A running list of notable 2024 NBA Free Agents agreements and signings throughout the free agency period, ordered by agreement date.
Franz Wagner – Orlando Magic
Status:
Agreed on July 5, 2024 – Designated rookie extension
Terms:
5 year, $224.23 million (AAV: $44.8 million)
Estimated Salaries:
2025-26: $38,661,750
2026-27: $41,754,690
2027-28: $44,847,630
2028-29: $47,940,570
2029-30: $51,033,510
Deal contains Designated Rookie language for 30% of the 2025-26 cap
Taurean Prince – Milwaukee Bucks
Status:
Agreed on July 3, 2024 – Free agent
Terms:
1 year, $2.99 million (AAV: $2.99 million)
Estimated Salaries:
2024-25: $2,988,550
Thoughts:
The Bucks only have minimum contracts to offer, but this looks like a steal for Milwuakee. They needed to add some form of frontcourt depth, as it was a bunch of unproven and/or undersized options behind Giannis Antetokounmpo, Brook Lopez and Bobby Portis. Taurean Prince will give the Bucks a combo forward who can score and hold his own defensively. As the Bucks have an older roster, they’ll likely be looking to spot players rest days when they can. Prince gives Doc Rivers a veteran he can count on when others are out.
PJ Dozier – Minnesota Timberwolves
Status:
Agreed on July 3, 2024 – Free agent
Terms:
1 year, $2.6 million (AAV: $2.6 million)
Estimated Salaries:
2024-25: $2,613,120
Thoughts:
The Timberwolves are looking to fill out their bench with minimum signings. Front office leader Tim Connelly has a comfort level with P.J. Dozier, as he’s signed him to a few different contracts over the years. Dozier had a solid year playing in Serbia last season. He should give the Wolves another perimeter player for their bench.
Alec Burks – Miami Heat
Status:
Agreed on July 3, 2024 – Free agent
Terms:
1 year, $3.3 million (AAV: $3.3 million)
Estimated Salaries:
2024-25: $3,303,771
Thoughts:
Burks will add some nice backcourt depth for the Heat on a veteran minimum deal. He showed in the playoffs that he’s still got some scoring punch left. Miami’s bench is in transition at the moment. Burks should work with Josh Richardson, who picked up his option, to give Erik Spoelstra another ballhandler off the bench.
Thomas Bryant – Miami Heat
Status:
Agreed on July 3, 2024 – Free agent
Terms:
1 year, $2.8 million (AAV: $2.8 million)
Estimated Salaries:
2024-25: $2,800,834
Thoughts:
Bryant never really made much of an impact for Miami last season. Mostly, he’ll be good competition for rookie Kel’el Ware for frontcourt minutes behind Bam Adebayo. That’s fine for a veteran minimum salary.
Joe Ingles – Minnesota Timberwolves
Status:
Agreed on July 3, 2024 – Free agent
Terms:
1 year, $3.3 million (AAV: $3.3 million)
Estimated Salaries:
2024-25: $3,303,771
Thoughts:
Joe Ingles really helped a young Orlando Magic grow up last season. He was also pretty solid on-court too. Ingles is a good passer and a really nice connective player. He’ll take on the role Kyle Anderson had for the Timberwolves last season, but with far better shooting.
Damion Lee – Phoenix Suns
Status:
Agreed on July 3, 2024 – Free agent
Terms:
1 year, $2.8 million (AAV: $2.8 million)
Estimated Salaries:
2024-25: $2,800,834
Thoughts:
The hope was that Damion Lee would give the Suns a sniper off the bench last season. A knee injury cost him all of last year. So, the Suns and Lee are running it back for another try for the minimum, or possibly slightly more with his Non-Bird rights.
LeBron James – Los Angeles Lakers
Status:
Agreed on July 3, 2024 – Maximum free agent
Terms:
2 year, $103.97 million (AAV: $51.99 million)
Estimated Salaries:
2024-25: $49,987,718
2025-26: $53,986,735
Thoughts:
The only real question for LeBron James was if he would take his max?Or was he going to give the Lakers a discount to make other moves. After a handful of James’ reported preferred targets went elsewhere, he went for the max. There’s still a possibility James takes a little less to help the Lakers out, but it won’t be a meaningful amount. Now, we get to see how a Lakers team, one that has made very few changes to their roster to date (veterans Spencer Dinwiddie and Taurean Prince out, rookies Dalton Knecht and Bronny James in), can upgrade with limited resources to do so.
