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2017 NBA free agency: 5 best signings of the summer

By Nate Wolf

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - MAY 6: Gordon Hayward #20 of the Utah Jazz plays defense against Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors in Game Three of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2017 NBA Playoffs on May 6, 2017 at vivint.SmartHome Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - MAY 6: Gordon Hayward #20 of the Utah Jazz plays defense against Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors in Game Three of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2017 NBA Playoffs on May 6, 2017 at vivint.SmartHome Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images
Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images /

5. J.J. Redick, Philadelphia 76ers: 1 year, $23 million

J.J. Redick will be the 25th highest paid player in the league next season, even though he is clearly not a top-25 player. Ordinarily, that would be a problem, but in this situation, the Philadelphia 76ers made a prudent decision by overpaying for one year of Redick.

Philadelphia came into this offseason with space for a maximum contract, yet few players to actually target. Once the team traded up to draft Markelle Fultz first overall, Kyle Lowry and Jrue Holiday became unrealistic targets. Considering Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid are also potential franchise players, bigs like Paul Millsap and Blake Griffin were never really options.

Instead, the Sixers needed shooting wings, and they got one without sacrificing future flexibility. Redick was seeking a multi-year deal this summer, yet Philadelphia reeled him in with a one-year pact using what was essentially house money.

The 32-year-old shot 44 percent from three on nearly six attempts per game in his four seasons with the Clippers. Redick is, unquestionably, one of the best shooters in the NBA. He immediately opens the floor for Fultz, Simmons and Embiid, while also providing a weapon that Brett Brown can utilize coming off screens.

That shooting matters for soon-to-be rookies like Fultz and Simmons. Players develop more smoothly when put in ideal situations, and the presence of Redick will unclog driving lanes and open up passing angles.

Not to mention, Redick is pretty awesome on offense himself. He’s averaged double figures in the scoring column for seven straight years, and possesses a decent midrange and floater game when teams overplay the three.

Redick’s potential off-court contributions shouldn’t be understated, either. The Sixers lacked a truly respected veteran presence until Redick’s arrival. Now, they have someone for the young core to imitate.

If this deal doesn’t work out, it doesn’t work out. The contract lasts one season, and while the reward is potentially massive – the first playoff appearance in years, maybe – the risk is minimal.