4 Best NBA Free Agency Signings
By Max Scoli
The free agency period began on June 30 at 6:00 pm, but many stars knew where they were going hours, even days, before that. As did the rest of the world, as it's not secret that discussions are held privately prior to the market opening. In a free agent class that makes up around 40% of the entire NBA, over 30 players struck new deals, including several All-Stars. Here is a list of the best free agent signings reported so far:
1. Kevin Durant - Brooklyn Nets
The Brooklyn Nets absolutely killed it on the first day of free agency, securing deals with three excellent players to form a "Big Three" in New York. Kevin Durant was one of those players, signing a four-year, $164M deal, less than the max deal he was eligible for. Although the former MVP is currently recovering from a ruptured Achilles, he isn't going to be hurt forever and is perhaps the best player in the NBA when healthy.
2. Kemba Walker - Boston Celtics
Although the Boston Celtics lost Kyrie Irving to Brooklyn, they still were able to land All-NBA point guard Kemba Walker on a four-year, $141M contract. Kemba failed to miss a single game last season, averaging 25.6 points, 5.9 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game with the Charlotte Hornets. He has been an All-Star for three straight seasons, and there is every reason to believe next year will be the fourth.
3. DeAndre Jordan - Brooklyn Nets
Definitely not the headliner for Brooklyn's day, but important nonetheless. The Nets were able to secure the services of DeAndre Jordan for just $40M over four years, which is very cheap for what he does for this team's playoff chances. With Durant and Irving dominating the offense, the Nets still needed a rim protector and rebounder, and Jordan is one of the best in the league at both.
4. Ricky Rubio - Phoenix Suns
This is not one of the best signings because of the skills of Ricky Rubio, but rather his fit in the organization. The Phoenix Suns have desperately needed a point guard to facilitate the offense since the departure of Steve Nash, and now they finally have that. Rubio loves to feed his teammates, often penetrating and kicking to the open man. With the likes of Devin Booker and DeAndre Ayton surrounding him, it's safe to say the Suns could be in for a successful season.