Kyle Anderson – Golden State Warriors
Status:
Agreed on July 2, 2024 – Free agent via Sign-and-Trade with Minnesota
Terms:
3 year, $27 million (AAV: $9 million)
Estimated Salaries:
2024-25: $8,571,429
2025-26: $9,000,000
2026-27: $9,428,571
Thoughts:
Golden State is continuing to rebuild their roster as a non-tax team for the first time in years. After adding De’Anthony Melton for backcourt depth, the Warriors are adding Kyle Anderson to the frontcourt. He’s an ideal for the Warriors, because he can do a little of everything. Anderson’s pass-and-move style of play is a great fit for Golden State’s movement-based offense. For barely more than the Room Exception, this is a really good addition for the retooling Warriors.
Jonathan Isaac – Orlando Magic
Status:
Agreed on July 2, 2024 – Renegotiation-and-extend
Terms:
5 year, $84 million (AAV: $16.8 million)
Estimated Salaries:
2024-25: TBD
2025-26: TBD
2026-27: TBD
2027-28: TBD
2028-29: TBD
Thoughts:
Orlando made good use of their remaining cap space to get Jonathan Isaac signed long-term. The Magic will up Isaac’s salary for this coming season. In return, Isaac will take less per season on the four new years he’s adding to his contract. A renegotiation-and-extension deal is the only form of extreme front-loaded contract in the NBA. It’s smart cap management to use the space while you have it, to keep things in line later, when the rest of the roster will start getting more expensive.
Xavier Tillman – Boston Celtics
Status:
Agreed on July 2, 2024 – Free agent
Terms:
2 year, $4.78 million (AAV: $2.4 million)
Estimated Salaries:
2024-25: $2,237,692
2025-26: $2,546,675
Thoughts:
Boston is now running it back with their entire big man rotation from last season. Xavier Tillman Sr. joins Luke Kornet and Neemias Queta as staying with the champs. Tillman will be relied upon heavily this upcoming season. Kristaps Porzingis is out until sometime around the holidays, and Boston will aggressively manage Al Horford this season. Getting Tillman back on the minimum is big for the Celtics. Now, if he can keep refining that three-point shot…
Monte Morris – Phoenix Suns
Status:
Agreed on July 2, 2024 – Free agent
Terms:
1 year, $2.8 million (AAV: $2.8 million)
Estimated Salaries:
2024-25: $2,800,834
Thoughts:
Phoenix had to get a real point guard on the roster. Monte Morris more than fills that need. He won’t start when everyone is healthy, but given that Devin Booker and Bradley Beal are a good bet to miss some time, Morris will probably start some games. On the other nights, the veteran ballhandler will play a big role off the bench.
Mo Wagner – Orlando Magic
Status:
Agreed on July 2, 2024 – Free agent
Terms:
2 year, $22 million (AAV: $22 million)
Estimated Salaries:
2024-25: $10,576,923
2025-26: $11,423,077
Thoughts:
Orlando is running it back in the frontcourt. This deal probably looks similar to Wagner’s last one, where the second year will be a team option or carry some non-guaranteed money. The main thing is that Orlando’s best backup big man is still in the fold. With the Magic reportedly listening to offers for Wendell Carter Jr., it was really important to bring back Wagner, along with Goga Bitadze.
James Wiseman – Indiana Pacers
Status:
Agreed on July 2, 2024 – Free agent
Terms:
2 year
Estimated Salaries:
2024-25: TBD
2025-26: TBD
Thoughts:
Perfect flyer for the Pacers. Wiseman will be asked to rebound, run the floor and finish around the rim. Occasionally, Indiana might want him to hit a pick-and-pop jumper. The Pacers did a great job getting Jalen Smith’s career on track. With Myles Turner and Isaiah Jackson in place, Wiseman can work on his game without having to play big minutes. This is a great spot for him to figure things out. There’s a lot of talent there and he’s young. Never bet against the late-blooming big man.
Donovan Mitchell – Cleveland Cavaliers
Status:
Agreed on July 2, 2024 – Maximum veteran extension
Terms:
3 year, $150.3 million (AAV: $50.1 million)
Estimated Salaries:
2025-26: $46,394,100
2026-27: $50,105,628
2027-28: $53,817,156 (Player Option)
Thoughts:
Cleveland and Donovan Mitchell get some clarity for at least a few seasons. Because he was traded after his rookie scale deal ended, Mitchell wasn’t able to sign a supermax extension with the Cavs. This is a nice middle ground. Cleveland keeps him around for a while longer, and Mitchell has the opportunity to get back on the free agent market when he’ll be eligible for the 10 Years of Service, 35% of the cap max. That’s a win-win compromise for both Mitchell and the Cavaliers.
