Grading Every Move From Day 1 of Free Agency
The first day of free agency has come and gone, and some major names are off the table. Here are my grades for every move (so far).
The most fun week of the offseason has begun, and we’ve already seen some fireworks go off. From Brooklyn’s collapse, extensions galore, and the Jalen Brunson overpay, I broke down all of the major moves (so far) in free agency.
Hawks Go All-In; Trade For All-Star Murray From Spurs
For a few days, Dejounte Murray trade rumors started appearing. I never thought they were going to go anywhere – at least not this fast. You things weren’t serious when Murray was mock-tweeting to those rumors. And then, out of nowhere, the Hawks traded for him.
Atlanta Hawks: C-
Look. I love Dejounte Murray as much as the next guy. I think he’s one of the more underrated players in the NBA. But, if we’re being honest, this move has too many variables to succeed.
Let’s look at the positives first. The Hawks needed perimeter defense, and they just added an All-NBA caliber defender. Murray’s length and size were sorely needed. Murray also takes pressure off of Young offensively. He should also anchor their second unit, which was shaky at best last year.
Now, here’s what I don’t like. Last season, Murray and Young were two of the most ball-dominant players in the league. So, how can they co-exist? Duos like these have formed in the past, with one player always playing more off the ball. So, who will that be?
Trae Young should be a better off-ball player, but he’s never been developed that way. Murray isn’t a threat as a shooter, so Young has to play off the ball more. That’s the only way I see this working.
Murray and Young will split time as the lead ball-handlers when they’re sharing the floor. Murray’s efficiency should increase in a lesser role. The same thing goes for Young.
But, I think there’s one question that’s easy to gloss over. Did the Hawks actually get better? The answer is no. I still don’t view the Hawks as a contending team. They might’ve moved up a few spots, but they’re not contenders.
Since Atlanta is out of money, they won’t be able to sign impactful free agents. Atlanta also gave up three unprotected first-round picks in this deal – adding to the risk. If that was even possible.
The Hawks are betting that Dejounte Murray and Trae Young will mesh. For their sakes, they’d better be right.
San Antonio Spurs: A+
For years, the San Antonio Spurs have been a drama-less franchise. So, when they traded Dejounte Murray, everybody was up in arms. But, I wasn’t surprised when I saw reports that Murray wouldn’t re-sign long-term. Knowing that, the Spurs traded Murray when his value was the highest – all while avoiding a season where their best player didn’t want to be there. This move screams San Antonio.
Furthermore, this move cements San Antonio’s rebuilding phase. Losing one of the most ball-dominant players in the league frees up minutes and touches. From their three first-rounders to Keldon Johnson and Devin Vassell, everyone will see more opportunities. That may come at the cost of efficiency, but I think it’ll do more good than bad in the long run.
The Spurs got three first-round picks in this deal, two of them coming from the Hawks (both unprotected). Those two picks are in 2025 and 2027. In the NBA, you can’t project to be good for that long. So, there’s a chance those could be lottery picks.
San Antonio could be trying to repeat history by trading Murray. They tanked for one year with David Robinson, and ended up winning the Tim Duncan sweepstakes. This year, a similar prize could be available in Victor Wembanyama. It’s a long shot, but there’s always a chance.
And, if the Spurs decide to buy out Danillo Gallinari’s contract (likely), they’ll have created about $25 million dollars in cap space. That may not be enough for Deandre Ayton or Miles Bridges, but the Spurs could use that money in numerous ways.
The Dejounte Murray trade may upset some fans, but it makes perfect sense for the Spurs. Not only does it align with their identity, it gives them more options for the future.
Kevin Durant Wants Out (aka The Brooklyn Fiasco)
June 30th, 2019 – The Nets sign Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving
January 14th, 2021 – James Harden is acquired in megadeal / Nets create new big three
October 12th, 2021 – Nets refuse to let Irving “play or practice” due to vaccination status
January 25th, 2022 – James Harden unhappy with situation in Brooklyn
March 30th, 2022 – James Harden is traded to Philadelphia in return for Ben Simmons
April 25th, 2022 – Brooklyn is swept out of the first-round by Boston
June 30th, 2022 – Kevin Durant demands trade after weeks of drama/rumors
These last three years for the Brooklyn Nets have been a masterclass in mismanagement. Seemingly every decision they’ve made has gone wrong. Kyrie Irving was unavailable. James Harden didn’t want to be there. After another disappointing season, things boiled over. And finally, Kevin Durant decided enough was enough. And you can’t blame him.
