The craziness that is NBA free agency has lived up to the hype. The shift of power between teams has already taken place. Listed below are the major signings and my grades for these moves.

Kawhi Leonard: Signs with Los Angeles Clippers, 4 years 142 million
Grade: A
Well at last the Clippers land a game changing free agent for their franchise. The magic of Jerry West works again, and Steve Ballmer has given his fans a lot to cheer for. Kawhi is one of if not the best player in the NBA. With his ability to take over on the offensive or defensive end. He will step in right away and lead a team who made the playoffs without a superstar last year. Big kudos to the Clippers beating out their rival the Los Angeles Lakers in a bid for Kawhi.

Kevin Durant: Signs with the Brooklyn Nets, Contract: 4 years 164 million
Grade: A
This is a mega signing for the Brooklyn Nets. They get arguably the best player in the NBA for the next four years. He will be joining forces with Kyrie Irving to set up a new super team in Brooklyn. The catch however, Durant is likely to miss the entire 2019-2020 season after suffering a Achilles tear in the NBA finals. This team will not be full strength until next year, but this is worth the risk to get one of the best players of the modern era.

Kyrie Irving: Signs with Brooklyn Nets, Contract: 4 years 142 million
Grade: B+
Kyrie Irving had issues being the go to guy in Boston, and it led to an exit in the second round of the playoff with the Celtics. Despite that, there is no denying that Kyrie is one of the best point guards in the NBA. He will be tasked with being the number one option next year with Durant injured, but the expectations should be tempered until KD actually returns. The Brooklyn Nets made some power moves this offseason to prove they are the premier team in New York.

Kemba Walker: Signs with Boston Celtics, Contract: 4 years 141 million
Grade: B+
This was a nice recovery for the Celtics after having Kyrie leave in free agency. Walker has been one of the most underrated point guards in the NBA for years. He knows how to function as the number one option for a franchise. He isn’t the same passer or ball handler as Kyrie, but arguably a better pure scorer. I also believe he is a better locker room fit since Irving rubbed teammates the wrong way. This was a solid response by Danny Ainge and company.

Jimmy Butler: Signs with Miami Heat, Contract: 4 years 142 million
Grade: B+
This will actually be a sign and trade with Josh Richardson headed to the Philadelphia 76ers in return. The Heat needed a new face of their franchise with Dwyane Wade retiring. Butler is a multiple time all-star who is one of the better players in the league. He is elite in terms of creating his own shot, has improved his perimeter shooting, and is a still a elite on ball defender. However, Butler has made multiple stops over the years for being a problem at times in the locker room. Butler and Whitside in the same locker room could be a disaster. He also is a bit older than other free agents, as he will be 30 years old by the time the season starts. This deal is risky, but has certainly improved the Heat’s roster.

D’Angelo Russell: Sign and Trade to Golden State Warriors, Contract 4 years 117 million
Grade: B
Only the Warriors could find a way to redeem themselves after losing Kevin Durant. They pick up one of the brightest young stars in the NBA today in D’Angelo Russell. Russell is very confident, solid ball handler, consistent shooter, and versatile with his size and length on defense. It will be interesting how he fits the Warriors roster because his natural position is point guard. I expect him and Steph Curry to play hybrid positions between the point and shooting guard position. This is a heck of a get for the Warriors after losing KD.

Klay Thompson: Re-signs with the Golden State Warriors, Contract: 5 years 190 million
Grade: B+
There is no denying the Warriors could not afford to let go of Klay Thompson. Before he left game six of the NBA finals with an injury, he single handily was carrying Golden State. He is a fantastic shooter, defender, and has become a more consistent player in terms of creating his own shot. The only reason I don’t give this acquisition an A is the fact that Klay suffered a torn ACL. We will have to wait and see if this injury has a lasting affect.

Khris Middleton: Re-signs with the Milwaukee Bucks, Contract: 5 years 178 million
Grade: C+
I like Middleton’s ability as a two way player, and he is the perfect fit next to Giannis. He is a solid all-around player, but this could be a major overpay. This massive commitment to a player below premium status could hurt the Bucks long term financial expenditures. They already have paid the price by having to sign and trade Malcolm Brogdon to avoid deeper luxury tax penalties.

Tobias Harris: Re-signs with the Philadelphia 76ers, Contract: 5 years 180 million
Grade: C+
Harris had a career year last year averaging 20 points a game and 8 rebound per game. He like Middleton, is a super version of a 3 and D player who can play multiple positions. The 76ers paid a heavy price to get Harris and Butler at the trade deadline last year. They couldn’t afford to let both of them walk in free agency. Harris is a nice player, but may not be enough to put Philly over the top. Especially after the activity by the Nets and Celtics in free agency.