Mo Bamba – LA Clippers
Status:
Agreed on July 1, 2024 – Free agent
Terms:
1 year, $2.6 million (AAV: $2.6 million)
Estimated Salaries:
2024-25: $2,613,120
Thoughts:
This is fine. One year for the minimum isn’t going to hurt anyone. The Clippers frontcourt rotation seems to be very much in flux behind Ivica Zubac. Bamba is a different look from Mason Plumlee, as he can step out and shoot it, but he hasn’t been as productive with his minutes as Plumlee. But for the minimum, it’s a worthy flyer, even if LA will probably continue to work on their center depth.
Kris Dunn – LA Clippers
Status:
Agreed on July 1, 2024 – Free agent
Terms:
TBD
Estimated Salaries:
2024-25: TBD
Thoughts:
We’re still waiting on the terms for Kris Dunn’s deal with the Clippers, and also the path for him to get to LA. It’s been reported that this may be a sign-and-trade. Strictly keeping it on the court, this is a terrific addition for LA. Dunn can back up James Harden at point guard, plus play alongside Harden in lineups too. With Russell Westbrook reportedly headed out, the Clippers did well to replace him with Dunn.
Gary Harris – Orlando Magic
Status:
Agreed on July 1, 2024 – Free agent
Terms:
2 year, $14 million (AAV $7 million)
Estimated Salaries:
2024-25: $6,730,769
2025-26: $7,269,231
Thoughts:
Really good value for the Magic here. Gary Harris was a starter for Orlando for most of last season, and he was the team’s most consistent shooter. He’ll likely back up Kentavious Caldwell-Pope now, but this gives the Magic four good guards with Harris, Caldwell-Pope, Jalen Suggs and Cole Anthony. And Orlando has Anthony Black in the development pipeline as well. Don’t be surprised if the second season of this deal involves some form of team control, such as a team option or non-guaranteed season.
Goga Bitadze – Orlando Magic
Status:
Agreed on July 1, 2024 – Free agent
Terms:
3 year, $25 million (AAV $8.3 million)
Estimated Salaries:
2024-25: $7,716,049
2025-26: $8,333,333
2026-27: $8,950,617
Thoughts:
Orlando did well to keep Goga Bitadze in the fold. He was excellent as a spot starter when Wendell Carter Jr. had to miss time. This coming season, Bitadze may be in for a bigger role as a regular backup. Getting him for roughly the Room Exception is a win for both Bitadze and the Magic.
Jayson Tatum – Boston Celtics
Status:
Agreed on July 1, 2024 – Designated Veteran extension
Terms:
5 year, $314 million (AAV $62.8 million)
Estimated Salaries:
2025-26: $54,126,450
2026-27: $58,456,566
2027-28: $62,786,682
2028-29: $67,116,798
2029-30: $71,446,914 (Player Option)
Thoughts:
As expected, Jayson Tatum got the full supermax extension from the Celtics. No surprises here. Tatum earned this deal by becoming one of the best players in the NBA.
Klay Thompson – Dallas Mavericks
Status:
Agreed on July 1, 2024 – Free agent via Sign-and-Trade with Golden State
Terms:
3 year, $50 million (AAV $16.7 million)
Estimated Salaries:
2024-25: $15,873,016
2025-26: $16,666,667
2026-27: $17,460,317
Thoughts:
(Note: When we get the full sign-and-trade details, we’ll do a full trade recap for this deal.)
It’s hard to believe Klay Thompson is leaving the Warriors. But landing with the Mavericks is a really solid outcome. Thompson will likely replace Derrick Jones Jr. in the starting lineup. Thompson isn’t the defender he once was, but he’s still a really good shooter. Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving coming off screens will love having Thompson spacing the floor for them. As long as folks have tempered expectations that this isn’t All-Star-level Klay Thompson, but instead wily veteran shooter Klay Thompson, this addition will be a hit.
De’Anthony Melton – Golden State Warriors
Status:
Agreed on July 1, 2024 – Free agent
Terms:
1 year, $12.8 million (AAV $12.8 million)
Estimated Salaries:
2024-25: $12,822,000
Thoughts:
If De’Anthony Melton didn’t have concerns about his back, he gets a far larger deal than this. As it is, this is a good get for the Warriors. Golden State needed another ballhandler behind Stephen Curry. If healthy, Melton will give Golden State solid depth at both guard spots. Also, non-Bird rights should be enough to re-sign Melton with after this season.
Aaron Holiday – Houston Rockets
Status:
Agreed on July 1, 2024 – Free agent
Terms:
2 year, $9.56 million (AAV $4.78 million)
Estimated Salaries:
2024-25: $4,668,000
2025-26: $4,901,400
Thoughts:
This is a small, but solid value for Aaron Holiday and the Rockets. Holiday gave Houston good minutes at times last season, as Amen Thompson got healthy and adjusted to the NBA game. The second season of this deal is reportedly a team option, which gives the Rockets an easy out if they are going the cap space route next summer.