All of Brooklyn’s moves have tried to please Durant. Now, they’ll have to trade him just three years after acquiring him. How poetic. Durant’s list of teams includes the Suns and Heat, among others. I don’t think there’s a world where these relationships can be mended. We’re beyond that at this point.
36 months after forming a new super-duo, the Nets are about to enter an ugly rebuilding phase. Durant will demand a massive return of young players and picks in return. Teams like New Orleans, Memphis, Boston, OKC, or Phoenix seem like prime landing spots for the 33-year-old. Until then, let us reminisce about this disaster of a superteam.
Kyrie Wants To Go To The Lakers
Speaking of Irving, his future in Brooklyn is all but sealed. We thought things were resolved when he opted into his player option for 2023. But, with Durant all but out of the picture, the same goes for Irving. Rumors have swirled that both stars could land in the same spot.
I find that unlikely, but a new rumor suggests Irving wants to go to LA. That hypothetical trade would be centered around Russell Westbrook, of course. Given that the Nets have no leverage, I think this may happen.
(Did I just say that? What is happening?)
Anyway, it’ll be interesting to see what Irving goes for. I’m sure Brooklyn doesn’t want to deal with his BS anymore – and any team trying to get him better read the warning label.
Bradley Beal ROBS The Wizards
For months, the possibility of the Wizards giving Bradley Beal a quarter billion dollars has been in the air. I thought that the Wizards would wise up. Do the sensible thing. Anything but giving Bradley Beal, yes, that Bradley Beal, $251 million dollars.
Instead, the Wizards caved. This deal makes no sense no matter how you slice it. For one, the Wizards are giving Beal more money than anyone in the league except Steph Curry. And that’s just the start of the madness.
Bradley Beal isn’t one of the ten best players in the league. His best years are behind him. I don’t see him having a renaissance in his 30s. The Wizards haven’t given him the best help, but it’s not like Beal drags them to the playoffs.
The Wizards had no other choice. It was either let Beal, their only chance at relevance walk, or overpay him. While the Wizards are a prime rebuilding team, they gave a 29-year-old Bradley Beal more money than everybody, save Steph. I’d like to reiterate that for the record.
Washington has had a history of handing out terrible contracts. In three years, they had John Wall, Russell Westbrook, and now Bradley Beal on their roster. While Beal used to be a prime trade candidate, nobody wants him for this much money.
All of that for the 10th seed. Congratulations, Washington! Oh, did I mention this team has Kristaps Porzingis? No, no I don’t think I did.
James Harden Opts Out
James Harden escaped second hell, I mean Brooklyn and is now set up in Philly. Harden’s massive $47.3 million player option was a worthy discussion topic leading up to free agency. Eventually, Harden opted out, but a new deal is on the way.
I can’t really react to this yet, but I’ll speculate. While a two-year deal with a third-year player option is best, I don’t think that’s happening. Even Philly acknowledges the shortcomings of giving Harden a long-term contract.
The sweet spot, in my mind, is three years. We could see Harden get something like $120 million over three years. Don’t ask me if that’s possible – I’m just spitballing here. The good news for Philly fans is that Harden isn’t leaving. I think.
Jalen Brunson Gets $104 Million From The Knicks
For the past week or so, the Knicks have been doing cap gymnastics to free up space for Brunson. They kept clearing cap space, all of it for one man. Jalen Brunson. I think Jalen Brunson is a fine player, but this is one of the worst overpays in recent history.
Who are the Knicks bidding against, exactly? I get clearing some cap space for Brunson, but the Knicks screwed up their whole draft just to be able to overpay him. The Mavericks certainly weren’t going to come anywhere near this number…and rightfully so. This is the type of money you give to All-NBA level players, not Jalen Brunson.
