On July 1, Beijing time, 2021 No. 1 pick Cunningham signed a five-year, $226 million contract extension with Detroit Pistons (Pistons). This early contract extension undoubtedly highlights the extremely high valuation of the 22-year-old star by Pistons management. Last season, Cunningham averaged 22.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, 7.5 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.4 blocks in 35.5 minutes per game. Despite a 16-68 record, the longest 28-game losing streak in history, Cunningham's outstanding play was remarkable. Pistons management hopes to lock in the core with this huge contract extension and gradually build a strong team that can return to the playoffs with Cunningham as the center.
Compared to Cunningham's contract extension, the Nuggets lost another big man - Monte Morris. The 29-year-old point guard signed a three-year, $66 million free market contract with Orlando Magic. Although the numbers are not as impressive as Cunningham's, Morris has always played an important role for the Nuggets, averaging 12.6 points, 4.4 rebounds and 6.7 assists in 32.2 minutes per game last season. As a result, the Nuggets have suffered some losses in terms of roster depth and offensive output, and the team's path back to the championship will be more difficult. But for the Magic, bringing in Morris is definitely a good deal, which can greatly improve the overall strength of the team, and I believe they will be able to return to the playoffs in the new season.
At the same time, Chris Paul is making a new choice in the free market. The 37-year-old veteran signed a one-year, $11 million contract with San Antonio Spurs (Spurs). Although he is entering the late stages of his career, he is still playing an important role in the prime of the NBA. In the new season, Paul will serve as a mentor to young star Victor Oladipo (Wembanyama) at the Spurs, helping him grow rapidly and lead the team back to the playoffs. This is undoubtedly a great benefit for Wembanyama, who will be able to learn a wealth of experience and valuable skills from Paul, and eventually grow into a leader of Spurs. It's the perfect home for Paul, who can finish his career with a traditional powerhouse and become a mentor to a new generation of stars.
[Varland signed with the Wizards, James regretted not being able to do so]
Compared to these blockbuster signings, the Washington Wizards' signing of Zion Williamson was somewhat unexpected. The 24-year-old interior stalwart has signed a three-year, $30 million contract with the Wizards. Previously, James had hoped to bring Wallan to his Los Angeles Lakers, but was ultimately cut off by the Wizards. Analysts believe that bringing in Varan is undoubtedly a good deal for the Wizards, who are rebuilding. He provides a reliable scoring output for the team on the offensive end while also excelling on the defensive end. However, it is undoubtedly a pity for James, who had previously expected to bring Wallan to the Lakers.
[Love and Heat renewed their contract, both parties are happy]
In addition to the big moves of the aforementioned teams, the Miami Heat also made a good signing in free agency. They signed 31-year-old veteran Kevin Love to a two-year, $8 million extension. Lefu played 73 games for the Heat last season, averaging 8.8 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. For the Heat, keeping Love was a win-win deal — they got a seasoned veteran, and Love got a contract that he was happy with. This is undoubtedly a good value for money signing.
[Lakers action is scarce, the new season can be expected]
Compared to the blockbuster trades of other teams, the Los Angeles Lakers' performance in the free market is relatively lackluster. Aside from retaining interior player Jaime Echenique on a four-year, $32 million contract, they haven't made much of a move in this round of free agency. This can't help but make people worry about whether the Lakers will fall into a slump again in the new season. However, we should not jump to conclusions. After all, the Lakers are a giant team with superstars such as James and Davis, and I believe that sooner or later they will show their skills in the free market and inject new vitality into the new season. After all, it is only a matter of time before a team with such a squad returns to the ranks of the powerhouses. The Lakers will be looking forward to the new season.