2021 NBA free agency tracker: Grades for every deal so far
By Duncan Smith
Derrick Rose – 3 years, $43 million (New York Knicks)
Derrick Rose helped turn around the New York Knicks a season ago. After coming from Detroit, he played a huge part in righting the ship and leading his new (again) squad to the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference. Three years and $43 million seems just about right on paper, but he had uncharacteristic good health last season and this deal could age poorly if he regresses to the mean injury-wise.
Grade: B-
Alec Burks – 3 years, $30 million (New York Knicks)
Alec Burks will return to the New York Knicks after re-signing with the club to a three-year, $30 million contract. He had a shortened season last year, playing in just 49 games, but he averaged 12.7 points per game on shooting splits of 42-41-86. This isn’t a huge investment, and the Knicks need shooting, so there’s value here.
Grade: B+
Nerlens Noel – 3 years, $32 million (New York Knicks)
The third of this Knicks triumvirate to re-sign, Nerlens Noel provided his team sturdy defense in the absence of Mitchell Robinson last year. This contract is a clear step from the Knicks front office to compensate him.
Grade: B-
Evan Fournier – 4 years, $78 million
Evan Fournier has a nice payday lined up to join the New York Knicks. He’ll provide solid offense for a team hoping to build upon and repeat their outstanding 2020-21 season.