NBA Free Agency 2020: In a tightly packed NBA offseason, the NBA Free Agency 2020 started just 2 days after the NBA Draft 2020. While moves have been made by the teams and players left, right, and center, we bring you the 10 biggest moves since the opening weekend of the Free Agency.
While there are still the likes of Anthony Davis, Brandon Ingram who still have not signed a new deal, there is a lot of talent that has either re-signed or moved to a new team.
It is true that this year’s Free Agency does not have the star power like the NBA Free Agency 2019, where we saw the likes of Paul George and Kawhi Leonard move to the LA Clippers, it surely has players that can make the difference in the right team.
Also Read: Why did the LA Clippers not want Montrezl Harrell back?
Top 5 signings so far based on the scope of the contract, level of surprise, and potential impact:
Gordon Hayward to the Hornets: The 30-year-old opted out of his $34.2 million contract option with the Boston Celtics and became an unrestricted free agent. The Charlotte Hornets agreed to a deal with the forward worth $120 million over four years.
The Hornets are making a habit of overcompensating: Bismack Biyombo, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Nicolas Batum, Cody Zeller, Terry Rozier. At four years and a reported $120 million, Hayward might return to being the Utah Gordon Hayward.
Montrezl Harrell to the Lakers: The Sixth Man of the year Montrezl Harrell has shifted from the LA Clippers and sign a deal with the LA Lakers.
His agent Rich Paul confirmed the terms of the deal to ESPN. The deal is for two years and $19 million with an option for the second season. The Lakers used the mid-level exception on the deal. Hence, their salary cap will not be affected.
Danilo Gallinari to the Hawks. This was another big head-scratcher after Gordon Hayward. The Hawks committed three years, $61 million to someone who plays the same position as John Collins.
Although, the 32-year-old Italian had one of the best seasons of his career. He averaged 18.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.9 assists. He also shot 40.5 percent from three-point range.
Serge Ibaka to the Clippers. Serge Ibaka is more versatile and brings better shooting as the replacement for Montrezl Harrell. He’s also a proven fit in the pick and pop. You wonder, though, how much less of a defender he’ll be at an age (31) when that skill begins to decline.
Ibaka continued to be effective in the bubble as he averaged 16.2 points and 10.3 rebounds per 36 minutes.
Rajon Rondo to the Hawks. This is a practical addition to the Hawks. While Rondo will be a good tutor for Young, he can not play off the ball. Hence, the two can not be on the floor together for long stretches.
Rondo averaged 8.9 points, 6.6 assists, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.4 steals off the bench for the team. He also shot 40.0 percent from the three-point range in the playoffs.
Also Read: 4-time All-Star DeMarcus Cousins nearing a move to the Houston Rockets
