NBA Free Agency Day One
No blockbuster signings as of yet, but a whole lot of money has been given out over the last 24 hours in the NBA. Some seemingly bizarre contracts, some sneaky good pickups, and some guys coming off rookie contracts getting PAID. Time for a quick recap of all the deals done on a busy day one of NBA Free Agency.
Boston Celtics:
Luke Kornet re-signs on one-year deal
Not much to be made of this, a solid regular season backup last year, lost his rotation spot to Xavier Tillman in the playoffs. Solid deal for both parties.
Dallas Mavericks:
Sign Naji Marshall to three-year deal
Dallas have seemingly deemed Marshall as their Derrick Jones Jr. replacement after Jones joined the Clippers. Pretty underrated pickup for the Mavs, $9 million a year, huge energy, all-around player, will definitely be a fan favorite.
Detroit Pistons:
Cade Cunningham re-signs on a five-year rookie extension
As expected, Detroit wrapped up their young superstar for another five years, to the tune of $226 million dollars. Here’s hoping they can do a better job building around him in the next half decade.
Indiana Pacers:
Obi Toppin signs back with Indiana for four years
4 years/$60 million is a pretty good deal for both parties. Toppin has been a key part of the Indiana rotation, particularly with his improved 3-point shooting.
Los Angeles Clippers:
James Harden re-signs for two years
Derrick Jones Jr signs on a three-year deal
Kevin Porter Jr signs on two-year deal
Russell Westbrook picks up player option
Busy first day for the Clips, but don’t get the signature they wanted most in Paul George. Harden will receive $35 million annually, while Jones Jr for just $10 million per season after his recent playoff run is a steal.
Los Angeles Lakers:
Max Christie re-signs on four-year deal
Did the Lakers overpay? Yeah, a little (4 years, $32 million). But it would’ve been a shame for the Lakers to lose one of their young guys to a bad team that would’ve offered about the same. Can’t be too mad at it, even if he doesn’t get much playing time.
Miami Heat:
Kevin Love re-signs on two-year deal
The 35-year-old will be back for at least 2 more seasons with Miami, where both parties will be hoping they can reach the Finals again as they did in Love's first season with the team. Love re-signs on a 2 year/ $8 million dollar deal, another signing that is both team and player friendly.
Orlando Magic:
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope agrees to three-year deal
An awesome payday for KCP, who has been one of the better role players in the league in the 2020s. While $22 million annually sounds steep for a fourth or fifth option, Caldwell-Pope provides quality defense and great 3-point shooting, something the Magic sorely need.
Philadelphia 76ers:
Andre Drummond agrees to two-year deal
Eric Gordon agrees to two-year deal
Kelly Oubre Jr. returns on a two-year deal
Paul George signs on a four-year deal
A bunch of two-year deals for the Sixers, Drummond for $10 million, Oubre for $16 million, and Eric Gordon likely for a vet minimum. Oubre and Drummond in particular are really good acquisitions for Philly, filling their roster with quality rotational players along with the huge signing of Paul George. George will be an awesome fit on this team, full breakdown on this signing will be out.
Phoenix Suns:
Bol Bol re-signs on one-year deal
Mason Plumlee agrees to one-year deal
Suns beef up their backup center rotation, Plumlee is back playing behind Nurkic as he did in Portland. Hopefully Bol gets a bit more opportunity this season, though it's unlikely he plays often while Nurkic and Plumlee are both healthy.
Sacramento Kings:
Alex Len returns on one-year deal
Len returns for his fourth consecutive season in Sacramento, where he's been a solid backup for Sabonis for years, one of the better players on the team in terms of box plus-minus.
San Antonio Spurs
Chris Paul signs one-year deal
Wemby has a Point Guard ladies and gentlemen. The 39-year-old Paul signs a one year, $11 million dollar deal in what might just be the final season of his storied career, and what better way to spend it than playing with the youngest up-and-coming superstar in the league.
Toronto Raptors:
Scottie Barnes signs five-year rookie extension
Like Cunningham, Barnes resigns with his team on a maximum rookie extension. The deal will be worth as much as $270 million if he meets the All-NBA requirements. Easy decision to make for Toronto, and for Barnes.
Washington Wizards:
Jonas Valanciunas agrees to three-year deal
Richaun Holmes re-signs on a two-year deal
The Valanciunas signing is a bit puzzling for the Wizards, as they drafted Alex Sarr 2nd overall in the NBA draft. To be fair, the Wizards aren't playing for much this year other than development of their young guys, which I'm sure they're hoping Jonas will help with.