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2020 NBA free agency tracker: Grades for every deal so far

By Duncan Smith

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 05: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers guareds Christian Wood #35 of the Detroit Pistons at Staples Center on January 5, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. Lakers won 106-99. 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. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 05: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers guareds Christian Wood #35 of the Detroit Pistons at Staples Center on January 5, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. Lakers won 106-99. 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. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images) /
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NBA free agency
NBA free agency Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

Wesley Matthews: 1 year, $3.6 million (Los Angeles Lakers)

It hasn’t been a great week for the Milwaukee Bucks. First a big sign-and-trade deal to get Bogdan Bogdanovic fell apart because of what appears to be obvious and glaring tampering (which the NBA had just informed teams would not be tolerated), and now the Los Angeles Lakers are wooing away Wesley Matthews for the low low cost of $3.6 million on a one-year deal.

Matthews is a tough defender who can step right into the Lakers core of guards (whoever of Rajon Rondo, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Avery Bradley and Alex Caruso is remaining, that is) who exist to make life miserable for opponents.

Last season Matthews started all 67 games he played and averaged 7.4 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game. He shot 36.4 percent from 3-point range. He won’t blow you away on the stat sheet, but he can provide defensive impact and that’s what the Lakers are counting on.

Plus, it makes life a bit more difficult for the Bucks, and that’s an added bonus for the Lakers (and Lakers Twitter).

It’s a short-term commitment and doesn’t break the bank for the Los Angeles Lakers, so there’s really nothing to dislike about this deal.

Grade: B