Free-Agency Madness

OKAY BASKETBALL FANS, ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED?

Free agency is only two days in, and things have been rather exciting. There are the reasonable re-signs, the massive extensions, the surprising signs, and finally the hilarity that is the Lakers trying to sign anybody at this point. Let’s jump in, shall we? Disclaimer: I am just a fan, I don’t claim to know everything and some of what I say might be blinded by being a fan.

Notable Re-signs:

As a Bulls fan, I have to go ahead and mention Jimmy Butler first in this section. After not signing the $40-44Million extension the Bulls management offered him, he played himself into a $90+ Million/5 year Max contract. Could he have made more money by having a shorter contract and then renegotiating after the next collective bargaining agreement? Sure. Bulls management made that pretty impossible by extending the max offer, so he probably made the wise choice to sign this contract instead of opting for a 3 year contract and waiting for the Bulls to match, retaining him any way. He seems genuinely happy to be in Chicago though, so LET’S GO.

Paul Millsap actually surprised me to a certain extent re-signing to the Hawks, thought maybe it shouldn’t surprise me. The Hawks were a legitimate contender at times last year, posting the best record in the eastern conference. Once the Hawks traded for Splitter, I thought it might mean sliding Horford down to the four and playing a larger lineup. That being said, Millsap’s ability to hit mid-range is going to continue being great for their spacing.

Finally in this category, Dwyane Wade. This was actually just released a few hours ago, but I’m not surprised. Honestly, it would be weird seeing D-Wade with anyone but Miami. After all, he has already won 4 rings there, and though they don’t have King James anymore, the team boasts a roster with Luol Deng, Chris Bosh, the surprising good big man Hassan Whiteside, and a tremendous rookie in Justice Winslow.

Massive Extensions:

There are only two in this category, and they are insanely large. First is Damian Lillard, who signed an extension of 5 years for $120 million. This contract is valued at that high based on projections of the CBA so it could change, but either way, the young man is going to be paid very well for a while by the Trail Blazers. If you haven’t heard, the other extension worth noting is Anthony Davis who agreed to a whopping $145 million extension. This number is unfathomable, and is the most lucrative contract penned right now. The man is a game changer and keeps getting better, by all projections he’ll be worth that money in the long run.

Surprises:

Free-Agency isn’t over, so its likely that DeAndre Jordan or LaMarcus Aldridge could sign a deal that throws us all for a loop. HOWEVER, there are two that have already made an impact.

First, Tyson Chandler is now on the Phoenix Suns. This, before free-agency is over and before the season has started, has already changed the playing field. First, LaMarcus Aldridge started to show interest in the Phoenix Suns, which he had no indication of wanting before. If you pair the floor spacing LA with Tyson’s defensive prowess and signature tap-out rebounds with all the guards the Suns have, you have a dangerous combo. I’m not saying LA will sign there, but it would be interesting to see how LA pairs with Chandler after Dirk and he were so successful in Dallas.

Get ready, Milwaukee, Greg is about to be a massive upgrade

Second, Greg Monroe signed to the Bucks. I love this signing, because the defense of the Bucks makes up for the deficiencies Monroe might have while also massively upgrading the center position. I worry he might slow down the offense, but at least with Jabari Parker likely starting at the four, there won’t be a log jam inside. Plus, he can play alongside Henson if they need size. Great sign.

Finally, the Lakers:

We don’t know what they’re doing either, Mamba.

Let me be very clear about this, I do not blame Kobe for what has happened in Los Angeles. Let’s face it, nobody wants to sign with a team who is mediocre, it doesn’t matter how great the city is. DeAndre Jordan was unimpressed by what the team had to offer, and how could you be surprised? He already plays in Los Angeles for the better (currently) team, and as good as he is, he needs help that the roster does not have. I also don’t see LA signing in LA because he turned down the Knicks when he learned that they wanted him at center. Would that team be better off to play LA and Randle or LA and Hill? I love Jordan Hill, but I don’t see that being the wise choice, or Sacre for that matter. What has made me mad through this entire process is that I keep seeing these predictions like:

Reasonable roster:

D’Angelo Russell, Kobe Bryant, (max free agent), Julius Randle, (Max Free agent)

The problem is, they don’t have the cap space to sign two max free agents. I get that the Lakers name means a lot, but you have to have a team to attract players. I wish the team success moving forward, I just wish people were more realistic with their projections. Also, I’m still salty they didn’t sign Jahlil, so hopefully Russell is as good as projected.

-Dave

ALSO, enjoy Game of Zones!