2024 NBA FREE AGENCY GRADES: THE BEST SIGNINGS FROM DAY 2

Day Two of the 2024 NBA free agency was definitely an interesting one because big names such as Klay Thompson decided to make a change in his career and made a shocking move to join the Dallas Mavericks. We also saw some key names such as Tyrese Maxey and Tobias Harris make decisions on their futures, and we recap Day Two with Monday’s most important transactions

1. Tyrese Maxey Signs A Max Contract With The 76ers

Tyrese Maxey signs a five-year, $204 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers

Tyrese Maxey was always going to remain in Philly alongside former MVP Joel Embiid and newly acquired Paul George. Maxey is a budding star who can get the most money from the 76ers, and he has a chance to be a superstar after winning Most Improved Player and making his first All-Star appearance. The Sixers now have a new Big Three that is very talented, and Maxey is a part of it for the long term.

In securing Tyrese Maxey to a max contract, the 76ers have solidified their core with a player who has shown tremendous growth and potential. Maxey's rise, highlighted by a spot for the Eastern Conference All-Stars, makes this a wise investment for Philadelphia. Teaming up with Embiid and George, Maxey completes a formidable Big Three that positions the 76ers as strong contenders.

Grade: A+

2. Klay Thompson Creates A New Big Three In Dallas

Klay Thompson signs a three-year, $50 million deal with the Dallas Mavericks

Klay Thompson has left the Golden State Warriors, signaling the end of a dynasty. Thompson joins Doncic and Kyrie in Dallas, a team that made the Finals last year. Even if Dallas lost Derrick Jones Jr. in free agency, they added future Hall of Famer Thompson who fits perfectly alongside Doncic and Irving and will diversify their offense completely.

Thompson's move to Dallas signifies the end of an era for the Warriors but the beginning of an exciting chapter for the Mavericks. Teaming up with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, Thompson adds championship experience and elite shooting to an already potent offensive unit. If Thompson can average 17.9 points per game on 38.7% from three like he did this past season, the Mavericks will be a problem to make their second-straight Finals appearance.

Grade: A

3. Derrick White Remains In Boston

Derrick White signs a four-year, $126 million deal with the Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics had to re-sign Derrick White after his exceptional season on an individual and team level. The guard averaged 15.2 points and 5.2 assists per game in the regular season followed by 16.7 points and 4.1 assists per game in the playoffs. Making the All-NBA Defensive Second Team for the second-straight year means White is one of the best two-way players in the NBA and the Celtics managed to bring him back on a strong deal to retain their core. No doubt, Boston will be the favorite for the 2024-25 NBA title heading into next year. 

Grade: A+

4. Tobias Harris Tries To Have An Impact In Detroit

Tobias Harris signs two-year, $52 million deal with the Detroit Pistons

Tobias Harris' move to Detroit offers him a fresh start and a chance to redefine his role. In Philly, he struggled to make a significant impact as a third option, but in Detroit, he can step up as a key player alongside Cade Cunningham. With a lucrative contract and an opportunity to be a primary scoring option, Harris can utilize his shooting and inside scoring to help the Pistons improve from their dismal 14-68 record.

While this signing alone won't transform the team, Harris' experience and versatility will be valuable assets in Detroit's rebuilding process and it will do the player well to prove his worth as a capable two-way forward. A strong pickup for the Pistons all-around.

Grade: B+

5. The Thunder Beef Up Their Frontcourt With Isaiah Hartenstein

Isaiah Hartenstein signs three-year, $87 million deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder

Isaiah Hartenstein's significant contract reflects the Thunder's commitment to bolstering their frontcourt depth. With his ability to back up or complement Chet Holmgren, Hartenstein addresses a critical need for size and interior presence. His solid performance last season, both in the regular season (7.8 PPG, 8.3 RPG) and playoffs (8.5 PPG, 7.8 RPG), demonstrates his reliability and effectiveness.

While the investment is substantial, Hartenstein's addition strengthens the Thunder's chances as they aim for a deep playoff run and potential title contention in the 2024-25 season. The Knicks will certainly miss their most reliable center since Mitchell Robinson is always hurt, but Hartenstein will benefit the Thunder just as much.

Grade: B

6. Golden State Warriors Add De’Anthony Melton

De’Anthony Melton signs 1-year, $12.8 million deal with the Golden State Warriors

De'Anthony Melton's signing provides the Warriors with a reliable and versatile guard, but it also marks a significant downgrade from losing Klay Thompson. While Melton's defensive prowess and respectable three-point shooting are valuable, he doesn't fill the void left by Thompson's elite scoring and championship pedigree.

Melton averaged 11.1 points and 3.0 assists per game on 36.0% from three last season so he is a capable backup guard who can provide an impact in limited minutes. This move helps maintain some level of backcourt stability alongside Curry, but it doesn't fully address the loss of a key franchise player, making it a modest addition for a team in transition.

Grade: B-

7. Chicago Bulls Continue Their Rebuild With Jalen Smith

Jalen Smith signs three-year, $27 million deal with the Chicago Bulls

Jalen Smith's addition to the Chicago Bulls represents a strategic move in their rebuilding efforts. Smith's improvement and potential make him a fitting piece alongside Josh Giddey and Coby White. With plans to trade veterans like LaVine and Vucevic, the Bulls are clearly shifting their focus to developing young talent. Smith's impressive performance last season (9.9 PPG, 5.5 RPG at 24 years old) showcases his ability to contribute significantly, making this a promising step in Chicago's quest to establish a competitive, youthful core.

Grade: B+

8. Aaron Wiggins Chooses To Stay In Oklahoma City

Aaron Wiggins signs five-year, $47 million deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder

Aaron Wiggins' long-term deal with the Thunder reflects the team's commitment to maintaining a cohesive and promising roster. At just 25 years old, Wiggins fits perfectly into Oklahoma City's vision for the future. His potential and immediate contributions make this a smart, team-friendly signing that aligns with the Thunder's strategy of developing young talent and building a competitive squad for the future. This past season, Wiggins averaged 6.9 points per game on 49.2% from deep.

Grade: B+

9. The Thunder Keep Their Reserve In Isaiah Joe

Isaiah Joe signs four-year, $47 million deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder

Isaiah Joe's re-signing ensures that the Thunder retain another critical component of their bench after Wiggins’ deal. Joe's impressive three-point shooting (41.6% in 2023-24) and his youth at 25 years old make him a valuable asset for Oklahoma City's long-term plans. By securing Joe for four more years, the Thunder enhance their depth and shooting, positioning themselves to remain competitive and continue their upward trajectory in the league.

Grade: B+

10. Rockets Retain Aaron Holiday

Aaron Holiday signs two-year, $10 million deal with the Houston Rockets

The Houston Rockets did not make a major splash in free agency or in the draft by trading for a superstar player such as Kevin Durant, but Aaron Holiday's re-signing with the Rockets underscores the team's strategy of maintaining stability. Holiday's defensive tenacity and three-point shooting (38.7% in 2023-24) make him a reliable bench player who can provide valuable minutes. While he isn't a transformative addition, his presence helps sustain the Rockets' core and bench.

Grade: B

Related: 2024 NBA Free Agency Grades: The Best Signings From Day 1

2024-07-02T13:15:07Z dg43tfdfdgfd