2021 NBA free agency tracker: Grades for every deal so far
By Duncan Smith
Lonzo Ball – 4 years, $85 million (Chicago Bulls)
The first announced deal comes in the form of a big contract for Lonzo Ball with the Chicago Bulls. As a restricted free agent, Ball will be moved via sign-and-trade from the New Orleans Pelicans to Chicago and all parties will be able to skirt around the time and hassle that goes with offer sheet minutiae.
Ball had his most productive season last year for the Pelicans, averaging 14.6 points, 5.7 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game on shooting splits of 41-37-78, and a Bulls franchise under pressure to win now with Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic now has another piece of the competitive puzzle.
Grade: B
Mike Conley – 3 years, $68 million (Utah Jazz)
The Utah Jazz took the first step to keeping their No. 1 seeded core together for the foreseeable future after re-signing Mike Conley to a three-year deal. Last season Conley finally became an NBA All-Star after years of coming up just short, and he was well-deserving of the honor.
He averaged 16.2 points, 6.0 assists and 1.4 steals per game for the Jazz in his contract season and did so on shooting splits of 44-41-85. Regardless of the number Conley re-signed at, the Jazz weren’t going to be able to use that money elsewhere anyway, so this is a fine deal for a productive player and wealthy ownership group determined to win an NBA championship.