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5 under-the-radar signings that could greatly impact the NBA title race

By Rowan Kent

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - MARCH 31: Russell Westbrook #0 of the LA Clippers reacts during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on March 31, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Justin Ford/Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - MARCH 31: Russell Westbrook #0 of the LA Clippers reacts during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on March 31, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Justin Ford/Getty Images) /
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Free agency is always one of the most exciting times for NBA fans, but this year has been a bit more quiet than usual. Sure, millions upon millions of dollars have been handed out to a myriad of players already, but compared to the summers like 2016 and 2019, where star players changed teams, the most interesting player moves to other teams have been mostly under-the-radar.

That doesn’t mean that these moves are not impactful; instead, it means that the action with star players is mostly taking place in the trade market. Most of the free agent signings have been teams retaining their good players and making moves on the margins to get slightly better.

Those marginal moves may not get as much fanfare as the big star moves, but often these are the signings that ultimately swing the title race. Take Bruce Brown, for example, he signed with the Denver Nuggets on a small deal last offseason and was a key cog in their title run this year.

Thus, here are the five most important under-the-radar free agent signings that could swing the title race, even if the players themselves aren’t the type of needle-movers that one might expect.