The frenzy that is the NBA free agency period has largely come to a close, with 48 of our 50 top-rated 2018 free agents now having either agreed to sign or signed a new deal. Only Rodney Hood and Dwyane Wade remain free agents.
Out of those 48 free-agent signings, Chris Paul signed the largest deal, both in terms of total and per-season value, while Nerlens Noel (per-season value) and Isaiah Thomas (total value), who was ironically expected to sign a large deal not too long ago, signed the least lucrative deals.
LeBron James‘ deal with the Lakers was a close second in value to Paul’s contract with the Rockets. Widely considered to be the best player in the world, it’s hard not to consider James’ contract with the Lakers the best offseason deal.
However, one could realistically argue that Paul George re-signing with the Thunder, after last summer having so clearly iterated his intentions to go to L.A. when he became a free agent this summer, or Clint Capela‘s team-friendly deal with the Rockets, to be better overall deals that James’. Moreover, the defending champion Warriors signed DeMarcus Cousins – a bonafide star when healthy – to a one-year deal for the mid-level exception, which is generally reserved for role-type players.
So that leads us to our topic of discussion: Which summer signing/reported signing do you think was the best deal of the summer? Was it clearly James’ heading to L.A. or does another situation exceed that signing?
Please take to the comments section to voice your opinion. We look forward to what you have to say.
This season it has to be Cousins, long term it’s a toss up. Is it James, Capela, Paul ? I’m thinking a lot depends on if the Worriors staying together as a unit. Lots of questions there so it’s a year away from a complete answer
Randle no bias
I agree. He’s gonna blow up this tear.
Agree. Good signing really like his talent, but on par with Jordan/Evans/Parker in terms of value added to team.
Capela. Just think if Houston couldn’t resign him, would be devastating, totally takes them from a contender to vying for the 7/8th seed. No other FA other than George had that impact. However Capela’s contract was a great value, short-term and long-term, giving him the edge IMO.
Isaiah Thomas at his best is a top 10 guard. Realistically, the worst case scenario he’s an average point guard like Jeremy Lin or something. And even Jeremy Lin or something has a larger contract than IT.
So as much as I dislike the guy, I’ll have to go with him as my answer.
Best case IT is a top 10 guard and worst case he can’t stay healthy and barely plays.
Right… Which is what Jeremy Lin does in 50% of his seasons.
Agree. Totally overrated. I would be surprised if Brinks would hire him as a guard to watch their trucks
Tyreke Evans to the Pacers is my most underrated signing. Indy could scare their round 2 opponent
Trevor Ariza to the Suns wasn’t bad especially if that young core plays decent they could be good soon
Its too easy to say Lebron or CP3 just because any team with cap room would sign them for those contracts. Best value is Cousins, Thomas and Randle.
Of course none of us know the answer at this point. If James goes on to win a ship with the Lakers, he was the best signing. But he’s not and I’d remind everyone that the lightbulb is brightest right before it burns out.
But this part of the year is where we throw out maybes so I’ll cast my vote on Capela being he best signing. That man is a beast in the paint and is the rockets beat defender.
Has to be LBJ, but also DMC, IT & as a dark horse JR
Ooops I forgot Jokic, that was a monster signing for Denver, what a great deal they got.
Randle
Hmm. LeBron is the best player in the world, but he isn’t even the MVP of the NBA?
He’s largely considered the best player by both peers and coaches.
Biggest impact– James. Most intriguing– IT. Biggest surprise– Cousins. Best value– IT or Tolliver. Or Alan Williams, but he is still unsigned!