The NBA's silly season shifted into third-gear with the advent of free agency the weekend before Thanksgiving. And now that the 2020 class of unrestricted and restricted free agents have finally signed new deals, it's our duty to grade the decisions made collectively by teams and players.
While this year's class wasn't anywhere near as sexy as 2019's that was headlined by Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, Kyrie Irving, Jimmy Butler, and a bunch of other certified stars, the 2020 cadre of free agents featured one bonafide top 5 player followed by a number of difference makers who have All-Star potential or have already made a game or two. After that, NBA squads filled out their roster with role players and bench depth with names we're all familiar with and we all have opinions on.
According to Spotrac, there were 213 free agents available that either spent time with a team last season or signed a contract. Not all of them inked a new deal, and surely we're not here to grade every single free agent signing. But for the names that matter and for the moves that warrant it, the Complex Sports squad handed out specific grades.
Anthony Davis - Los Angeles Lakers
Deal: 5 years/$190 million
Grade: A+
After locking up LeBron James through the 2022-23 season with an $85 million extension just as training camp opened, the Lakers finished off their awesome offseason by signing LeBron's co-star to a massive deal. It was reported that Davis was going to consider a 1-and-1 or 2-and-1 deal for specific financial reasons before news broke about the James extension. But knowing James is there for three more seasons changed the equation so Davis and his reps at Klutch Sports went big—he'll be a Laker through at least the 2023-24 season since the fifth year is a player option. There was never any doubt Davis, 27, was signing with any team other than Los Angeles, but the fact the purple and gold got four guaranteed years out of Davis, instead of one or two, and saved a little money locking him up for so long means they crushed it out of the park.
All-NBA forward Anthony Davis is finalizing a five-year, $190M maximum contract to stay with the Los Angeles Lakers, @KlutchSports CEO Rich Paul tells ESPN. The deal includes an early termination option prior to fifth season in 2024-2025. Deal could be signed as soon as today.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 3, 2020
Brandon Ingram - New Orleans Pelicans
Deal: 5 years/$158 million
Grade: A-
There was never any fear Ingram was going to take his talents elsewhere because the restricted free agent wasn't going to get the kind of money from any other team. Regardless, the 23-year-old scorer who made his first All-Star team last season is a foundational piece for the young Pelicans under new coach Stan Van Gundy. As long as he and Zion Williamson stay healthy, those two should easily morph into one of the NBA's most dynamic duo for years to come. And as long as Ingram continues to refine his offensive game he'll be worth those eye-popping dollars.
New Orleans Pelicans All-Star F Brandon Ingram has agreed to a five-year, $158 million maximum contract extension, his agents Jeff Schwartz and Jordan Gertler of @excelsm_bball tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 24, 2020
Gordon Hayward - Charlotte Hornets
Deal: 4 years/$120 million
Grade: C
Just wow. This is probably the biggest shock of NBA free agency so far. The Hornets came out of nowhere and gave Gordon Hayward $30 million per year and every year is guaranteed. Get that money, Gordon. For the Hornets, this seems like a huge investment for a player who simply hasn't been healthy over the past few seasons, but with LaMelo Ball in town, they appear to be all about adding talent. Wild move.
Goran Dragic - Miami Heat
Deal: 2 years/$37.4 million
Grade: A
The first deal in NBA free agency is Goran Dragic going back to the Miami Heat on a two-year deal worth $37.4 million with a team option for the second year. We're giving this signing an easy "A" because Dragic was not only very good for the Heat last season, but that team option means the Heat are keeping their cap space open when Giannis becomes a free agent. Some next level stuff from Pat Riley here.
Fred VanVleet - Toronto Raptors
Deal: 4 years/$85 million
Grade: A-
Congrats to VanVleet who bet on himself and just got paid for it, re-upping with the Raptors for another four years (with a player option for a fifth). Yeah, it might seem like a lot of money for someone who was coming off the bench for Toronto's championship squad two years ago, but VanVleet is one of the most productive combo guards in the game despite his small stature and slotted seemlessly into the starting lineup this past season. EVERY team would love to have VanVleet, but he stuck with the Raptors—who were overwhelming favorites to re-sign him heading into free agency—beacuse of comfort, familiarity, loyalty, and Toronto's ability to shell out major dollars to someone who has become one of the franchise's most indispensible players.
