Hoops Habit
Fansided

NBA Free Agency: predicting the biggest winners and losers

By Ari Schwartz

TORONTO, ON - APRIL 12: Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors looks on after being defeated by the Chicago Bulls during the 2023 Play-In Tournament at the Scotiabank Arena on April 12, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 Andrew Lahodynskyj/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - APRIL 12: Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors looks on after being defeated by the Chicago Bulls during the 2023 Play-In Tournament at the Scotiabank Arena on April 12, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 Andrew Lahodynskyj/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – MARCH 29: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at United Center on March 29, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – MARCH 29: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at United Center on March 29, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Winner: Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers’ free agency was defined by low-risk, high-reward signings. They managed to bring back Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura on contracts under $60 million even after their elite playoff performances. Los Angeles also retained D’Angelo Russell on a two-year $18 million contract, a smart move considering his lower value after an underwhelming postseason.

The Lakers also made four acquisitions in free agency, the most notable being Gabe Vincent on a three-year $33 million deal. Vincent was a key piece in the Miami Heat’s run to the finals and is a known professional having been in the Heat’s system. Additionally, the Lakers brought in Tauren Prince, Cam Reddish, and Jaxson Hayes on cheap contracts, players who could help a team but were undervalued by their previous franchise.

It seems Rob Pelinka has restored the Lakers’ depth only a year after having been in what looked like a hopeless situation.

Loser: Portland Trail Blazers

While the contract is certainly an overpay no matter the circumstances, paying Jerami Grant $160 million over the next five years would be a much better investment if Damian Lillard was sticking around. Unfortunately, it wouldn’t be until the day after the Grant signing that Lillard requested a trade, leaving Portland with an awful lot of money owed to a veteran for a soon-to-be rebuilding team.

The contract is not yet official, so a sign-and-trade is still an option, but it will be a tough task finding a team willing to take on Grant’s salary long-term. The same could be said for a potential mid-season trade, though a deal is probably more likely to happen then with Portland receiving little value in return.