The 2024 NBA free agency did not disappoint given the flurry of moves we’ve seen this summer.
The NBA 2024 odds have the Celtics as the favourite to win it all again because they kept the majority of their core, but they’ll face stiff competition against the 29 other teams.
The Sixers and the Knicks are the two teams that can challenge the Celtics in the Eastern Conference after adding two of the top two-way players in the NBA, while the Mavericks, whom the Celtics defeated in the Finals, reloaded by adding an established veteran.
The Kings are also a team to look out for, as they signed one of the most clutch players in the league to add to their already strong roster.
Without further ado, SBOTOP lists the players that made these four teams a whole lot better ahead of the new campaign.
Paul George, Philadelphia Sixers
The Sixers haven’t made it to the NBA Finals since 2001, and they’re looking to end their drought once and for all. After coming off yet another early exit last season, Philadelphia retooled their roster, starting with their free agency signing of Paul George.
George is coming off his healthiest campaign as a member of the Clippers, averaging 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.5 steals on 47.1-per cent shooting in 74 regular season games last season.
He became an unrestricted free agent when the Clippers reportedly didn’t give him the extension he wanted, so George agreed to a four-year, $212 million contract with Philadelphia.
The Sixers now have a Big 3 of Paul George, Joel Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey. Maxey, the reigning Most Improved Player of the Year, was also given a lucrative deal in the form of a five-year, $204 million extension.
Since Paul George is not getting any younger, he wouldn’t mind being the team’s third option since all he cares about is finally winning his first NBA championship.
Mikal Bridges, New York Knicks
There’s a buzz in New York following their deep playoff run last season, and it just got bigger with the acquisition of Mikal Bridges from the Nets.
Mikal Bridges’ numbers last season dropped down to 19.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists on 43.6-per cent shooting. However, Bridges is the quintessential Tom Thibodeau player because he is exceptional on the defencive end, and he doesn’t miss games.
Chemistry won’t be a problem for the Knicks, as their core has played together in college. Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, Donte DiVincenzo, and Mikal Bridges all played for Villanova, and they can finally create new NBA 2024 highlights together.
The Knicks fanbase is arguably the most rabid group in the NBA, and right now they feel they have a chance to compete for the NBA championship because of the shrewd moves done by their front office.
Klay Thompson, Dallas Mavericks
The Mavericks lost to the Celtics in the NBA Finals last season because they struggled to generate offence outside of Luka Doncic, and it didn’t help that Kyrie Irving never got it going during the series.
With the addition of Klay Thompson, Dallas’ offence will be much better than it was last year because of his ability to space the floor with his outside shooting.
Klay Thompson may already be a four-time NBA champion, but he will be playing with a chip on his shoulder after coming off a down year by his lofty standards.
The five-time NBA All-Star averaged 17.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists while shooting 43.2-per cent from the field and 38.7-per cent from three-point range in 2023-24.
According to reports, Thompson will have the opportunity to regain his mojo, as the Mavericks will play him a lot at the starting small forward position.
DeMar DeRozan, Sacramento Kings
The Kings took advantage of the Bulls’ impending rebuild by completing a sign-and-trade to get DeMar DeRozan.
The six-time NBA All-Star played 79 regular season games, averaging 24.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.1 steals in a league-high 37.8 minutes per night. DeRozan also finished as the runner-up for the NBA Clutch Player of the Year award behind Stephen Curry of the Warriors.
The addition of DeMar DeRozan gives Sacramento another elite scorer alongside De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis. He will likely be their go-to guy in close games down the stretch. DeRozan likes this move so much that he predicted the Kings to make the Western Conference Finals next season. Similar to Paul George, DeMar DeRozan has been longing to win his first NBA championship with Sacramento since he just turned 35 last month.
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