Breaking: Fred VanVleet has agreed to a four-year, $85 million deal to re-sign with the Raptors, agent Brian Jungreis of Parlay Sports & Entertainment told The Athletic.
The deal includes a player option for the final season of the contract, a source confirmed to ESPN. pic.twitter.com/KzjyOi72Cv
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) November 21, 2020
Montrezl Harrell - Los Angeles Lakers
Deal: 2 years/$19 million
Grade: A
The Lakers acquired the reigning Sixth Man of the Year to address a bench that clearly needed an offensive upgrade. Even sweeter, the purple and gold snatched Harrell away from their Staples Center co-tenants, the Clippers. The Lakers signed a much better energy guy and offensive threat than any bench player was for them last season. Harrell is not the defender/rim protector Dwight Howard or JaVale McGeee is, but pairing him with Anthony Davis (safely assuming he re-ups with the Lakers) is going to be hell for opponents to defend. And Harrell should develop a nice pick-and-roll tandem with Dennis Schroder when they're on the court together. Bottom line, the Lakers got better and deeper at the expense of their little brother and still left themselves room to take care of other business. He might not play during crunch time in the playoffs, but we find it hard to knock to this signing.
Montrezl Harrell is planning to sign with the Lakers for two years and $19 million with second season being a player option, agent Rich Paul tells ESPN
— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) November 21, 2020
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope - Los Angeles Lakers
Deal: 3 years/$40 million
Grade: A-
It seems like the Lakers just dished out a lot of money to KCP. But considering he was arguably Los Angeles's third best player in the NBA Finals and they owned his Bird rights, we'll give the Lakers props for retaining Caldwell-Pope's services for not a ton more than what he was making the past two seasons (roughly $8.3 million per). Wing scoring and some defense to complement LeBron and AD (presumably), the Lakers should be very happy to have KCP back.
Third year for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and the Lakers contains a partial guarantee, sources say. The deal gives him a $15M average salary over next two seasons and $68M guaranteed over five years -- and last year's championship ring soon. https://t.co/LssARAoEpV
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 22, 2020
Wes Matthews - Los Angeles Lakers
Deal: 1-year/$3.6 million
Grade: B+
The rich get richer. Not only did the Lakers already add Dennis Schroeder via trade before the draft, they've now replaced Danny Green on the wing by signing Wes Matthews. This is a steal for the Lakers, who now get a verstile wing player who shoots over 35 percent from downtown. As we said, this just adds to the Lakers, who still have Anthony Davis and LeBron James. They're clearly reloading for another run at at title.
Marc Gasol - Los Angeles Lakers
Deal: 2 years/$5.3 million
Grade: A-
Looks like Gasol finally ends up being the Lakers starting center after he was drafted by the purple and gold in 2007. Gasol's addition is contingent on a deal involving JaVale McGee—as has been widely reported—in a complicated multi-team trade. Regardless, the Lakers for sure upgraded in the paint.
Free agent Marc Gasol has agreed to a deal with the Lakers, source tells @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 23, 2020
Bogdan Bogdanovic - Atlanta Hawks
Deal: 4 years/$72 million
Grade: B+
The restricted free agent ends up in the Eastern Conference, just not with the team we originally thought. The proposed deal to send Bogdanovic to the Bucks fell through for comical reasons and Milwaukee's loss is Atlanta's big gain as they landed another deep threat who further stretches their offense. Yeah, Atlanta probably overpaid for Bogdanovic, but that's what happens when you go after restricted free agents. Regardless, he's a significant upgrade as Bogdanovic appears to be the final big free agent addition in Atlanta's push to make the playoffs next season—and for many years to come.
The Sacramento Kings have declined to match the Atlanta Hawks’ four-year, $72 million offer sheet for restricted free agent guard Bogdan Bogdanovic, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 25, 2020
Rajon Rondo - Atlanta Hawks
Deal: 2 years/$15 million
Grade: B
So much for chasing another title. A popular narrative was that the 34-year-old Rondo would either re-sign with the Lakers after helping them win a title or hitch his wagon to another contender. But Rondo decided to head east for a backup role with the Hawks and get more money. Make no mistake, this is a great signing for the Hawks who get Rondo's services for one year and, if he's still productive, can potentially use him as a trade chip in year two of the deal. While Rondo got a significant pay raise over the $2.6 million veteran minimum he made last season, this deal isn't excessive for the Hawks if Rondo stays healthy. The Hawks are for sure building something and with the moves they've made this offseason should be in the mix for a playoff spot in the East. But Rondo's signing with Atlanta was still surprising, nonetheless, since it's far-fetched to think of the Hawks as anything more than a first-round exit in the playoffs kind of team this upcoming season. And we all know Rondo can still contribute in a big way for a team with loftier expectations than Atlanta.