Delon Wright – Milwaukee Bucks
Status:
Agreed on July 1, 2024 – Veteran extension
Terms:
1 year, $3.0 million (AAV $3.0 million)
Estimated Salaries:
2024-25: $3,003,427
Thoughts:
The Bucks had a backup point guard problem for lots of last season. That’s not good, considering Damian Lillard is older and tends to miss games now. Wright gives Milwaukee a solid backup. He’s also got starting experience, if necessary. Good add for the minimum for Milwaukee.
Derrick White – Boston Celtics
Status:
Agreed on July 1, 2024 – Veteran extension
Terms:
4 year, $125.9 million (AAV $31.5 million)
Estimated Salaries:
2024-25: $28,100,001
2025-26: $30,348,001
2026-27: $32,596,001
2027:28: $34,844,001
Thoughts:
Monster win for the Boston Celtics. Derrick White could have probably gotten $35-$40 million on the open market. Instead, he’s back in Boston for at least the next three years, as the fourth year is a player option. White said he loves it in Boston and didn’t want to leave the Celtics. Some things, like comfort and winning, are more important than getting every last penny in a deal.
Luke Garza – Minnesota Timberwolves
Status:
Agreed on July 1, 2024 – Free agent
Terms:
2 year, $4.5 million (AAV $2.26 million)
Estimated Salaries:
2024-25: $2,162,606
2025-26: $2,349,578
Thoughts:
Garza is well-liked because he stays ready and is a hard worker. For the minimum, you can’t ask for much more. That’s why he’s headed back to Minnesota. Expect this deal to ultimately include some non-guaranteed money.
Drew Eubanks – Utah Jazz
Status:
Agreed on July 1, 2024 – Free agent
Terms:
2 year, $10 million (AAV $5 million)
Estimated Salaries:
2024-25: $4,878,049
2025-26: $5,121,951
Thoughts:
This is a version of the Jalen Smith deal, where it works if the Jazz are making a playoff push or if they are rebuilding. If it’s the former, Eubanks is nice depth for not much over the minimum. If it’s the latter, Eubanks can play and is a nice trade chip down the line. Also: Walker Kessler has been in a lot of trade rumors. This gives the Jazz cover if they move on from the young center.
Tobias Harris – Detroit Pistons
Status:
Agreed on July 1, 2024 – Free agent
Terms:
2 year, $52 million (AAV $26 million)
Estimated Salaries:
2024-25: $25,365,854
2025-26: $26,634,146
Thoughts:
This one looks a little strange. But when you step back and realize the Pistons have to spend money on someone, it makes more sense. Is Harris going to make Detroit a contender? Nope. Will he help them be a more functional, competitive basketball team? Yes. That’s what this is about. This deal would look a lot better if the second season was a team option, but if it’s at least a partial or non-guaranteed year, that will suffice. But, as it is, this is fine. Neither good, nor bad. Just sort of meh.
Isaiah Hartenstein – Oklahoma City Thunder
Status:
Agreed on July 1, 2024 – Free agent
Terms:
3 year, $87 million (AAV $29 million)
Estimated Salaries:
2024-25: $30,526,316
2025-26: $29,000,000
2026-27: $27,473,684
Thoughts:
The Thunder are doing work. This is a big contract, but an important signing for Oklahoma City. They needed to add some additional size and to get more versatile in the frontcourt. Now, the Thunder have the option to go big against teams like Denver and Minnesota. Isaiah Hartenstein has experience starting or coming off the bench. He’s also going to immediately improve the defense and rebounding. Is this an overpay? Perhaps a bit, but the Oklahoma City cap sheet can afford it for a couple more years.
Jalen Smith – Chicago Bulls
Status:
Agreed on July 1, 2024 – Free agent
Terms:
3 year, $27 million (AAV $9 million)
Estimated Salaries:
2024-25: $8,571,429
2025-26: $9,000,000
2026-27: $9,428,571
Thoughts:
Outstanding value signing for the Bulls. Smith is only 24 years old, so he fits if Chicago flips towards a rebuild, or if they chase a postseason spot. He was probably a bit above his head with his shooting last year, but not so much so that it was a fluke. For $9 million AAV, this one of the best values of 2024 free agency so far.
