NBA free agency is in full swing, and as teams around the league continue to fill out their rosters for the 2024-25 season, here are our takeaways from some of the biggest signings so far this cycle.
PAUL GEORGE TO SIGN FOUR-YEAR, $212 MILLION DEAL WITH 76ERS
George’s five-year tenure alongside Kawhi Leonard in Los Angeles officially came to an end on Sunday after the star wing opted out of the final year of his contract with the Clippers, becoming an unrestricted free agent and the most sought-after player available in free agency.
As one of the only NBA teams with the cap space necessary to sign George to a max contract, the 76ers pounced on the opportunity and were able to get a deal done, and with that extra firepower, should contend with the Boston Celtics and Knicks in the Eastern Conference.
Philadelphia has realistic championship aspirations after adding George to the roster, now able to trot out a starting lineup that features him, seven-time All-Star Joel Embiid and All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey, who agreed to a five-year, $204 million extension with the club on Monday.
George averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.5 steals per game for the Clippers last season while shooting 47.1% from the field and a career-best 41.3% from 3-point range.
KLAY THOMPSON TO SIGN THREE-YEAR, $50 MILLION DEAL WITH MAVERICKS
After an 11-year run with the Golden State Warriors that saw four championships, five All-Star appearances and some of the greatest individual shooting performances the league has ever seen, Thompson’s time in the Bay Area was nothing short of historic.
The trio of him, Stephen Curry and Draymond Green had the third-most playoff wins as a trio in NBA history with 98. Thompson was the second-longest-tenured player with his current team before signing with Dallas, trailing only Curry.
Thompson reportedly had other four-year offers from other teams that would have paid more, but ultimately decided to chase his fifth championship with a Mavericks team that was three wins away from a title last season, giving Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving extra support from one of the best shooters in the game.
Thompson, 34, averaged 17.9 points while shooting 38.7% from deep last season.
ISAIAH HARTENSTEIN TO SIGN THREE-YEAR, $87 MILLION DEAL WITH THUNDER
After trading for Mikal Bridges and re-signing OG Anunoby to a lucrative extension, the Knicks’ hands were tied in terms of how much they could pay their other free agents, like Hartenstein, who ultimately decided to cash out with the Thunder following a breakout season in New York.
Hartenstein averaged 7.8 points and 8.3 rebounds across 75 games for the Knicks last season while shooting 64.4% from the field. He was one of just three players last season with at least 85 blocks and 85 steals, establishing himself as one of the top options in free agency for teams searching for help at center.
The most the Knicks could offer Hartenstein was four years, $72.5 million. Now he joins a stacked Thunder team that features Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams and newly-acquired defensive stopper Alex Caruso — a group that is sure to make plenty of noise in 2024-25 after being the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference last season.
CHRIS PAUL TO SIGN ONE-YEAR, $11 MILLION DEAL WITH SPURS
There is something poetic about this move for the Spurs, pairing a future Hall of Famer in Paul with a generational prospect in Victor Wembanyama, whom at 20 years old is just scratching the surface of what many believe will be his own Hall of Fame career.
Paul, a 12-time All-Star and four-time All-NBA first-team selection, averaged 9.2 points, 6.8 assists and 1.2 steals for the Warriors last season. While his opportunity with Golden State did not work out as planned, he now has a chance to both contribute and serve as a mentor for the Spurs’ younger players such as Wembanyama, Jeremy Sochan and former UConn standout Stephon Castle.
While San Antonio went 22-60 last season and missed the playoffs, having Paul in the fold will almost certainly result in a more competitive 2024-25 campaign.
OTHER NOTABLE SIGNINGS
Clippers sign James Harden to two-year, $70 million contract; Pacers sign Obi Toppin to four-year, $60 million contract; Lakers sign Max Christie to four-year, $32 million contract; Celtics sign Luke Kornet to one-year contract; Clippers sign Kevin Porter Jr. to two-year contract; Suns sign Mason Plumlee to one-year contract; Mavericks sign Naji Marshall to a three-year, $27 million contract; 76ers sign Eric Gordon will to one-year, $3.3 million contract; Wizards sign Jonas Valanciunas to three-year, $30 million contract; 76ers sign Andre Drummond to two-year contract; Heat sign Kevin Love to two-year, $8 million contract; 76ers sign Kelly Oubre Jr. to two-year, $16.3 million contract; Clippers sign Derrick Jones Jr. to three-year, $30 million contract; Magic sign Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to three-year contract; Jazz sign Drew Eubanks to two-year, $10 million contract; Oklahoma City signs Isaiah Joe to four-year, $48 million contract; Pistons sign Tobias Harris to two-year, $52 million contract.