Breaking: Rajon Rondo has agreed to a two-year, $15M contract with the Atlanta Hawks, sources tell @wojespn. pic.twitter.com/SfcLb3dWP1
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) November 21, 2020
Danilo Gallinari - Atlanta Hawks
Deal: 3 years/$61.5 million
Grade: B-
Good for Gallo to get paid. The Hawks are clearing going for it and making a big investment here to pair alongside Trae Young. Can't blame them, but does this mean John Collins is potentially expendable? That would be interesting. Regardless, Gallo is going to put up buckets and that's what Atlanta needs next to Young and that core.
Marcus Morris - Los Angeles Clippers
Deal: 4 years/$64 million
Grade: B
Considering the Clippers gave up a first-round pick for Morris at the trade deadline last season, and competent 3-and-D players are rarer than we all think, it was pretty damn imperative Los Angeles re-sign Morris. Even more so after the Clippers lost the services of Montrezl Harrell to the rival Lakers. It's not terrible money for someone who slots in as the Clippers starting power forward. Morris's numbers took a dip (as was expected) when he was traded from the Knicks, but his size and ability to hit the outside shot are desperately needed by the Clippers who hope to rebound from their massively disappointing early exit in the playoffs. You just worry about Morris, 31, aging during this pact.
Free agent Marcus Morris has agreed to return to the Clippers on a four-year, $64M deal, a source tells @wojespn. pic.twitter.com/ckZG4NhgyC
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) November 21, 2020
Serge Ibaka - Los Angeles Clippers
Deal: 2 years/$19 million
Grade: A
Looks like a great deal for all parties involved. The Clippers needed a dynamic big body coming off the bench after losing Montrezl Harrell to the Lakers and Ibaka fits the bill. The 30-year-old will provide rebounding, rim protection, and switchability with his big, athletic frame while also stretching defenses way better than Harrell could since Ibaka can confidently knock down threes. The second year of the deal is a player option and considering Kawhi Leonard and Paul George can opt-out of their deals next summer, it was smart of Ibaka to negotiate his own out.
The deal will include a player option in the second year, per @wojespn. https://t.co/npg86gh9oj
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) November 22, 2020
Joe Harris - Brooklyn Nets
Deal: 4 years/$75 million
Grade: A-
Retaining the services of one of the best 3-point shooters in the game did not come cheap, but it was necessary and the Nets are winners for not losing Harris to another Eastern Conference squad. Brooklyn took advantage of having Harris's Bird rights and their ability to go over the cap to re-sign one of their own free agents will pay dividends this upcoming season. We all know Brooklyn has great scorers and legit shooters galore, but none of them—we're talking about Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Caris LeVert, and Spencer Dinwiddie—can light it up from deep like Harris can.
Breaking: Free agent Joe Harris has agreed to a four-year, $75M deal to return to the Brooklyn Nets, his agent Mark Bartelstein tells @wojespn. pic.twitter.com/obL5iFXNNo
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) November 21, 2020
Jeff Green - Brooklyn Nets
Deal: 1 year/$2.6 million
Grade: A
The versatile Green, who can still score/shoot and give you a solid 20 minutes a night at age 34, for only the veteran's minimum? Well done, Brooklyn.
Free agent Jeff Green has agreed to a deal with the Brooklyn Nets, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 21, 2020
Carmelo Anthony - Portland Trail Blazers
Deal: 1 year/$2.6 million
Grade: B+
Anthony found a nice fit in Portland, fell in love with basketball all over again after spending time out of the league, and now the two will run it back following a pretty successful 58 games and a brief appearance in the playoffs this past season. While the future Hall of Famer averaged 15.8 PPG for the Blazers, there are questions about whether Anthony, 36, might have to revert back to a role coming off the bench (like he did in Houston) after starting every game he appeared in for the Blazers (largely because of injuries). But as long as the future Hall of Famer is completely comfortable with whatever strategic decisions the Blazers make, we can't knock this deal.