Kristaps Porzingis: Re-signs with Dallas Mavericks, Contract: 5 years 158 million
Grade: B
Porzingis is a special talent who has a ton of versatility for a man standing at 7’3. The Mavericks took a risk and traded for him with the hope of locking him up long term. They accomplished their goal, and have set themselves up with two bright young stars for the future. There is a heavy amount of risk involved because of Porzingis inability to stay healthy. Also, he has had a series of off the court issues since arriving in Dallas. This is a high risk, high reward situation for Dallas.

Nikola Vucevic: Re-signs with Orlando Magic, Contract: 4 years 100 million
Grade: C
A bit of a surprise that Vucevic actually re-signed with Orlando. Most people assumed after drafting Mo Bamba that the writing was on the wall. Vucevic however, is coming off his first all-star year averaging a double-double. The Magic obviously like Vucevic’s game, leadership, and commitment to their team. He is still a dependable player, but the Magic are needing a point guard in a bad way.

DeMarcus Cousins: Signs with Los Angeles Lakers, Contract: 1 year contract 2.3 million
Grade: B+
DeMarcus Cousins at one point was arguably the best center in the NBA. Injuries have delayed his progress, and greatly hampered his ability to contribute. He showed flashes of dominance in his short stint with Golden State, but was certainly a shell of himself compared to the Sacramento days. Cousins is still a solid offensive and defensive rebounder. He also has the ability to score inside and outside the paint. The fit could be weird with L.A, Cousins did not mesh well on the court with Anthony Davis during their time together in New Orleans. However, the Lakers had to make a move to counterbalance against the major signings and trades by the Clippers. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Cousins used as a super sixth man with offense off the bench for L.A. This is Cousins last chance to rebuild his value in the hopes of getting a long term deal.

Julius Randle: Signs with New York Knicks, Contract: 3 years 63 million
Grade: B+
The epic plans for a franchise changing offseason has crumbled for the Knicks. They missed out on Zion, missed on Durant and Irving, and basically traded away Porzingis for cap space. The team had to make some type of move, and I actually like the pickup of Randle. He will be a good, young leader in that locker room, and a nice combo beside the developing Mitchell Robinson. The 3rd year of this deal is a team option so the deal won’t become a long term liability if Randle struggles. Randle had a monster season for the Pelicans boasting career numbers across the board.

Al Horford: Signs with Philadelphia 76ers, Contract: 4 years 109 million
Grade: B
The 76ers are finally revealed as the mystery team chasing after Horford. Philadelphia at the very least has removed the Joel Embiid kryptonite. Seriously, Horford is a very unselfish player, and is a high character leader in the locker room. He is a big man who can pass, he has become a consistent shooter, and is still a high level defender. This is a risky contract because Horford is 33 years old. This could hurt the 76ers long term financial flexibility giving so much money guaranteed to Horford and Tobias Harris on the same day. Seeing the 76ers lineup will be interesting because they are obviously going heavy on the front court.

Bojan Bogdanovic: Signs with Utah Jazz, Contract: 4 years 73 million
Grade: B+
The Utah Jazz have quietly had themselves quite an offseason. They traded for the underrated Mike Conley, and now add a versatile forward with multiple strengths. Bogdanovic can play small or power forward, and has the skills to get it done on both ends. His shooting ability is the biggest attraction for the Jazz as they need perimeter threats by Donovan Mitchell. This move gives the Jazz one of the most balanced starting lineups in the NBA.

Brook Lopez: Re-signs with Milwaukee Bucks, Contract: 4 years 52 million
Grade: B
Lopez had a solid year for the Bucks this past season, and was a leader on the court. He has become a reliable shooter from distance, consistent rebounder, and solid defender. Lopez was one of the few centers that fit the style of play Mike Budenholzer implores. The Bucks were more concerned with keeping the core together that made it to the Eastern Conference Finals than chasing other free agents.

DeAndre Jordan: Signs with Brooklyn Nets, Contract: 4 years 40 million
Grade: B
The main reason Jordan is being signed by the Nets is because of his friendship with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. Jordan can still play above the rim, and will fit well alongside Kyrie. Some of Jordan’s best years were playing with an elite point guard in Chris Paul, and now he is teamed up with Irving. Jordan and Jarrett Allen should be a formidable one two punch at the center position.

Malcolm Brogdon: Sign and trade to Indiana Pacers, Contract: 4 years 85 million
Grade: B
The Bucks declined to overextend their cap situation in order to keep Brogdon. They were able to at the very least pick up a first round pick and two second round picks. The former Rookie of the Year, Brogdon has a impressive all-around game that Indiana obviously liked. He has the ability to play on or off the ball, can shoot, and plays solid defense as well. The concern with Brogdon is his health as he has dealt with multiple injuries in his short career. There is some risk for Indiana, but they had to make a move to give Victor Oladipo some much needed help. Especially after Bogdanovic left in free agency, and Darren Collison elected to retire.

