NBA Free Agency 2020: The biggest winners so far
NBA Free Agency 2020: Here are the biggest winners so far. Here’s a look at the winners of the first days of NBA free agency.
Los Angeles Lakers
This free agency began with the signing of OKC’s 6th man: Dennis Schröder. They also made a signing by agreeing to a two-year, $19 million deal with Montrezl Harrel, the reigning Sixth Man of the Year. But it wasn’t enough for Rob Pelinka. The GM of the Lakers signed Wes Matthews (who will replace Danny Green) from the Bucks and veteran center Marc Gasol (who will replace Javale McGee) from the Raptors. Dwight Howard decided to leave the team to sign with the 76ers.
Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta was very active in this free-agency. In 5 days, they signed signed Rajon Rondo, Danilo Gallinari, Kris Dunn and Bogdan Bogdanovic. With Rondo they added a veteran poin guard to help the franchise player Trae Young. Kris Dunn will help the team on the defensive side, Gallinari will be a great offensive piece as always while Bogdan Bogdanovic will bring shooting to this team.
Gordon Hayward
In 2014, Gordon Hayward was a restricted free agent. He signed a deal with Charlotte but the Jazz matched the offer. In 2017, he was a 27-year-old All-Star in his prime, he signed a four-year, $128 million contract with the Boston Celtics. He injured himself badly in his first game with Boston and missed the entire 2017-2018 season. Since then, Hayward was not the same player. Just before the free agency, he declined his $34.2 million option for the 2020-21 season with Boston. A couple of days ago, Hayward signed a four-year, $120M deal with Charlotte. An amazing deal for Hayward. But the least we can say is that Charlotte is overpaying Gordon Hayward.
Fred Van Vleet
Fred Van Vleet signed a 4-year, $85 million deal to stay witht the Raptors. He was an important member of the Raptors when Toronto won the NBA title in 2019. Last season he averaged 17.6 points, 6.6 assists and 3.8 rebounds. By far his best season in the league. With his new contract, he has now the largest contract in NBA history for an undrafted player !
Portland TrailBlazers
Last season, Portland had very limited wing options. They traded for Robert Covington, a 3-and-D wing and Enes Kanter. Covington is exactly the kind of player they missed in the bubble last season.They also signed Harry Giles and Derrick Jones Jr. Portland also retained both Rodney Hood and Carmelo Anthony.