Breaking: Carmelo Anthony has agreed to a one-year, minimum deal to return to the Portland Trail Blazers, sources tell @wojespn. pic.twitter.com/wFhZeLhIhq
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) November 21, 2020
Avery Bradley - Miami Heat
Deal: 2 years/$11.6 million
Grade: B+
Bradley opted-out of his deal with the Lakers that was going to pay him roughly $5 million next season and got slightly more dollars out of the Heat. Miami will welcome the addition of the veteran guard to provide some defense, perimeter shooting, and stability in the backcourt.
Free agent Avery Bradley has agreed to a two-year, $11.6M deal with the Miami Heat, his agent Charles Briscoe tells @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 21, 2020
Davis Bertans - Washington Wizards
Deal: 5 years/$80 million
Grade: B
Pratice your 3-pointers, kids, because another long-range shooter got PAID. Bertans connects from beyond the arc at a 44.1 percent clip for his career and re-upped with the Wizards—as was widely expected. That's big for a Washington team hoping to crash the postseason this upcoming season in the Eastern Conference. Bertans wasn't overly hyped in free agency, and kind of was flying under the radar this offseason since he opted out of the action down in the bubble. But when you can shoot like the native of Latvia can—he averaged nearly 5 made 3-pointers a game last season—retaining your services means the Wizards go down as winners in our book. Even if the price tag was hefty.
Free agent forward Davis Bertans has agreed to a 5-year, $80M deal to return to the Washington Wizards, his agent @ArtursKalnitis tells ESPN. Deal includes an ETO after fourth year. One of biggest deals ever for a European-based agent in NBA.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 21, 2020
Tristan Thompson - Boston Celtics
Deal: 2 years/$19 million
Grade: B+
The only NBA free agency deal that will also make headlines in Us Weekly and on Access Hollywood, we all know Boston desperately needed to acquire a big body this offseason. They apparently have their man in the 29-year-old Thompson. The Cavs legend ain't a huge defensive presence, but he's good for a double-double just about every game, and you absolutely do not have to feature him on the offensive end in order for him to get his numbers. The money isn't ridiculous and the fit's pretty good for all parties involved. Honestly, there's not much to critcize here considering Boston's depth at center was highly suspect entering free agency.
Free agent center Tristan Thompson has reached an agreement with the Boston Celtics, his agent @RichPaul4 of @KlutchSports tells Yahoo Sports.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) November 22, 2020
Jeff Teague - Boston Celtics
Deal: 1 year/$TBD million
Grade: B+
We don't know preicsely how much Teague signed for, hence the TBD up there. But he won't be expensive and considering it's a pretty good signing concerning need we'll give it a good grade. Boston needed to add depth and the veteran can run the point when Kemba Walker is off the floor or when the Celtics' star point guard invariably needs a night off.
Free agent Jeff Teague has agreed to a one-year deal with the Boston Celtics, his agent JR Hensley tells @wojespn. pic.twitter.com/5fqfuV9tNE
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) November 22, 2020
Jordan Clarkson - Utah Jazz
Deal: 4 years/$52 million
Grade: B
There wasn't a lot of chatter about Clarkson taking his talents outside of Salt Lake City since the Jazz reportedly expressed immediate interest in bringing him back. And why wouldn't they after he was their leading scorer off the bench upon his acquisition in the middle of last season? Clarkson fit precisely what Quinn Snyder needs off the bench—he poured in 15.6 PPG over 42 games with Utah—and Clarkson got paid very handsomely off his best campaign through his first six seasons.
Free agent Jordan Clarkson has agreed to a four-year, $52M deal with the Utah Jazz, his agent Rich Paul of Klutch Sports tells @wojespn. pic.twitter.com/uJfkNOCOyd
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) November 21, 2020
Christian Wood - Houston Rockets
Deal: 3 years/$41 million
Grade: B-
A signing almost assuredly made with the idea that the Rockets are going to look significantly different in a week, a month, or by the middle of the season, Wood burst onto the scene very late in the season when he was basically doing it all for a Pistons squad that was going nowhere. He's 25, gifted athletically, can easily create his own shot, has unique size, and owns an easy-looking release GMs drool over. Now he's surprisingly a Rocket. But the real question is can Wood do it over an extended period of time because his success in the NBA so far has been relegated to an extremely small sample size. Should his upside turn out to be legit he could be a steal. But there's way more unknown than known about Wood so we're going to curb our enthusiasm over this one.
