum

The Suns really needed a superior second big man and Plumlee is rock solid and he played very well for LA. When he is playing he simply produces. I’m a fan of this move.

Grade: B

Bullets re-sign Richaun Holmes for two years, $26 million

So Holmes said no to his 13 million dollar option to sign a two-season deal at the same cost, but it seems to be a two-season deal with a team option. Holmes is a decent reserve big, but that’s too much money. It’s a need though which saves the grade.

Grade: C

Suns re-sign Bol for one year, minimum

Bol was impressive for the Suns as a reserve 5. He’s huge and has some really solid stats when he gets some minutes. Keeping a strong role player at a need spot, at the minimum is a nice contract.

Grade: B+

Suns re-sign Royce O’Neale for 4 years, $45 million

They traded for O’Neale in season and obviously wanted to keep him as their starter or 7th man and this is just a really strong bargain. The Suns had little money to spend so they needed a fair deal and they got one. He’s an excellent shooter and has playmaking ability, is valued around the league as a role player and at just $11 million a season, I love it.

Grade: A

Nuggets re-sign Deandre Jordan for 1 year, minimum

This was an obvious move as they need talent with their big men when Jokic sits and Jordan’s been his reserve for awhile.

Grade: B

Bulls re-sign Patrick Williams for 5 years, $90 million

The former No. 4 pick is only 22 and is an elite defender and excellent shooter and this is a steal of a contract as he can still be a stud. Williams should continue to start at the 4 and this was another big time move for the Bulls who have actually had made some nice moves so far.

Grade: A-

Raptors re-sign Scottie Barnes for 5 years, $270 million dollars

Scottie Barnes will be signing a max contract for 5 seasons, it just needs ink to paper when free agency starts. He’s their star and franchise player after 3 seasons and will stay said player for another 6 seasons. We knew this deal was going to be made, so there’s not much that needs to be said, but it is too much money.

Grade: B+

Kings re-sign Malik Monk for 4 years, $78 million dollars

This is a massive win for the Kings keeping their third scorer and arguably the No. 1 bench guard in the league. He would easily have made 100+ million when he hit free agency, but he fits so well he made the wise choice to stay. They couldn’t lose him.

Grade: A+

Pacers sign Siakam for 4 years, $190 million

This technically will have to wait, but the Pacers traded a lot for All-Star big about half into the season and he helped them win 2 playoff series. He gives them excellent two way play and 22-6-5 stars giving them a second star. There was little doubt that they would let him walk and he wanted to stay so there was no doubt they would quickly agree on a deal. This is too much money for Siakam but they had to pay him.

Grade: A-