It’s been more than 36 hours since the NBA’s free agency 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, incorporating elements such as contract, age, presumed ability and overall organizational direction.
Contract: 3 years, $50 million
Alleged role: Entrance
During the NBA Finals, it became clear that the Mavericks needed a shooter who wasn’t Luka Dončić or Kyrie Irving.
Josh Green couldn’t do it. Neither could Tim Hardaway Jr. So the Mavericks decided to swoop in and acquire the second-best shooting guard of all time.
Thompson is clearly not who he used to be, and he’ll never return to All-NBA status, but the man can still shoot the basketball, which seems pretty important in 2024.
The Mavericks are banking on the importance of shooting not going away next season. They may be on the right track.
Grade: A-
Contract: 2 years, $70 million
Alleged role: Entrance)?
Harden is getting older and has enough mileage to put a ’65 Mustang to shame.
That’s why $35 million a year for him, at first glance, seems a bit high. After all, his physical decline began some time ago and it is clear that this has affected his consistency.
However, a two-year contract in the NBA is considered short, and this allows the Clippers to get the most out of him during the time he has left as a high-level starter.
Grade: B+
Contract: 5 years, $90 million
Alleged role: Entrance
Say what you want about the Bulls – and there’s a lot to say – but they definitely know how to get their restricted free agents for a good price.
Williams is a 6-foot-10 wing/big who can defend multiple positions and shoot three-pointers at a high rate, something most teams covet. A rookie contract that came and went without a breakthrough likely turned some teams off, but at 22, Williams has time to take a step forward.
For what the Bulls are paying — $18 million per year — they have, at least, secured a stable two-way forward for the next five years.
Grade: A-
Contract: 4 years, $212 million
Alleged role: Star
There’s no denying that George just signed for an almost obscene amount of money for a player who is already 34 years old.
Here’s the thing: In this case, money doesn’t matter. God knows how much of Joel Embiid is left at his best, and the Sixers used the salary cap to sign George, giving up no assets to get him.
As one of the best off-ball scorers of his generation, George presents as an ideal part of an offense featuring Embiid and newcomer Tyrese Maxey.
Grade: A
PG Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers
Contract: 5 years, $204 million
Alleged role: Star
Since we’re talking about the Sixers, it’s impossible not to mention Maxey, who was directly the reason for their excellent 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 ceiling low, allowing Philadelphia to chase George this summer.
Maxey is bound to 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.
Grade: A+
Contract: 3 years, $87 million
Alleged role: Entrance
Three things could be true at once: Hartenstein is extremely valuable on the basketball court, he’ll help the Thunder dominate in the minutes without Chet Holmgren, and this could still be an overreaction.
The Thunder’s defense needed sharpening, but it was their lack of consistent offensive creation that cost them dearly in the playoffs.
With Hartenstein in place, Holmgren will slide to fourth, where one has to wonder if that plays to his strengths.
That said, Hartenstein is so brilliant that it’s impossible not to love this addition in a vacuum.
Grade: B
Contract: 3 years, $66 million
Alleged role: Entrance
Leaving a starting role on a team he helped win a championship for just a year ago takes both courage and a lot of money.
Caldwell-Pope certainly got the latter and will now assume the role of starting second guard for Orlando, providing veteran leadership and hoping to see the young Magic step up while he cashes big checks.
Despite what could be considered an overpay, Caldwell-Pope is at least as capable of fitting into Orlando as you’ll find, particularly as a floor spacer and defender.
Grade: B-
Contract: 4 years, $60 million
Alleged role: Rotation
Toppin’s contract is fascinating. Should the Pacers be penalized for spending $60 million on a player who won’t start for them? Should they be given extra credit for signing a great player for a bargain price? Should they do both?
Toppin plays a huge 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 playing time, making this deal much easier to appreciate.
Grade: A-
Contract: 2 years, $52 million
Alleged role: Entrance
Harris was always underrated as a Sixer because of his $180 million contract.
While he’s not being paid that grotesquely, it’s hard to see who the Pistons negotiated with for his services and why they decided he was worth that much.
He’ll help Detroit win games they probably shouldn’t win, and he’s a solid player in the locker room, but this seems… hopeless.
Grade: VS
Contract: 1 year, $11 million
Alleged role: Starter/Mentor
If there was one player who needed a playmaker, it was Victor Wembanyama. The Spurs decided to get him one of the best playmakers in history.
Paul, who is a master of the pick-and-roll, will have a huge impact on Wembanyama next season, which is really the goal of this short-term marriage.
As for Paul, he will have every chance to assert himself too, even though he is 39 years old and time is getting to him. For a year, Paul should be able to keep him at a distance.
Grade: A+
C Jalen Smith, Chicago Bulls
Contract: 3 years, $27 million
Alleged role: Rotation
Smith was one of the NBA’s most efficient scorers last season, which may have been due in part to Indiana’s offense allowing him plenty of three-pointers and shots from deep.
The Bulls appear to be in the midst of a rebuild, and adding a player like Smith is finally a sign of creative roster building, something Chicago has lacked for decades.
Whether he starts or comes off the bench, Smith will inject offense into a Bulls team that desperately needs it.
Grade: A
Contract: 3 years, $30 million
Alleged role: Starter/Mentor
With Alexandre Sarr in place, the Wizards wasted no time in finding the young Frenchman an older Lithuanian teacher.
Valančiūnas is one of the best scorers in the NBA, a skill Sarr would undoubtedly need in his own bag.
It’s unclear what role Valančiūnas will play in the attack, but for Washington to have the opportunity to exploit its scoring if necessary, this deal is incredibly favorable to the team.
Grade: B+