Deal expected to be completed with a sign-and-trade via Detroit, per source. https://t.co/TALHbm9OlP
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 21, 2020
Dwight Howard - Philadelphia 76ers
Deal: 1-year/$2.6 million
Grade: C-
Huh? I mean, great for the Sixers that they convinced Dwight to head east and backup Joel Embiid in Philadelphia. But what was up with Howard tweeting and then deleting that he was ready to run it back with the purple and gold then sign a deal with Philadelphia? Drama and Dwight have often been like peanut butter and jelly, but he avoided any and all controversies last season winning a ring with the Lakers serving as a rim protector, rebounder, and energy man off the bench. Playing under new head coach Doc Rivers, the Sixers will be Howard's sixth team in six seasons. Howard, we all believed, had a good thing going in his second stint with the Lakers. But something changed. Apparently drastically. And we 1,000,000 percent are dying to know precisely what the hell really happened.
Free agent Dwight Howard has agreed to a one-year deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, his agent Charles Briscoe tells @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 21, 2020
Mason Plumlee - Detroit Pistons
Deal: 3 years/$25 million
Grade: D
We have our first head scratcher, folks. No idea what Detroit is doing here. Good for Plumlee to get that kind of money, but it seems like a reach for the Pistons, who made a number of moves during the draft. It's unlcear what sort of direction Detroit is moving in, but it's fair to wonder how much longer Blake Griffin and Derrick Rose will be on the team.
Jerami Grant - Detroit Pistons
Deal: 3 years/$60 million
Grade: C-
Listen, we like Jerami Grant's game as much as anyone as a role player, but $20 million a season over three years? In Detroit? Really?!? Grant left a pretty sweet spot in Denver that's definitely going to flirt with another Western Conference Finals appearance this upcoming season for the forever rebuilding Pistons. Apparently, Grant wanted to be more of a fixture in the offense and he'll get that chance in Detroit. If that's what really makes him happy—as opposed to being a key role player for a contender who balled out this past postseason—more power to Grant. He's definitely a nice addition in Detroit, albeit a kind of pricey one that only averaged 12.0 PPG and 38.9 percent from deep last season.
Denver was willing to match the three-year, $60M offer Jerami Grant received from Detroit. Grant enjoyed his time in Denver, but leaves for Pistons where he is expected to have an enhanced offensive role. https://t.co/qdiIhku6gb
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 21, 2020
Jae Crowder - Phoenix Suns
Deal: 3 years/$30 million
Grade: B
Crowder got a nice pay raise from the Suns after he made roughly $4.7 million last year with the Heat. Miami didn't want to go that high and that many years to retain Crowder's services (the Heat reportedly offered him a two-year, $28 million deal with a team option for the 2021-22 season). Entering his ninth season in the league, Crowder's a good 3-and-D guy who fit well in Miami. But we all know why the Heat didn't want to commit to him—maximum flexibility for next summer's free ageny class.
Jae Crowder will sign a three-year, $30M deal with the Suns, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium. https://t.co/yNYPAZX5Dp
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 21, 2020
Dario Saric - Phoenix Suns
Deal: 3 years/$27 million
Grade: B+
Phoenix locked down Saric, who will give you 25 pretty good minutes a night and shoot a league-average 35 percent from deep, for reasonable dollars. Can't knock this signing.
Another key, versatile Suns piece locked-in as the franchise tries to make a run back toward the playoffs. https://t.co/208dnWK3Cr
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 23, 2020
Paul Millsap - Denver Nuggets
Deal: 1 year/$10 million
Grade: B
Nothing crazy here. Especially considering Denver didn't have that many dollars to work with in free agency since its core is starting to cost a lot these days. Nuggets needed to bring back Millsap after surprisingly losing Mason Plumlee and they retained Millsap for not too much money and without a long-term commitment.