Isaiah Joe – Oklahoma City Thunder
Status:
Agreed on July 1, 2024 – Free agent
Terms:
4 year, $48 million (AAV $12 million)
Estimated Salaries:
2024-25: $10,714,286
2025-26: $11,571,429
2026-27: $12,428,571
2027-28: $13,285,714
Thoughts:
I could just repeat the Aaron Wiggins analysis here, but won’t. The Thunder plucked Joe off the free agent market when he was waived by the Philadelphia 76ers. The promise Joe flashed with Philadelphia fleshed out in Oklahoma City. He’s an elite shooter. For less than the Non-Taxpayer MLE on an annual basis, the Thunder keep him around. Another step in building a sustainable small-market winner.
Aaron Wiggins – Oklahoma City Thunder
Status:
Agreed on July 1, 2024 – Free agent
Terms:
5 year, $47 million (AAV $9.4 million)
Estimated Salaries:
2024-25: $8,103,448
2025-26: $8,751,724
2026-27: $9,400,000
2027-28: $10,048,276
2028-29: $10,696,552
Thoughts:
Aaron Wiggins is a player development success story for the Thunder. And, as they have so many times before, they reap the reward of that success by signing a good player to a team-friendly contract. Wiggins is a terrific depth player on the wing, and he’ll be playing for what is essentially the Room Exception. That’s how you build a sustainable winner in a small market.
Tyrese Maxey – Philadelphia 76ers
Status:
Agreed on July 1, 2024 – Free agent
Terms:
5 year, $203.58 million (AAV $40.8 million)
Estimated Salaries:
2024-25: $35,147,000
2025-26: $37,958,760
2026-27: $40,770,520
2027-28: $43,582,280
2028-29: $46,394,040
Thoughts:
As expected, after a year of waiting, Tyrese Maxey got his max deal. There was some thought that to thank Maxey for delaying signing so that they could use cap space, that Philadelphia might have given him a player option. That didn’t happen (and wouldn’t have in a regular extension either), so that’s a win for the Sixers. Philadelphia now has their star trio locked up long-term.
Paul George – Philadelphia 76ers
Status:
Agreed on July 1, 2024 – Free agent
Terms:
4 year, $212 million (AAV $52.9 million)
Estimated Salaries:
2024-25: $49,205,800
2025-26: $51,666,090
2026-27: $54,126,380
2027-28: $56,586,670 (Player Option)
Thoughts:
The major free agent domino has fallen. The Sixers got their guy. After lining up for over a year to add a third star around Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, Daryl Morey pulled it off. When healthy, George is a perfect fit with Embiid and Maxey. He’s a big wing to slide right in between the center and the ballhandler. George is very good playing off-ball, which he’ll have to do quite a bit to give Embiid and Maxey reps. The lone question is George’s track record of missing games and his age. Given those same questions exist for Embiid, there’s a chance this could go sideways a bit. However, the upside and fit are too good to pass up, simply because of health concerns. This is a tremendous addition for the 76ers, who vault themselves back into title contention in the Eastern Conference.
Kelly Oubre Jr. –Philadelphia 76ers
Status:
Agreed on July 1, 2024 – Free agent
Terms:
2 year, $16.3 million (AAV $8.2 million)
Estimated Salaries:
2024-25: $7,983,000
2025-26: $8,382,150 (Player Option)
Thoughts:
Kelly Oubre Jr. was the best ROI last summer, after the Sixers had him for the veteran minimum. Oubre cashed in on that productive season. This deal will most likely come out of the Room Exception, as Philadelphia continues to sequence their transactions. Even with the step-up in salary, this is still a great value for the 76ers. Oubre will give them scoring punch, as well as depth for when Paul George misses games.
Derrick Jones Jr. – LA Clippers
Status:
Agreed on July 1, 2024 – Free agent
Terms:
3 year, $30 million (AAV $10 million)
Estimated Salaries:
2024-25: $9,523,810
2025-26: $10,000,000
2026-27: $10,476,190
Thoughts:
The Clippers started re-shaping their roster a bit after they gave up on re-signing Paul George. Jones is a nice start. LA can’t replace George outright, so they have to replace him in the aggregate. Some will come from Terance Mann. Some from Amir Coffey. Now, some will come from Jones. This is a good pivot for a team that is in a bit of transition.
Naji Marshall – Dallas Mavericks
Status:
Agreed on June 30, 2024 – Free agent
Terms:
3 year, $27 million (AAV $9 million)
Estimated Salaries:
2024-25: $8,571,429
2025-26: $9,000,000
2026-27: $9,428,571
Thoughts:
Naji Marshall is a great story. He fought his way onto the Pelicans roster and then just kept improving. He’s a 3&D wing with some size, so that’s a great fit for the Mavericks. The only question: Was Marshall’s shooting last year real? If so, this is a homerun signing. If he dips a bit, it’s still a good signing, but more like an RBI double.
