2021 NBA free agency tracker: Grades for every deal so far
By Duncan Smith
Jimmy Butler – 4 years, $184 million (Miami Heat)
The Miami Heat have made the biggest splash so far in NBA free agency with the expectation of signing Jimmy Butler to a four-year, $184 million extension when the league year opens on Friday.
In Butler’s first year with the Heat, he helped carry his squad to the NBA Finals in the Orlando Bubble before falling short against the Los Angeles Lakers. This past season the Heat were underwhelming in a bizarre COVID-hampered season but Butler had another fine campaign, averaging 21.5 points, 7.1 assists and 6.9 rebounds per game on shooting splits of 50-25-86, but Butler turns 32 before training camp begins and this is a massive, expensive commitment for the Heat.
Grade: C-
Tim Hardaway Jr. – 4 years, $72 million (Dallas Mavericks)
The Dallas Mavericks avoid a truly disappointing NBA free agency period by re-signing Tim Hardaway to a four-year, $72 million contract. He was their top priority in the offseason and signing him to a long-term deal is a win for the Mavs.
Hardaway has had his best seasons in Dallas alongside Luka Doncic and he’s coming off a year where he averaged 16.6 points per game on shooting splits of 45-39-82, and it’s good for all parties that he’s going to stay put.