Danny Green: Signs with Los Angeles Lakers, Contract: 2 years 30 million
Grade: C+
Green is a super valued 3 and D type of player that most of the league is infatuated with at the moment. The Lakers likely increased their offer after Leonard decided not to join them via free agency. Green is a veteran leader who knows how to hit big shots. He will space the floor for Lebron and Davis giving the Lakers another scoring option.

J.J. Redick: Signs with New Orleans Pelicans, Contract: 2 years 26.5 million
Grade: A
Kind of surprising to see Redick looking for a championship ring sign with such a young roster. However, I think this is a underrated steal for the Pelicans in free agency. Redick is a big shot maker, proven vet, and marksmen from the perimeter. He will be a great leader for this young team, and gives them some much needed diversity to their offensive attack. This is similar to his move of joining the young, developing 76ers a few years ago.

Harrison Barnes: Re-signs with Sacramento Kings, Contract: 4 years 85 million
Grade: C+
Barnes is a dependable player who can create his own shot, and also defend at a respectable level. This is a bit of an overpay in my view by the Kings for a position of need. They obviously wanted to see Barnes long term instead of half a year. He is a high character guy who will be a leader on and off the floor.

Nikola Mirotic: Signs with Barcelona (EuroLeague)
Grade: N/A
A bit of a shocker since Mirotic was projected to get a 40 to 50 million dollar deal from an NBA team. Mirotic obviously wants to return closer to home in Europe, and will have a chance to be the best player in the EuroLeague.

Marcus Morris: Signs with New York Knicks, Contract: 1 years 15 million
Grade: C
Morris is a solid power forward who can strech the floor, do the little things, and lead by example. He was one of the voices of reason in the Celtics locker room, and always competes at a high level. He has improved as a shooter and defender as his career has advanced. The fit is super odd as the Knicks have already signed several power forwards. I don’t understand what the strategy is for the frontcourt heavy Knicks.

Jonas Valanciunas: Re-signs with Memphis Grizzlies, Contract: 3 years 45 million
Grade: B+
A bit of a steal at only 45 million for a walking double-double in Valanciunas. Jonas’s number skyrocketed upwards after being traded from Toronto to Memphis. He is a old-school center who plays with his back to the basket. He will be a nice piece to have alongside the Ja Morant era in Memphis.

Thaddeus Young: Signs with Chicago Bulls, Contract: 3 years 41 million
Grade: C+
Young is a workhouse who fights for every rebound and loose ball. He has an ability to score with offensive tip in’s, a mid-range jumper, and can run in transition. The Bulls needed a power forward, but this is an odd fit for a team that is rebuilding. They basically benched all of their veterans last year in favor of the youth movement. Maybe the Bulls fill they are closer than we expect.

Rudy Gay: Re-signs with San Antonio Spurs, Contract: 2 years 36 million
Grade: C+
Gay is a proven veteran who is still capable of scoring the basketball. The Spurs are familiar with Gay, and you can never have too much scoring. The Spurs overpaid a bit here probably to keep him from switching teams.

Ricky Rubio: Signs with Phoenix Suns, Contract: 3 years 51 million
Grade: C
This was a massive overpay for a position of need by the Suns. Rubio is the perfect stylistic fit of what the Suns need. However, there are other point guards on the market who would’ve been much cheaper. The Suns could have used their cap space, and made a run at Malcolm Brogdon or D’Angelo Russell who are younger with more upside. Instead they decided to overpay for an average point guard. Rubio should help Ayton get better looks, and also improve the teams overall ball movement.

Derrick Rose: Signs with Detroit Pistons, Contract: 2 years 15 million
Grade: A
Rose had a redemption year last season with Minnesota Timberwolves. He showed he still has something left in the tank, and can still consistently get buckets. The Pistons desperately needed some bench scoring, and Rose solves that issue right away. The contract is also very affordable compared to other free agent signings.

Al-Farouq Aminu: Signs with Orlando Magic, Contract: 3 years 29 million
Grade: B+
This is actually an underrated pickup for the Magic getting a well-rounded player for cheap. Aminu can play the 3 or the 4, and has above average defensive skills. Aminu is also a capable rebounder who can occasionally hit the three. He improves the Magic’s bench with his defense alone.

Willy-Cauley Stein: Signs with the Golden State Warriors
Grade: A
Once again the Warriors strike with a underrated signing of a young man with loads of potential. Cauley Stein has the ability to run in transition, protect the rim, and rebound at a high level. He is not a gifted scorer, but having Curry and Russell will make his life easier. The only knock against Willy is at times he can be a problem in the locker room. Having a veteran like Draymond Green in his ear will help him develop.

Photo Credit: https://www.upi.com/Sports_News/NBA/2019/06/17/Kawhi-Leonard-wears-Board-Man-Gets-Paid-shirt-at-Raptors-parade/1041560788068/