Early on Monday morning, free agent wing Paul George signed to a four-year max contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, setting off the summer’s first major domino effect. The 76ers and guard Tyrese Maxey reached an extension agreement shortly after, the New York Knicks lost center Isaiah Hartenstein to the Oklahoma City Thunder, and Tobias Harris joined the Detroit Pistons.
On the first day of free agency, however, there was still a lot of activity. Guard Chris Paul, 39, decided to join Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs after the Golden State Warriors rejected his team option. While Jonas Valanciunas inked a three-year contract with the Washington Wizards, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope agreed to a three-year, $66 million agreement with the Orlando Magic. In other news, Kevin Love has decided to return to the Miami Heat after agreeing to a two-year contract, while James Harden has decided to rejoin the Los Angeles Clippers.
Two free agents made the decision to rejoin their original teams prior to the NBA draft. A night after the Miami Heat acquired Mikal Bridges, center Bam Adebayo consented to a three-year, $166 million agreement to stay with the team. Meanwhile, forward OG Anunoby plans to sign a five-year, $212.5 million contract with the New York Knicks.
In the first week of free agency, what other significant transactions are being completed? Which contracts are going to receive a “A”? Kevin Pelton of ESPN NBA Insiders responds to the most recent contract news and examines the implications for the league going forward.