Brunson will make the Knicks better in the short-term, but this move is an overall loss. I don’t think I’ll ever get why they did all of this. What was Brunson’s next best offer? I’m guessing it’s a good $15-20 million less than this one.
I don’t see Brunson being all that effective with New York’s limited spacing. At best, he’s a building block, but not the game-changing talent that they need. All of that for $104 million.
Anyway, now let’s talk about the Mavericks. Thankfully, the Mavericks didn’t bend to Brunson’s increasing offer from the Knicks. Still, losing your second best player hurts. The Mavericks will have to add some more pieces to get back to the Conference Finals and beyond in 2023.
Christian Wood helps stymie this blow a little, but more ball-handling is needed. Dallas doesn’t have the assets for Kevin Durant, and I would strongly advise them against trying to go after Kyrie Irving. I think their best option is to get high level role players.
There are numerous high-level role players on the market for them to go after. Luka getting in shape is a good start, but the Mavericks have some flexibility for what they decide to do next.
Knicks Grade: C-
Mavericks Grade: A for not overpaying Brunson
Lu Dort Re-Signs For Five Years With OKC
The OKC Thunder were not going to extend Lu Dort, at least not this offseason. While Dort deserves a new deal, his minuscule 2023 options was supposed to be picked up. Sam Presti went on record and said as much.
So, that’s why Dort getting $87.5 million over five years was out of right field. Again, he deserves the money. Dort’s an elite, hounding defender who’s added to his bag every summer. He’s well on his way to becoming a reliable two-way threat.
Now, the Thunder are taking a risk here. There’s no denying that. Paying a potential liability $90 million isn’t the smartest of moves. But, I think we can all appreciate Dort’s spirit. From a guy who always plays with his hair on fire, like every possession is his last, $90 million isn’t too bad.
This is OKC’s second youngster to cash in, and he won’t be the last. Now, could we add that jump shot? Pretty please?
Grade: B+
Anfernee Simons Gets $100 Million From Blazers
Look. Anfernee Simons is my guy. I’ve watched him grow up. Not that I want kids, but this is the closest thing I’ll get to a heartwarming, proud dad moment. (Shaedon Sharpe, don’t let me down, baby!)
Anyway, Simons finally got his opportunity as Portland tanked at the end of last season. It was the Simons show, and it was fun! His impressive scoring streak got him this nine-figure contract. As much as he deserves this money, Portland didn’t have a choice.
Simons isn’t an upgrade over CJ McCollum. In fact, I think he’s CJ 2.0, just with more dunking abilities. His partnership with Dame isn’t going to take this team over the top. However, in the short term, we need his scoring punch. Trading for Jerami Grant and signing Gary Payton (more on that later), would have been for nothing if we didn’t sign Simons.
Still, I can take solace that for once, just once, a Blazers rookie ended up panning out. That doesn’t happen often, in case you didn’t notice. In any event, Simons deserves the money even if he’s not necessarily an upgrade over the previous regime.
Now, Simons will have his first pressure-filled season in the NBA. 2023 marks his first season with expectations. Let’s see how that goes.
(My toaster is near the tub in case things go south)
Grade: B
Jokic, Booker, Towns, and Morant Sign MASSIVE Extensions
The first day of free agency brought us MASSIVE extensions. The four names above, four players who deserve extensions (sorry, Bradley) got PAID. In total, those four guys got $949 million dollars. It pays to put a ball in a hoop, I guess.
Jokic – For the past two years, with limited help, Nikola Jokic has carried the Nuggets. The 2x MVP was reward with the largest history in the NBA history. 5 years / $270 million. In total, for the next six seasons, Jokic will make north of $300 million dollars. And he deserves every penny.
Booker – “The Luka Special”
To continue to contend, the Suns need Devin Booker to lead them. Giving him $224 million over four years should be a good motivator, right? One of the best young scorers in the league, Booker has a lot of basketball in front of him. His trash talking could use some refining, though.
