4 Winners and losers from a surprising first day of 2024 NBA free agency
By Cal Durrett
Loser: Los Angeles Clippers
It was a bad 24 hours for the LA Clippers, who decided to let Paul George leave in free agency, with him joining the Philadelphia 76ers. This after giving up five first-round picks and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to acquire him five years ago.
What the Clippers traded for Paul George in 2019. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/ckt4QbOZ2f
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) July 1, 2024
The trade paved the way for them to sign Kawhi Leonard and the pairing was meant to turn them into title contenders but that obviously didn't happen. Now, they lose George for nothing but opted to sign James Harden for 2 years and $70 million and Derrick Jones Jr. to a 3-year, $30 million deal.
Free agent forward Derrick Jones Jr. plans to sign a three-year, $30 million deal with the Los Angeles Clippers, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Major pickup for the Clippers. pic.twitter.com/ANwrqHAczJ
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2024
Kevin Porter Jr. has agreed to a two-year deal with the Los Angeles Clippers, including a player option, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. After six weeks of strong play in Greece in April and May, Porter had multiple NBA suitors and chose the Clippers. pic.twitter.com/0R19BUW6bu
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2024
The former deal seems like an overpay for a player that didn't seem to have much of a market, then there was the baffling decision to sign Kevin Porter Jr. to a 2-year deal despite his legal issues and him sitting out all of last season. That doesn't help their reputation after having signed another polarizing player.
Those moves don't seem likely to make the Clippers better next season, and while they may be able to land a key free agent such as Klay Thompson, things don't appear to be going well at the moment for them.