4 Winners and losers from a surprising first day of 2024 NBA free agency
By Cal Durrett
Winner: Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers got off to a huge start in free agency by landing nine-time all-star Paul George, forming a big three with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. They also made moves to build around their core by adding front-core depth by signing veteran big man Andre Drummond to a 2-year, $10 million deal.
Drummond was a highly sought-after player, giving his production, particularly on the glass and by signing him, it gives the Sixers a more than reliable backup for Embiid. Embiid is notorious for missing extended periods of time due to injury and having someone who can reliably replace some of his production is worth it to Sixers.
Not only that but they re-signed Kelly Oubre to a two-year $16 million deal as well as Eric Gordon. They still have several roster spots to fill, but they have their starting point guard, small forward, and center spoken for, as well as depth, with Gordon joining rookie Jared McCain in the back court as well as Oubre and Drummond.
That gives them at least seven players with their signings using up their cap space, likely leaving them with room exception and minimum contracts but they have already built a strong core that they can add onto.