Mason Plumlee – Phoenix Suns
Status:
Agreed on June 30, 2024 – Free agent
Terms:
1 year, $3.3 million (AAV $3.3 million)
Estimated Salaries:
2024-25: $3,303,771
Thoughts:
Mason Plumlee has dropped off some from his most productive years, but he’s still a solid backup. The Suns can’t offer free agents anything more than the minimum. That means those minimum lottery tickets have to hit. This one feels like it should. Plumlee will return at least minimum value for Phoenix behind Jusuf Nurkic.
Jonas Valanciunas – Washington Wizards
Status:
Agreed on June 30, 2024 – Free agent
Terms:
3 year, $30 million (AAV $10 million)
Estimated Salaries:
2024-25: $9,523,810
2025-26: $10,000,000
2026-27: $10,476,190
Thoughts:
This one came a little out of leftfield, but it makes sense when you step back a little. Jonas Valanciunas will provide some protection and cover for Alex Sarr, as he figures out the NBA game. In addition, Valanciunas will be very tradable on this deal down the line. Even if it seems odd for a rebuilding team to go with a veteran center, this is a pretty good value all around.
Chris Paul – San Antonio Spurs
Status:
Agreed on June 30, 2024 – Free agent
Terms:
1 year, $11+ million (AAV $11 million)
Estimated Salaries:
2024-25: $11,000,000
Thoughts:
The Spurs have been looking for a veteran point guard and they got the most veteran one they could in Chris Paul. Paul will mentor San Antonio’s young guards, while also making the game easier for Victor Wembanyam. Also, who isn’t going to enjoy Paul playing for Gregg Popovich after all these years of going head-to-head.
Eric Gordon – Philadelphia 76ers
Status:
Agreed on June 30, 2024 – Free agent
Terms:
1 year, $3.3 million (AAV $3.3 million)
Estimated Salaries:
2024-25: $3,303,771
Thoughts:
If Philadelphia is signing a star to a max deal (Paul George perhaps?), they’ll need to fill out some depth on the cheap. Gordon will likely outplay this deal by a decent margin. He’s still an elite shooter and good off-the-dribble scorer. This is a terrific add for the Sixers.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope – Orlando Magic
Status:
Agreed on June 30, 2024 – Free agent
Terms:
3 years, $66 million (AAV $22 million)
Estimated Salaries:
2024-25: $20,952,381
2025-26: $22,000,000
2026-27: $23,047,619
Thoughts:
This is a great pickup for the Magic. They’ll have an elite defensive backcourt with Caldwell-Pope joining Jalen Suggs. Caldwell-Pope will also help with spacing, as well. And Orlando still has around $30 million in cap space to spend. The Magic aren’t done yet.
Andre Drummond – Philadelphia 76ers
Status:
Agreed on June 30, 2024 – Free agent
Terms:
2 years, $10+ million (AAV $5 million)
Estimated Salaries:
2024-25: $4,878,049
2025-26: $5,121,951
Thoughts:
The 76ers had to use part of their cap flexibility this summer to add a reliable backup for Joel Embiid. It’s a luxury when Embiid is healthy, but a must when he’s not. The team has familiarity with Andre Drummond and he’s become an extremely productive backup. This is a homerun signing for not much over a minimum contract per year.
Luke Kornet – Boston Celtics
Status:
Agreed on June 30, 2024 – Free agent
Terms:
1 years, $2.8 million (AAV $2.8 million)
Estimated Salaries:
2024-25: $2,800,834
Thoughts:
Luke Kornet was the guy Joe Mazzulla called upon most often when one of Kristaps Porzingis or Al Horford was out. Kornet almost always delivered with solid minutes. Given Porzingis will miss the start of next season, and the team will actively manage Horford’s minutes, Kornet will play a big role. The Celtics comfort level with him makes this a worthwhile re-signing.
Kevin Love – Miami Heat
Status:
Agreed on June 30, 2024 – Free agent
Terms:
2 years, $8+ million (AAV $4 million)
Estimated Salaries:
2024-25: $3,846,154
2025-26: $4,153,846
Thoughts:
The Heat were always going to bring back Kevin Love. That this deal appears to be fully guaranteed with no options is a bit surprising. It’s not big enough that it will really matter, but Love getting two fully guaranteed years at his age wasn’t expected. But it’s fine for a guy who can give Miami solid regular season minutes.
James Harden – LA Clippers
Status:
Agreed on June 30, 2024 – Free agent
Terms:
2 years, $70 million (AAV $35 million)
Estimated Salaries:
2024-25: $33,653,846
2025-26: $36,346,154
Thoughts:
James Harden isn’t an MVP-level player anymore. He may not even be an All-Star again. But Harden is still good. The Clippers invested a decent amount into acquiring him. This deal is fine, especially given that the second year is reportedly an option for Harden, who is probably going year-to-year at this point.
