The NBA Free Agency has nothing been short of surprising, to say the least.
While the whole world was engulfed with the football World Cup in Russia, the NBA took a share of the spotlight thanks to some of its biggest stars who made some surprising moves that either left fans in disbelief or in utter euphoria.
Indeed, free agency has always been the opportunity for NBA franchises to build their teams and elevate themselves from pretenders to contenders. And today, we take a look and rank five best free agent acquisitions in the league so far.
5. DeAndre Jordan (Dallas Mavericks)
Contract: One year, $22.9 million
Jordan is a Maverick and he’s not backing out of his commitment this time.
The Dallas Mavericks finally got the centre they oh so covet after years of missing out on big-name free agents. Jordan is unarguably one of the best big men in the league and though his defence has regressed over the past year, he remains an elite rebounder and pick-and-roll player.
In fact, Jordan finished second in rebounding (15.2) and in field goal percentage (64.5) last season. Now, he’s set to par up with Dirk Nowitzki in the frontcourt and play alongside the Mavs’ new backcourt duo Dennis Smith Jr. and Luka Doncic.
4. Kevin Durant (Golden State Warriors)
Contract: Two years, $61.5 million
Durant, unsurprisingly, chose to stay with the Warriors which makes it a no-brainer one of the best moves in free agency. After all, how can retaining the second-best basketball player on the planet not be a great move?
There were rumours that Durant could opt out and find a new home as he has nothing left to prove after winning two titles and back-to-back NBA Finals MVP awards. However, the allure of playing with arguably the best basketball team ever assembled and winning more rings is hard to pass by.
Golden State are still the team to beat, and it doesn’t help that Durant continues to take a pay cut just to play for them.
3. Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets)
Contract: Five years, $148 million
Denver secured their future by retaining one of the brightest young talents in the NBA.
Jokic is, by far, the best passing big man of his generation. And at just 23 years old, he has every opportunity to grow and become one of the top players in the league. Put simply, the sky is the limit for the former 41st pick from Serbia.
For the second year running, Denver barely missed the playoffs in the ultra-tough Western Conference. Hence, it’s difficult not to applaud this signing that almost guarantees they can compete in the years to come.
2. DeMarcus Cousins (Golden State Warriors)
Contract: One year, $5.3 million
The Warriors’ “super-duper death lineup” is complete. As if they need another All-Star, the reigning champions acquired DeMarcus Cousins who is unarguably the best big man in the NBA.
Sure enough, there are concerns about Cousins’ health and fitness considering that he’s still recovering from a torn ACL he suffered last season. However, getting him for the taxpayer mid-level exception of $5.3 million is certainly worth it.
His acquisition gives the Warriors five All-Stars, which is undoubtedly a scary team to face come playoffs. Even Cousins himself acknowledged the potential of the Bay Area team now that he’s on board.
“The potential is scary, that’s obvious,” Cousins said via ESPN. “But, of course, it’s going to take a lot of hard work and dedication, and also a lot of sacrifice from not only myself, but other guys on the team as well. I think that’s something we’re aware of, and it’s something we’ve accepted already. I think that’s why these guys also wanted me to be a part of this team. The potential is scary.”
1. LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers)
Contract: Four years, $154 million
LeBron James is a Laker. Let that sink in for a moment.
In one could be said as the biggest and most eye-popping NBA news of the past week, the greatest player of all time decided to take his talents to Hollywood.
LeBron is a transcendent player who has proven over the years that he can take any team to the Finals. Just look at his miracle work for the hapless Cleveland Cavaliers last season, helping them beat the Toronto Raptors and Boston Celtics en route to a fourth straight finals berth.
James is a player who can alter the NBA betting odds, and upon his move to LA, most betting lines gave the Purple and Gold the second-best chance of winning the title…only behind Golden State.
Los Angeles is a free-agent destination once again and props to Magic Johnson for hitting a home run this time.
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