Towns – This is the one extension that’s hard to get behind. Towns was largely unavailable in the playoffs when Minnesota needed him most. He’s one of the most talented bigs of this generation, but can he be the reliable star that the T-Wolves need him to be?
Towns got an identical contract to Booker (4 years / $224 million) despite never winning a playoff series in his career. Interesting choice.
Morant – Ja Morant is one of the new faces of the league. His in air shows are unlike anything the league has seen before. He’s the face of a new generation, and he’s getting paid like one. His new five-year extension should reach $231 million, assuming he makes another All-NBA team next year.
The Grizzlies may be the one team on the rise to try and stop the Warriors. Morant will be a big reason if they’re to ever stop the almighty overlords.
Denver Swaps Role Players; Acquires KCP From Washington
Denver’s interesting start to the offseason with new GM Calvin Booth continues to get weirder. In this deal with the Wizards, Denver is dealing two of their more important role players for…more role players. Consider this deal roleplayerpalooza.
Denver Nuggets: D+
Seriously, what are the Nuggets doing? They were one of the sleeper losers of the draft. Peyton Watson, the 30th pick, was one of the worst value picks of the entire draft. I know Calvin Booth is new at this whole GMing thing, but come on!
This trade makes no sense, no matter how you slice it. I get that the luxury tax is scary, but more than anything, the Nuggets are betting that Jamal Murray and MPJ will return to form next season. And, spoiler alert, there’s a chance that doesn’t happen!
Denver’s depth chart is f*****. Monte Morris was the perfect fill-in starter for Murray last season and would have been one of the best backups in the league this year. Now, they’re stuck with Ish Smith. Outside of Porter Jr, the loss of Will Barton leaves Denver thin on the wing, too.
I get that Kentavious Caldwell-Pope fits well in Denver and should be Gary Harris 2.0 (minus the regression, hopefully). KCP gives Denver more defensive versatility, but this move has to lead to another one. I refuse to believe the Nuggets don’t make a move for another capable backup guard or wing. They have a $6.4 MLE for that very reason.
The Nuggets are profusely shedding salary, losing key role players, and not getting much back in return. Maybe Tim Connelly was a genius after all?
(Note: Denver re-signed defensive-minded wing Davon Reed for two years. I don’t care, this move still sucks)
Washington Wizards: A+
KCP was expiring, and so is Barton. Both of those guys wouldn’t have lasted long on this team. It’s very realistic that Barton gets moved to a more competent team at the deadline. At its core, the Wizards just added Monte Morris. Not only is he Kyle Kuzma’s best friend, he’s an upgrade at point guard.
Beal and rookie Johnny Davis wouldn’t have worked well at the point. Instead of having to spend big bucks on Tyus Jones, the Wizards snagged one of the best floor generals in the league. Morris doesn’t need the ball in his hands to be impactful, so there’s no losing in acquiring him.
And, of course, the Wizards saved money! What’s not to love?
Malik Monk Scorns Lakers; Joins Kings
Los Angeles’ one bright spot in free agency last season was Malik Monk. The former lottery pick never worked out in Charlotte, but he turned in a career season with the Lakers. But, Monk was only on a one year deal. Since he had raised his stock significantly.
LA desperately needed Monk’s scoring punch. Instead, he joins the state rival Sacramento Kings. This is the price for paying Russell Westbrook all that money. Monk didn’t even get $10 million annually, it was less than that.
The Kings, for once, got a steal of a signing. He makes them fun and exciting. Meanwhile, the Lakers just got older and even more dead. Overall, I enjoy LA’s pain and suffering a lot. Putting your hopes in Troy Brown and Lonnie Walker isn’t great, you know?
Kings Grade: A
Morey Recruits Two Former Rockets to Philly
The Philadelphia 76ers have quietly put together a solid offseason. Their bench needed some reworking, and Daryl Morey has gone to work. Adding De’Anthony Melton was just the tip of the iceberg. How about PJ Tucker for three years and Danuel House for two?
House provides wing depth and shooting. Tucker may be 38, but I think he’s somewhat valuable. At his best, he would provide elite defense, rebounding, and corner 3-PT shooting. I don’t know if he can continue to play at a high level, but we’ll see.
