The start of NBA free agency starts with a bang every year, and so far days one and two have delivered. The whirlwind has swept players to new teams and has started to change the landscape of the NBA. While many of the top free agents opted to stay with their current teams, some free agents are heading for greener pastures, and others are still undetermined. Let’s take a look at the best free agency signings so far this offseason.
Khris Middleton re-signs with Milwaukee
The Bucks wasted no time in locking in a key figure in their future plans, as they inked Middleton to a 5-year, $70 million deal. The deal figures to be a steal given Middleton’s improved production and room to grow over the next few years. Given that the salary cap is going to skyrocket, the Bucks got their guy for a bargain, and successfully kept him from taking his talents elsewhere. This deal was a win-win for both parties, and the Bucks were able to use some of that leftover cash on another big deal.
Greg Monroe signs with Milwaukee
Some of that money that Middleton left on the table went to the Bucks’ biggest free agent signing: Greg Monroe. The big man wasn’t happy in Detroit and decided his future was best suited in Milwaukee. Now the Bucks have a young team with a presence in the middle, and Monroe should fit well in Jason Kidd’s offensive scheme. Monroe signed a 3-year, $50 million max deal, and revealed that he had his pick of the same deal with different teams. Perhaps it’s a sign of changing times that he chose Milwaukee over teams like the Knicks and Lakers.
Goran Dragic re-signs with Miami
The Miami Heat wasted little time in making sure their point guard spot was secure by re-signing Dragic to a 5-year, $90 million deal. Dragic showed some signs of gelling with his teammates, and now with Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade returning next season, he heads one of the most formidable starting fives in the eastern conference. Dragic’s unique skill set should blossom in Miami as he becomes more comfortable in the system, and he’s still young enough to justify the deal’s length. Overall, this was another home run for Miami this offseason.
Danny Green re-signs with San Antonio
In perhaps the steal of free agency so far, the Spurs got Danny Green to re-sign for a 4-year, $45 million deal. Green was being offered much more by other teams, but showed that he is committed to the team that brought him into the spotlight as one of the best shooters in the league. The deal was great in the sense that it cleared up some cap space to re-sign Tim Duncan, Kawhi Leonard, and possibly have enough space to lure in LaMarcus Aldridge, who was interested in San Antonio.
Tyson Chandler signs with Phoenix
Also in the LaMarcus Aldridge hunt is Phoenix, who signed Tyson Chandler to bolster their case for bringing him in. Chandler was reportedly at the meeting that Phoenix had with Aldridge, as he recently signed a 4-year, $52 million deal to patrol the paint in Phoenix. The deal means the Suns are going full-forward as a contender next season, and look to have a strong presence anchoring them now. The money and length of the contract may have been a bit too much, but it’s hard to blame a team that has missed the playoffs by a single game for the last two seasons for going for it.
Monta Ellis signs with Indiana
The Pacers also made a huge move in free agency, bringing in a guard they have coveted for a while by inking Ellis to a 4-year, $44 million contract. The deal also has an option for Ellis to return to free agency after two years, which is good for both sides as Ellis has had a history of wearing out his welcome. The Pacers needed a good combo guard who could score from the 2-position, and Ellis absolutely fits that mold. Now the Pacers have a formidable backcourt and, and Ellis should benefit from a healthy Paul George. Overall, this deal was the right length with the right amount of money, and Ellis and the Pacers are both a great fit for each other.