2021 NBA free agency tracker: Grades for every deal so far

Apr 11, 2021; New York, New York, USA; Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors talks with head coach Nick Nurse during their game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on April 11, 2021 in New York City. The Knicks defeated the Raptors 102-96.Mandatory Credit: Rich Schultz/POOL PHOTOS-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 11, 2021; New York, New York, USA; Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors talks with head coach Nick Nurse during their game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on April 11, 2021 in New York City. The Knicks defeated the Raptors 102-96.Mandatory Credit: Rich Schultz/POOL PHOTOS-USA TODAY Sports
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NBA free agency
NBA free agency Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

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.

Grade: C+