It isn’t a coincidence that these two guys are former Rockets. Morey is not only adding talent, but I’m sure he’s pleasing James Harden in the process. Two birds with one stone.
76ers Grade: A
Mixed News For Memphis As Free Agency Starts
Along with the Ja extension, the Grizzlies started off free agency with two moves. One of them is potentially bad, and the other is good. Let’s start with the positives, shall we?
It seemed like Tyus Jones would graduate to greener pastures this offseason. One of the better backup points in the league, I figured some team would throw money at him. Instead, he signs a 2 year / $30 million dollar deal to stay in Memphis.
This value for Jones is awesome. He’s the perfect insurance in case Ja Morant battles injuries again. And, Jones still gets the flexibility of testing the open market in a couple of seasons. That was the good news, but the bad news puts a cloud over this franchise.
Jaren Jackson Jr. was up and down last season. Well, now it looks like the start to his 2023 season is in jeopardy, too. JJJ underwent surgery to repair a stress fracture in his right foot. The expected recovery is 4-6 months. It’s a big blow for Memphis and Jackson.
Ever since the Grizzlies extended JJJ, he hasn’t been the same. Injuries, poor shooting, and foul trouble have slowed down his blossom into a real threat. We’ll see how he rebounds from this latest setback, but Jackson’s time in Memphis could be coming to a close soon.
Overall Grade: A (with some future pondering)
Milwaukee Bolsters Bench Depth With Re-Signings
The Milwaukee Bucks could have won it all if they had been healthy. And they know it. Pat Connaughton and MarJon Beauchamp were solid additions, but day one of free agency brought them a haul.
Bobby Portis re-signed for four years, $49 million. Jevon Carter and Wesley Matthews re-signed on shorter deals, too. The Bucks kept all their important pieces, which is great. Now, when Khris Middleton gets hurt, at least they have a little more depth than they did last year.
Another quiet move made by Milwaukee was a one-year deal to Joe Ingles. While Ingles is aging and coming off of an ACL injury, his skillset in Utah is perfect for the Bucks. Someone who can shoot and run pick-and-rolls. It also helps that Ingles has always been good in the playoffs.
With these moves, the Bucks addressed their needs for depth. Their Khris Middleton insurance is much, much more secure. Now, they won’t have to rely on Grayson Allen as much. That’s always a win.
Grade: A
Gary Payton II Signs With…The Blazers!!!!
How’s that cap space looking, Golden State?
All jokes aside, holy crap! The Blazers did the thing! They did that free agent thing! Look at them go! We can’t be stopped! What’s next? Kevin Durant.
Payton provides elite on-ball defense and instincts. Adding him alongside Grant and Josh Hart makes defense more potent than it has been in recent years. Assuming Chauncey Billups is smart, Payton can also be used as a forward/center in short roll situations.
And the price? Oh, this move is perfect! It’ll be interesting to see what happens with Jusuf Nurkic now, but I’ll worry about a center later. I love this pick!
Grade: A+
ZION GOT AN EXTENSION!
I thought I was done with this article…but nope! Somewhat out of the blue, Zion decided he wanted the same extension that Ja Morant got. Now, I’m sure Zion’s extension has a lot more protections based on his health. More money will be tied up into how much Zion actually plays.
Remember when we all thought Zion was going to leave? Well, the Pelicans proved they can win without him, so I guess he lost his leverage. Barring any more injuries, Zion should help this Pels team be playoffs contenders next season.
That’s cool and all, but I feel like putting on my tinfoil hat here. Bear with me here;
What if this Zion extension is used to try and lure the Nets into a Kevin Durant trade? Zion is the type of talent that’s hard to ignore, injuries be damned. New Orleans also has a boatload of future picks from the Bucks and Lakers.
The Pelicans are one of the teams that could put together an enticing offer for Durant. Just saying.
Regardless, this is a huge weight off New Orleans’ shoulder. Now, it’s time to win. Easy enough, right?
Grade: B+
What Are Your Thoughts On These Moves? Leave A Comment Down Below!
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