As the 2018 NBA Free Agency winds down, we’ve seen many major shifts in the basketball world. I’ve decided to analyze a few of the biggest free agency moves sure to shake up the entire league.
Lebron James:
Lebron James signed with the Los Angeles Lakers on a 4 year, 154 million dollar deal. While Lebron didn’t announce his decision through a TV special or the front cover of a magazine, his signing is still the biggest news of the offseason.
Lebron’s decision was just as much a lifestyle one as a basketball one. While LBJ’s arrival makes the Lakers immediate contenders, it certainly doesn’t put them ahead of teams like the Warriors, Rockets, or Celtics. If they add another star it’ll make things interesting, but expect this season to be a transitional one as the Lakers continue to develop their young core.
Expect LA to be Lebron’s last stop on his basketball journey. When his contract expires he’ll be 37, the same age Kobe Bryant was when he announced his retirement. The Lakers seem like the perfect place for Lebron and his family to conclude his legacy.
DeMarcus Cousins:
DeMarcus Cousins signed with the Golden State Warriors on a 1 year, 5 million dollar deal. Well, the phrase “the rich get richer,” has never been more true.
As surprising and annoying as his decision is, it’s just as strategic and smart. Cousins is coming off of a season ending achilles injury, so teams were hesitant to offer him a long-term contract. Signing with the Warriors will allow Cousins to be on a championship contender and show teams that he can still play well, all with the goal of getting a max contract the season after.
Deandre Jordan:
DeAndre Jordan signed with the Dallas Mavericks on a 1 year, 24 million dollar deal. All Mavs fans remember Jordan after the fiasco in 2015 where he verbally agreed to sign with Dallas but backed out last minute. But, three years later, and here he is again. This time for real.
Jordan will give the Mavs the dominant center they have wanted for so long. He will provide a defensive presence and work great in the pick-and-roll with Dennis Smith Jr. and Luka Doncic. While a one year deal is curious for a team that isn’t close to contending, this year might be a test run with the possibility of a longer deal afterwards.
The Mavs traded away next year’s first round draft pick (protected 1-5) to help get Luka Doncic. Jordan’s talent makes it very possible the pick falls outside of 1-5 and goes to Atlanta.
Isaiah Thomas:
Isaiah Thomas signed with the Denver Nuggets on a 1 year, 2 million dollar deal. Thomas looked like he was on his way to a max contract coming off an incredible season with Boston where he averaged 28.9 points per game. But one heartbreaking injury, trade, and sub-par season later, and Thomas is taking the bare minimum.
However, this is a great low risk high reward signing for Denver. At his worst, Thomas still provides immediate scoring off the bench. And if he can return to his former form, then Denver just got a heck of a steal. This year, I.T. will look to prove he is the same player we know and love and get a bigger contract next summer.
Dwight Howard:
Dwight Howard signed with the Washington Wizards on a 1 year, 5 million dollar deal. Dwight is a great pickup for Washington and will help them contend next year. Howard is coming off his best season in a while, averaging over 16 points and 12 rebounds per game. While he is getting older, Dwight still has a lot to give to a team.