Free agent Paul Millsap has agreed to a one-year, $10M-plus deal to return to the Denver Nuggets, his agent DeAngelo Simmons tells @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 21, 2020
JaMychal Green - Denver Nuggets
Deal: 2 years/$15 million
Grade: B+
The Nuggets pick up an underrated bench player after losing Jerami Grant. Green's got size (he's 6'8"), is versatile on defense, and can knock down shots from deep (he shot 38.7 percent on threes last season). Even better? The Nuggets took him away from the Clippers in the Western Conference arms race.
Free agent JaMychal Green has agreed to a two-year, $15M deal with the Denver Nuggets, with player option in second season, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 21, 2020
Malik Beasley - Minnesota Timberwolves
Deal: 4 years/$60 million
Grade: C
The fourth-year is a team option. Despite dealing with some serious off-the-court issues in recent months, Beasley was handed a handsome deal by the Timberwolves where minutes will likely be split between himself, D'Angelo Russell, and the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft Anthony Edwards. So it's kind of a lot of money for a 6'5" scorer that doesn't defend that well. But Beasley is only 24 and did start every game for the Wolves after he was acquired in a trade from Denver this past season. He also knocked down 42.6 percent of his threes. All in all, not bad. But not great, either.
Beasley and his agent Brian Jungreis of @Parlay_SE met with Timberwolves officials tonight and reached agreement on the $60M deal. https://t.co/avpadq3HMg
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 21, 2020
De'Anthony Melton - Memphis Grizzlies
Deal: 4 years/$35 million
Grade: B-
That's a big number for a player who is undoubtedly a legit defender and an energy guy off the bench, but only averaged 7.6 PPG last season. Look, it's an awesome come-up for Melton who was the 46th selection in the 2018 NBA Draft and has established himself as a legit member of the Grizzlies' rotation in his two seasons. But his deal is a little pricey considering the output he's provided so far. Memphis obviously thinks highly of Melton, a USC product, and they're banking he'll be worth it in a season or two.
Restricted free agent De’Anthony Melton has agreed to four-year, $35M deal with the Memphis Grizzlies, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 21, 2020
Aaron Baynes - Toronto Raptors
Deal: 2 years/$14.3 million
Grade: B
Not exorbitant dollars for the versatile Baynes, who averaged 11.5 PPG and shot 35.1 percent from three for the Suns last season—both career highs. The second year is a team option and the hope is Baynes comes close to replacing what Toronto just lost with Serge Ibaka. Baynes won't be the defender Ibaka is and he's not quite as accomplished offensively, either. But he's a pretty good replacement all things considered.
Free agent center Aron Baynes has agreed to a two-year, $14.3M deal with the Toronto Raptors, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 23, 2020
Austin Rivers - New York Knicks
Deal: 3 years/$10 million
Grade: B-
Slightly perplexing off the drop considering many thought Rivers would be a nice addition for a team looking to make a run in the postseason, but he opted for a long-term deal with the rebuilding Knicks who had the cap space to give him a pay raise. Rivers is 28, averaged 8.8 points and 1.6 assists while shooting 35.6 percent from deep last season with the Rockets and adds some much-needed offensive pop off the bench. Plus, years two and three aren't guarnateed and he could eventually be used as a trade chip. It's surprising the Knicks inked Rivers for that many years, but at $3.3 million per for the athleticism and experience he brings, it's a pretty respectable deal. Rivers's ties to coach Tom Thibodeau (the new Knicks coach is friendly with new Sixers coach Doc Rivers—aka Austin's father) and his representation (CAA, the former employer of Knicks president Leon Rose) may have played a role in signing with the Knicks. Regardless, New York's bench definitely got better. It's just going to be a pretty big comedown for Rivers after spending the past season and a half in Houston.
Update on Rivers' contract: Three years, $10M, source tells ESPN. https://t.co/mfOQ2XIne7
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 23, 2020
Justin Holiday - Indiana Pacers
Deal: 3 years/$18 million
Grade: A-
Cheap money for an athletic wing that will defend and hit 40.5 percent of his threes. Nothing to knock.
Justin Holiday is re-signing with the Indiana Pacers on a three-year deal worth just over $18M, sources tell ESPN.
— Zach Lowe (@ZachLowe_NBA) November 21, 2020