The first day of the 2024 NBA free agency has officially arrived. Just one day today, the NBA made a number of blockbuster signings, and below, we'll highlight the six best or worst signings that were made today.
6. Paul George signed a four-year max contract with the 76ers
The 76ers have signed free agent forward Paul George to a four-year, $212 million contract, with a player option for the fourth year of his contract, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
George will return to the East for the first time since being traded from the Pacers to the Thunder in 2017, joining the 76ers led by former MVP Joel Embiid and Tyles Maxey, the Most Improved Player of the Year.
George was a three-time All-Star in five seasons with the Clippers, averaging 23.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.5 assists in 263 games. While the Clippers didn't win a championship under George, he did help the team reach the Western Conference Finals for the first time in 2020/21.
George averaged 20.8 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 867 NBA games. Next season, the 34-year-old George will team up with Embiid and Maxey to challenge defending champions the Boston Celtics.
5. Spurs sign Chris Paul for $11 million a year
Today, the San Antonio Spurs announced that the legendary guard has signed a one-year, $11 million contract with the legendary defender, just after the Warriors announced the cut of veteran Paul.
While Paul is no longer the league's best point guard, he's still an offensive guru and tempo. The biggest beneficiary of his arrival will undoubtedly be Wembanyama, which will benefit Wembanyama and rookie Stephen Cassel. Paul has one of the brightest basketball minds in NBA league history, and it was a huge win for the Spurs to get Paul on an expiring contract.
4. The 76ers reunited with veteran Drummond for more than $10 million in two years
Veteran Drummond is so excited about returning to the Philadelphia 76ers that he personally announced his move to Philadelphia.
Drummond won't replace star Joel Embiid as Philadelphia's starting center, but he will be Embiid's first backup. Considering Embiid's frequent injuries, Drummond will have more opportunities to play in the new season.
Despite averaging just 17.1 minutes per game this season, Drummond is averaging a staggering nine rebounds per game.
3. The Magic signed Kentaveus Caldwell Pope for three years and $66 million
It's hard to understand how the Denver Nuggets would have Kentavio Caldwell Pope join the Magic for that price.
There have been reports that the Nuggets' offer is very close to the one Caldwell Pope eventually received from the Orlando Magic. Unfortunately, Pope didn't end up choosing the Nuggets, but instead choosing a young, rising Eastern team.
Caldwell-Pope is one of the league's premier 3-and-D players, shooting over 40 percent from beyond the three-point line and averaging at least one steal per game for the second year in a row.
The Orlando Magic ranked 30th and 29th in three-point shooting and three-point shooting percentage, respectively, last season. Caldwell Pope provides them with a skilled, high-hitting, long-range sharpshooter who fits the defensive head coach Jamal Moseley's system.
2. The Wizards inexplicably gave Jonas Valanciunas a three-year, $30 million contract
The Washington Wizards were a puzzling move today, signing veteran center Jonas Valanciunas just days after signing big man Alex Sarr with the second overall pick in the NBA Draft. While such a trade doesn't usually go unnoticed, the Wizards offered Valanciunas a three-year, $30 million contract.
Why did the Washington Wizards offer the 34-year-old Valanciunas a three-year, $30 million contract? The Lithuanian played an increasingly weak role in the New Orleans Pelicans' rotation last season. Meanwhile, the Wizards just signed Holmes to a two-year, $25.9 million contract extension, and it's hard to understand why they're stocking up on outdated centers.
1. The Clippers offered James Harden a two-year, $70 million contract after the meeting
Harden is arguably the biggest beneficiary of George becoming a free agent.
Harden squeezed $35 million a year from the Clippers like a robber in contract extension negotiations, but are there any other options for the Los Angeles Clippers?
Considering that George has become a free agent and may not be with the Clippers next season, resigning Harden, a 10-time All-Star, is the team's only option. While Harden's abilities are gradually declining, he is still one of the most well-rounded players in the NBA, and few can fill out the stat sheet like he does. However, in the twilight of his career, it was unreasonable to give him such a big contract. Because Harden is the league's notoriously playoff softie, he backs down when things get tough.
Harden's new contract not only earned him a high salary, but also a player option for the 2025-26 season. If he chooses to enter the free agent market next season in search of a higher salary, it may be the last thing the Clippers want.
It's hard to understand why the Clippers would accept Harden's unreasonable demands, and the Clippers will regret their decision today next year. #长文创作激励计划##头条创作挑战赛##妙笔生花创作挑战#