2024 NBA Free Agency Grades: The Best Signings From Day 1
Day One of the 2024 NBA free agency was definitely an interesting one because big names such as Paul George, James Harden, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Chris Paul, and Jonas Valanciunas all made decisions about their future. There will be much more to come from some of the NBA’s elite, including LeBron James and DeMar DeRozan, but we recap Day One with Sunday’s 13 most important transactions.
Paul George Signs With The Philadelphia 76ers
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Paul George signs a four-year, $212 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers
Just when we thought Day 1 was done, Paul George decided to shock the world with a decision to join Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey to form a new Big Three in the Eastern Conference. After unsuccessful negotiations with the Clippers, George signs a four-year, $212 million max deal with the Philadelphia 76ers.
After five years with the Clippers where he made three All-Star selections without an NBA Finals appearance, George made a business decision to sign a long-term deal and try to deliver an NBA title alongside Joel Embiid. While George's injury history is concerning as he is 34 years old, there is no doubt the 76ers are making moves to cut the gap between them and the likes of the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks.
Grade: A
James Harden Re-Signing With The Clippers
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James Harden signs a two-year, $70 million deal with the Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers are securing a vital piece of their roster by re-signing James Harden, who played a pivotal role last season. With Paul George departing, the Clippers needed to retain a superstar to pair with Kawhi Leonard. Harden averaged 16.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 8.5 assists per game last season, demonstrating his value as both a playmaker and scorer.
While the contract is hefty, it's justified given Harden's elite production and the need to stay competitive in a stacked Western Conference. The key is for the Clippers to continue building the roster because Leonard and Harden won't be good enough alone to take this team over the top.
Grade: B+
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope Gets Paid
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Kentavious Caldwell-Pope signs three-year, $66 million deal with the Orlando Magic
Caldwell-Pope's move to Orlando is a significant boost for the Magic, who are looking to add experienced two-way players to their young core. Last season, Caldwell-Pope averaged 10.1 points per game and shot 40.6% from three, providing the spacing and perimeter defense that the Magic desperately need.
Coach Jamahl Mosley is looking for specific types of players and they have found another one who can challenge Jalen Suggs to be even better on the perimeter. While the contract is substantial, Caldwell-Pope's championship experience and fit with the team make this a solid signing for the Magic and a key loss for the Denver Nuggets.
Grade: B+
Chris Paul To The San Antonio Spurs
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Chris Paul signs one-year, $11 million deal with the San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs made a strategic move by bringing in Chris Paul, who can mentor Victor Wembanyama and the young Spurs roster. Paul's veteran leadership, high basketball IQ, and ability to run an offense will be invaluable for a developing team that desperately needs better playmaking and floor generalship.
Although Paul's best years are behind him, his experience and playmaking skills (averaging 6.8 assists per game last season) will greatly benefit the Spurs. It will also be very fun to see the future Hall of Famer throwing lobs to Wembanyama all season long as the Frenchman learns the ins and outs of the pick-and-roll.
Grade: A
Cade Cunningham Becomes Pistons Cornerstone Player
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Cade Cunningham signs five-year, $226 million deal with the Detroit Pistons
Locking in Cade Cunningham is a no-brainer for the Pistons, who are betting on their young star to lead them into the future. At just 22, Cunningham has already shown flashes of brilliance, averaging 22.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game last season despite playing on the worst team in the league.
This max contract solidifies Cunningham as the face of the franchise, ensuring stability and growth potential for Detroit who need to start being competitive as soon as possible. Hopefully, the combo guard can reach All-Star status in 2024-25 after signing the max deal.
Grade: A+
Washington Wizards Finally Look To Improve The Roster
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Jonas Valanciunas signs three-year, $30 million deal with the Washington Wizards
The Wizards added veteran presence and stability with the signing of Jonas Valanciunas. With the team having a poor season with just 15 wins last year, Valanciunas brings reliable rebounding and interior scoring (averaging 12.2 points and 8.8 rebounds per game last season) which is desperately needed.
While he isn't a game-changer, his presence will help the team stay competitive and provide a solid foundation for rookie Alex Sarr to develop. It might even be possible that Valanciunas becomes the sixth man if Sarr acclimates to the league quickly.
