More than 36 hours have passed since the NBA’s free agency negotiating window opened, and we’ve already seen future Hall of Famers Paul George, Chris Paul and Klay Thompson switch teams.
Let’s evaluate some of the most interesting acquisitions in free agency, including elements such as contract, age, presumed fit, and overall organizational direction.
Contract: 3 years, US$50 million Presumed function: Beginner
In the NBA Finals, it was unequivocally clear that the Mavericks needed a shooter other than Luka Dončić or Kyrie Irving.
Josh Green couldn’t do that. Neither did Tim Hardaway Jr. So the Mavericks decided to go out and acquire the second best shooter of all time.
Thompson clearly isn’t who he used to be, nor will he ever return to All-NBA status, but the man can still shoot a basketball, which seems very important in the year 2024.
The Mavericks are betting that the importance of shooting will not disappear next season. They may be on to something. note: A-
Contract: 2 years, US$70 million
Presumed function: Beginner)?
Harden is getting older and has enough to make a 1965 Mustang blush.
That’s why $35 million a year for him, at first glance, seems a little steep. After all, his physical decline began some time ago and it is clear that it has affected his consistency.
However, a two-year NBA contract is seen as short, and this allows the Clippers to get the most out of him in the time he has left as a high-level starter.
note: B+
Contract: 5 years, US$90 million
Assume role: Beginner
Say what you want about the Bulls – and a lot can be said – but they know how to get their restricted free agents back for a good price.
Williams is a big 6-foot wing who can guard multiple positions and shoot the 3-ball at a high rate, which most teams covet. A rookie contract that came and went without interruption likely soured some teams on him, but at 22 there is time for Williams to make a leap.
For what the Bulls are paying — $18 million a year — they’ve at least guaranteed steady progress in both directions over the next half-decade.
note: A-
Contract: 4 years, US$212 million
Presumed function: Star
There’s no denying the fact that George just signed for an almost obscene amount of money for a player who is already 34 years old.
The problem is this: in this specific case, money doesn’t matter. God knows how little remains of Joel Embiid’s prime, and the Sixers used the cap space to sign George, not giving up any assets to sign him.
As one of the best scorers of his generation, George projects nothing short of a tremendous fit in an offense featuring Embiid and newly signed Tyrese Maxey.
note: A
PG Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers
Contract: 5 years, US$204 million
Presumed function: Star
Speaking of the Sixers, it’s impossible not to mention Maxey, who was directly the reason for his great summer.
The All-Star could have demanded a year ago that the Sixers sign him to an immediate extension, but he and the 76ers saw the logic in keeping his cap hit low, allowing Philadelphia to pursue George this summer.
Maxey will certainly improve after winning the Most Improved Player Award, and a max contract for a player of his caliber is an immediate win now and in the long run.
note: ONE+
Contract: 3 years, US$87 million
Presumed function: Beginner
Three things could be true at once: Hartenstein is immensely valuable on the basketball court, he will help the Thunder dominate non-Chet Holmgren minutes, and that still could have been an overreaction.
The Thunder’s defense needed some adjustments, but it was their lack of consistent offensive creation that cost them dearly in the playoffs.
With Hartenstein in place, Holmgren will drop to the four, where you have to wonder if that optimizes his strengths.
That said, Hartenstein is so brilliant that it’s impossible not to like the addition in a vacuum.
note: B
Contract: 3 years, US$66 million
Presumed function: Beginner
Leaving a starting position on a team you helped win a championship just a year ago takes courage and a lot of money.
Caldwell-Pope certainly accomplished the latter and will now take on the starting two-guard role for Orlando, providing veteran leadership and hoping to see the young Magic level up as he cashes some hefty checks.
Despite what could be seen as an overpayment, Caldwell-Pope is at least as good an option for Orlando as you can find, especially as a floor spacer and defender.
note: B-
Contract: 4 years, US$60 million
Presumed function: Rotation
The Toppin contract is endlessly fascinating. Do you absolve the Pacers for spending $60 million on a player who won’t start for them? Do you give them extra credit for securing a big player on a value deal? Do you do both?
Toppin plays an important role in Indiana’s rushing attack, as he is not only an athletic runner but also a reliable outside shooter.
With Jalen Smith now in Chicago, there’s a good chance Toppin will see an increase in minutes, making this deal much easier to like.
note: A-
Contract: 2 years, US$52 million
Presumed function: Beginner
Harris has always been underrated as a Sixer due to his $180 million contract.
While not that grotesquely overpaid, it’s difficult to see who the Pistons were negotiating for his services and why they decided he was worth so much.
He’ll help Detroit win some games they probably shouldn’t win, and he’s a solid guy in the locker room, but this feels… hopeless.
note: W
Contract: 1 year, US$11 million
Presumed function: Beginner/mentor
If ever there was a player who needed a point guard, it’s Victor Wembanyama. Ultimately, the Spurs went out and got him one of the best of all time.
Paul, who is a pick-and-roll maestro, will have an immense effect at Wembanyama next season, which is really the point of this short-term marriage.
For Paul, he will also have every chance to assert himself, even if he is 39 years old and Father Time is coming after him. For a year, Paul should be able to keep him at bay.
note: ONE+
C Jalen Smith, Chicago Bulls
Contract: 3 years, US$27 million
Presumed function: Rotation
Smith was one of the most efficient scorers in the NBA last season, part of which was potentially due to the offense Indiana ran allowing him a lot of 3-point shots and shots near the rim.
The Bulls are seemingly rebuilding, and adding a player like Smith is finally a sign of creative roster building that has been lacking in Chicago for decades.
Whether he starts or comes off the bench, Smith will inject offense into a Bulls team that desperately needs it.
note: A
Contract: 3 years, US$30 million
Presumed function: Beginner/mentor
With Alexandre Sarr in charge, the Wizards wasted no time in finding the young Frenchman an older Lithuanian teacher.
Valančiūnas is one of the NBA’s most capable scorers, a skill that Sarr would undoubtedly benefit from having in his bag.
It’s unclear what role Valančiūnas will play on offense, but for Washington to have the option to leverage his scoring if necessary, this deal is incredibly team-friendly.
note: B+