Max Christie – Los Angeles Lakers
Status:
Agreed on June 30, 2024 – Free agent
Terms:
4 years, $32 million (AAV $15 million)
Estimated Salaries:
2024-25: $7,142,857
2025-26: $7,714,286
2026-27: $8,285,714
2027-28: $8,857,143
Thoughts:
Max Christie needs a consistent role to earn this contract. The good news? He may have one next year. Christie is a good athlete, solid defender and an improving shooter. If he gets regular minutes, Christie will deliver very good value on this contract.
Obi Toppin – Indiana Pacers
Status:
Agreed on June 30, 2024 – Free agent
Terms:
4 years, $60 million (AAV $15 million)
Estimated Salaries:
2024-25: $13,392,857
2025-26: $14,464,286
2026-27: $15,535,714
2027-28: $16,607,143
Thoughts:
This is a good deal for both Toppin and the Pacers. It’s essentially the MLE, and Toppin will outproduce the MLE amount, even when he plays primarily as a backup to Pascal Siakam. Something to keep an eye on: Indiana has a lot of money invested in Siakam and Toppin. Could that make Jarace Walker gettable via trade?
Alex Len – Sacramento Kings
Status:
Agreed on June 30, 2024 – Free agent
Terms:
1 years, $3.31 million (AAV $3.31 million)
Estimated Salaries:
2024-25: $3,313,453
Thoughts:
Each of the last three years, Len has started out of the Kings rotation, but finished the year as Domantas Sabonis’ primary backup. There is a comfort level there and Sacramento trusts him to stay ready when his number is called. For the veteran minimum, you can’t ask for much more.
Patrick Williams – Chicago Bulls
Status:
Agreed on June 29, 2024 – Free agent
Terms:
5 years, $90 million (AAV $18 million)
Estimated Salaries:
2024-25: $15,517,241
2025-26: $16,758,621
2026-27: $18,000,000
2027-28: $19,241,379
2028-29: $20,482,759
Thoughts:
Williams has struggled to stay healthy in his career. When he has, he’s shown what we’ll call 3&D-plus ability. He can do a little bit off the dribble and he’s solid filling the lane on a fastbreak. Mostly, this deal is going to look a lot like the Non-Taxpayer MLE when it finishes. For a young guy who can defend and shoot, this is a pretty solid value for the Bulls, and it’s good guaranteed money for Williams.
Bol Bol – Phoenix Suns
Status:
Agreed on June 29, 2024 – Free agent
Terms:
1 years, $2.9 million (AAV $2.9 million)
Estimated Salaries:
2024-25: $2,919,013
Thoughts:
Phoenix gave Bol a slight bump over the minimum salary to stick around. This is an approach the Suns have used in the past, as a way to add a bit more tradable salary. Bol remains an enigma. He looks like a rotation big one game and like a raw project the next. For Phoenix, who just needs depth anyway they can get it, this is a fine deal.
DeAndre Jordan – Denver Nuggets
Status:
Agreed on June 29, 2024 – Free agent
Terms:
1 years, $3.3 million (AAV $3.3 million)
Estimated Salaries:
2024-25: $3,313,453
Thoughts:
Jordan gets a minimum deal to return as the third or fourth big for the Nuggets. Denver wasn’t likely to give this roster spot to a project, given they are a title contender. So, this is fine. The Nuggets can always move Jordan if they need to create a roster spot later.
Richaun Holmes – Washington Wizards
Status:
Agreed on June 29, 2024 – Free agent
Terms:
2 years, $25.9 million (AAV $11.6 million)
Estimated Salaries:
2024-25: $12,634,146
2025-26: $13,265,854 ($250,000 guaranteed)
Thoughts:
This is a weird one. Holmes hasn’t shown this kind of value in recent years. He’s struggled to get consistent minutes and hasn’t done much when he has. Washington does need to fill center minutes, though. Also, and this may be the real purpose of this contract, the Wizards gave Holmes a deal that is extremely tradable. Don’t be surprised if that happens sooner, rather later.
Royce O’Neale – Phoenix Suns
Status:
Agreed on June 29, 2024 – Free agent
Terms:
4 years, $44 million (AAV $11 million)
Estimated Salaries:
2024-25: $9,821,429
2025-26: $10,607,143
2026-27: $11,392,857
2027-28: $12,178,571
Thoughts:
This is a fair value deal for O’Neale. As a second-apron team, the Suns can’t let talent walk out the door, because they have no way to replace them. O’Neale is a good 3&D wing/forward for Phoenix. Just as importantly: the Suns now have a bit of salary to trade in-season, should the need arise.
