Free agency started with a bang. Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving spurned the Knicks to go to the Nets. Khris Middleton signed the max with the Bucks. Tobias Harris did the same with the 76ers. Kemba finally escaped Charlotte. We’re still waiting on Kawhi Leonard, but free agency is a lot more than the top 5-10 free agents. With a large free agent class (nearly 40% of active players are NBA free agents) there are plenty of mid-tier moves that’ll alter the landscape of the NBA.
Malcolm Brogdon – Pacers – four-year, $85 million
With the retirement of Darren Collison, the departure of Bojan Bogdanovic, and the delayed return of Victor Oladipo, Indiana needed some firepower.
Enter Malcolm Brogdon.
A solid offensive option, an excellent defender, and a floor spacer (50/40/90 last season), Brogdon is poised to be a focal point for the Pacers’ attack. And, after playing for three years behind the likes of Giannis, Khris Middleton, and Eric Bledsoe, Brogdon should mesh well with Victor Oladipo when he returns from his injury. This gives the Pacers a formidable backcourt, as both members are capable of creating their own looks and defending at the highest levels. There are some concerns about his health (going all the way back to the 2016 draft), but he should play an important role on the Pacers.
Grade: A
Bojan Bogdanovic – Jazz – four-year, $73 million
The Jazz have been labeled as a defensive-minded team for the past few years. However, it’s been noticeable in the playoffs, and I mean noticeable in a bad way. Donovan Mitchell was usually the only shot-maker, which simply doesn’t cut it for a championship contender.
This offseason, the Jazz have become more lethal. The trade for Mike Conley finally gives the Jazz a PG that can score. The Bogdanovic signing gives the Jazz a gifted and underrated scorer. He’s not athletic enough to guard the perimeter, but he isn’t a liability (the Pacers managed to be an elite defensive team). Although he’s similar to Joe Ingles, there should be enough room for both of them. Bojan is on the wrong side of 30, but his game doesn’t rely on athleticism, so this contract shouldn’t be brutal in a few years.
Grade: B+
Harrison Barnes – Kings – four-year, $85 million
Harrison Barnes must have the best agent in the world. He’s a talented player, but he’s not worth roughly $20 million a year. Last season, after being traded to the Kings, he averaged 14.3 PPG on 45.5/40/80 shooting, good enough for a 12.3 PER and a 0.2 VORP. For perspective, Malcolm Brogdon got a nearly identical contract for a 17.8 PER and a 1.6 VORP.
It’s an overpay for sure, but his playoff experience from his Warriors days should be valuable for the upstart Kings. Although this signing didn’t get in the way of any goals this offseason, it still seems a little excessive.
Grade: C+
JJ Redick – Pelicans – two-year, $26 million
After the NBA draft, the consensus was that New Orleans would be a solid defensive team but a non-shooting team. Although Redick isn’t a solid defender, he does address the spacing issues. Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson, and Jaxson Hayes aren’t shooters. Jrue Holiday is a career league-average shooter but hasn’t shown that in recent seasons.
Redick won’t solve the issue altogether, but at least he makes the Pelicans a more complete team. Hopefully, this move allows their younger players to fill roles they’re comfortable with and develop into stars. The Pelicans probably still won’t make the playoffs, but this is a good move.
Grade: A–
NBA Free Agents are still signing, and the rumors should be swirling throughout the next month. Keep up to date with the coverage from the PerSources team