Most of the big name NBA free agents remain on the board after the first day of the free agency period. As expected, Chris Paul agreed to re-sign with the Los Angeles Clippers and a few role players were taken of the market including Mike Dunleavy who is headed to the Chicago Bulls. Here is a breakdown of day one of the NBA free agency period.
Los Angeles Clippers sign PG Chris Paul to 5-year, $107 million deal
Once the Clips got Doc Rivers as their head coach, it was pretty much a guarantee that CP3 was going to re-sign with the Clips. Of all the potential suitors out there, L.A. gives him the best chance of making a run at a championship and though he comes with a hefty price tag, Los Angeles had to pay him or else risk taking a big step back as a franchise since he was perhaps the top NBA free agent available.
Signing Grade: A
Chicago Bulls agree to 2-year, $6 million deal with SF Mike Dunleavy
The Bulls needed to add some outside shooting on the wing and the veteran Dunleavy definitely fills that void. The Bulls now have a lot of size at the two and three with Dunleavy, Luol Deng, Jimmy Butler, and first round pick Tony Snell who all stand at least 6’7. Deng and Dunleavy will likely split time at the three with Butler, Kirk Hinrich, and Snell playing the two. In a pinch, Dunleavy might be able to play some two alongside Deng. Whatever the case is, the former Buck will certainly be the beneficiary of some wide open three point looks via Derrick Rose drive and kicks.
Signing Grade: A-
Brooklyn Nets re-sign PF/C Andray Blatche to 1-year, $1.4 million
$1.4 million for a back-up who averaged 10 points and 5 boards a game last year? Hard to argue with that. It will be interesting to see how the Blatche/Kevin Garnett relationship goes since both guys are… ummmm… intense. Still, the Nets now have a starting frontcourt of KG and Brook Lopez with Blatche, Reggie Evans, and first round pick Mason Plumlee coming off the bench. That’s definitely upgrading from last year.
Signing Grade: A
Indiana Pacers agree to 2-year deal with PG C.J. Watson
Watson will go from backing up Deron Williams in Brooklyn to playing behind George Hill in Indiana. D.J. Augustin served that role this past season but did nothing to entice the Pacers to re-sign him. Watson will provide more offensive ability behind Hill and comes at a cheap price (terms of the deal have not yet been leaked but it is reportedly slightly above the league minimum.)
Signing Grade: B
Washington Wizards agree to multi-year deal with PG Eric Maynor
The Wiz were lacking a true backup to John Wall last season so signing Maynor not only solves that problem but also gives Washington an option to play both guys in the same backcourt. Terms of the deal have been released but reports say the Wizards will use their bi-annual exception which should net Maynor about two million bucks per year. Maynor battled injury last season before getting dealt to Portland at the trade deadline where he played well in a reserve role and has the makings of being a quality backup point guard if he can stay healty.
Signing Grade: B+
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David Kay is a senior feature NBA Draft, NBA, and college basketball writer for the Sports Bank. He also heads up the NBA and college basketball material at Walter Football.com and is a former contributor at The Washington Times Communities. David has appeared on numerous national radio programs spanning from Cleveland to New Orleans to Honolulu. He also had the most accurate 2011 NBA Mock Draft and the most accurate 2012 NBA Mock Draft on the internet (Yup, repeat champ… #humblebrag.)
You can follow him on Twitter at David_Kmiecik.