Immanuel Quickley – Toronto Raptors
Status:
Agreed on June 28, 2024 – Free agent
Terms:
5 years, $175 million (AAV $35 million)
Estimated Salaries:
2024-25: $30,172,414
2025-26: $32,586,207
2026-27: $35,000,000
2027-28: $37,413,793
2028-29: 39,827,586
Thoughts:
Quickley checking in at $35 million AAV is exceedingly fair. There seems to be this stigma with some that he’s still a backup-level point guard. He’s not. Quickley is a good starter. He showed that in his half-season in Toronto. This is a good deal for the Raptors and they now have Quickley and Scottie Barnes both locked in as their long-term building blocks.
Nicolas Claxton – Brooklyn Nets
Status:
Agreed on June 26, 2024 – Free agent
Terms:
4 years, $100 million (AAV $25 million)
Estimated Salaries:
2024-25: $22,321,429
2025-26: $24,107,143
2026-27: $25,892,857
2027-28: $27,678,571
Thoughts:
Some seem to think $25 million AAV is too much for Claxton. That’s probably not the case. He’s a top-tier defensive center. He can switch and hold his own, and he’s a terrific rim protector. Claxton is a limited offensive player, but he’s been improving as a screener and passer. At no point will this contract turn sour or become untradeable for Brooklyn.
OG Anunoby – New York Knicks
Status:
Agreed on June 26, 2024 – Free agent
Terms:
5 years, $212.5 million (AAV $42.5 million)
Estimated Salaries:
2024-25: $36,637,931
2025-26: $39,568,966
2026-27: $42,500,000
2027-28: $45,431,034
2028-29: $48,362,069
Thoughts:
The Knicks are all-in on this group. They said they were confident in keeping Anunoby after surrendering a lot of talent to get him ahead of last season’s trade deadline. They certainly had to pay up to do so, but it’s worth it. Anunoby will pair with the newly-acquired Mikal Bridges to give the Knicks a dynamite defensive wing duo.
Bam Adebayo – Miami Heat
Status:
Agreed on June 26, 2024 – Maximum veteran extension
Terms:
3 years, $165.83 million (AAV $55.3 million)
Estimated Salaries:
2026-27: $51,183,000
2027-28: $55,277,640
2028-29: $59,372,280
Thoughts:
Adebayo could have gotten more money from the Heat. A lot more money, actually. If Adebayo had waited a year, he could have added four years and a total of $229.3 million. If Adebayo had made All-NBA or won Defensive Player of the Year (neither are a stretch for him) in either 2024-25 or 2025-26, he could have signed a five-year supermax extension for $346.3 million. This deal is a massive win for the Heat. Adebayo will get back on the market in his early-30s, so he’ll get a fourth contract too. That’s nice, but still a bit strange that he passed up on a realistic chance at becoming supermax eligible in either of the next two seasons.
Scottie Barnes – Toronto Raptors
Status:
Agreed on June 24, 2024 – Rookie Scale extension
Terms:
5 years, $224.90 million (AAV $44.98 million)
Estimated Salaries:
2025-26: $38,775,000
2026-27: $41,877,000
2027-28: $44,979,000
2028-29: $48,081,000
2029-30: $51,183,000
Deal contains Designated Rookie language for 30% of the 2025-26 cap
Thoughts:
Barnes got exactly what we predicted. He’s the face of the franchise for the Raptors now. This contract and commitment reflects that.
Malik Monk – Sacramento Kings
Status:
Agreed on June 20, 2024 – Free Agent
Terms:
4 years, $77.9 million (AAV $19.5 million)
Estimated Salaries:
2024-25: $17,405,203
2025-26: $18,797,619
2026-27: $20,190,035
2027-28: $21,582,451 (Player Option)
Thoughts:
This is a steal for the Kings. Monk could have gotten a deal between $20 and $25 million AAV in free agency. But you can’t put a price on comfort and happiness, which Monk has found in Sacramento.
Pascal Siakam – Indiana Pacers
Status:
Agreed on June 19, 2024 – Free Agent
Terms:
4 years, $189.5 million (AAV $47.4 million)
Estimated Salaries:
2024-25: $42,300,000
2025-26: $45,684,000
2026-27: $49,068,000
2027-28: $52,452,000
Thoughts:
Siakam was always destined to re-sign with the Pacers. They gave up too much to get him to let him leave after a half-season run. Indiana did well to keep this to a four-year max deal instead of the full five years they could have offered. This contract should take Siakam through the rest of his prime.