Grade: B
Clippers Take Derrick Jones Jr. From Dallas
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Derrick Jones Jr signs three-year, $30 million deal with the Los Angeles Clippers
Adding Derrick Jones Jr. gives the Clippers a versatile and athletic forward who excels in defense and transition play. Last season, he played a key role in the Mavericks' Finals run, showcasing his ability to impact games without needing the ball in his hands. At only $30 million committed to Jones Jr, the Clippers got a good player.
The player's 8.6 points and 3.3 rebounds per game, combined with his defensive prowess, make this a smart addition for the Clippers because James Harden will love throwing him lobs in the pick-and-roll and so will the fans.
Grade: B+
Philadelphia Finds Support Behind Joel Embiid
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Andre Drummond signs two-year, $10 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers
With Joel Embiid's injury history, signing a reliable backup like Drummond is a wise move for the 76ers. Drummond averaged 8.4 points and 9.0 rebounds per game in limited minutes last season, demonstrating his ability to dominate the boards and provide a physical presence in the paint.
This deal ensures the 76ers have depth at the center position, which is crucial for maintaining their competitiveness because as the Boston Celtics showed this past season, role players will be critical for every team in the Eastern Conference.
Grade: A
Phoenix Suns Finally Add Size
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Mason Plumlee Signs one-year veteran’s minimum deal with the Phoenix Suns
The Suns addressed a critical need for size and depth in the frontcourt with the addition of Mason Plumlee. Known for his hustle and defensive capabilities, Plumlee will provide solid backup minutes behind Jusuf Nurkic, who struggled defensively last season due to slow-moving feet.
Plumlee's presence allows the Suns' stars—Durant, Booker, and Beal—to focus on scoring, making this a smart low-cost signing. Interestingly, the 11-year veteran is 34 years old so he might have this year left in the tank at a pretty high level as a bench player.
Grade: A
Philadelphia 76ers Add A Veteran Scorer
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Eric Gordon signs one-year, veteran’s minimum deal with the Philadelphia 76ers
At nearly 36, Eric Gordon remains a potent scorer off the bench. Last season, he averaged 11.0 points per game while shooting 37.8% from three-point range. The 76ers need bench scoring to bolster their title hopes, and Gordon’s experience and shooting ability provide exactly that.
His signing strengthens their second unit, giving them a reliable scoring option in crucial moments and he can be trusted to start games as well. Gordon started 24 games last year so expect him to have a big role in Philadelphia.
Grade: B+
Los Angeles Clippers Make A Shocking Signing
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Kevin Porter Jr signs two-year, minimum deal with the Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers are taking a significant risk with the signing of Kevin Porter Jr., who has immense talent but comes with off-court issues, including domestic abuse allegations and problems with team staff. Despite these concerns, Porter Jr. has shown flashes of brilliance on the court, averaging 19.2 points and 5.7 assists per game in his latest season in the NBA with the Houston Rockets in 2022-23.
If he can stay out of trouble and focus on basketball, this could be a steal for the Clippers, but the risk factors make this a highly uncertain move and we have to give it a C because it isn't a great look for an NBA franchise either even if it is perfectly legal.
Grade: C
Mavericks Add Naji Marshall
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Naji Marshall signs three-year, $27 million deal with the Dallas Mavericks
The Mavericks quickly moved to fill the gap left by Derrick Jones Jr. with the signing of Naji Marshall. While Marshall's numbers (7.1 points and 3.6 rebounds per game) aren't eye-popping, his versatility, defensive skills, and shooting ability make him a solid addition to the Mavericks' roster. This move provides depth and maintains the team's defensive capabilities, though Marshall lacks the impact of Jones Jr.
Grade: C+
Miami Heat Commit To Kevin Love
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Kevin Love signs two-year, $8 million deal with the Miami Heat
Kevin Love's re-signing is a testament to his fit within the Heat's culture. Last season, Love averaged 8.8 points and 6.1 rebounds per game, contributing valuable experience and a high basketball IQ. At nearly 36, he remains a reliable bench player who can also step into the starting lineup when needed. His ability to stretch the floor and provide veteran leadership makes this a beneficial move for the Heat.
Grade: B
Boston Celtics Re-Sign Luke Kornet
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Luke Kornet signs one-year, minimum deal with the Boston Celtics
With Kristaps Porzingis sidelined for an extended period which could be a minimum of five or six months, the Celtics needed to ensure they have sufficient frontcourt depth. Kornet, standing at 7'2" and weighing 250 lbs, played 63 games last season, providing size and reliable minutes off the bench. His familiarity with the team and ability to fill in as needed make this a pragmatic and cost-effective signing
Grade: B+