NBA free agency grades 2024: Live analysis of every major signing, trade and new contract | Sporting News

There is no break in the NBA calendar.

Following the Finals and NBA Draft, teams will be able to negotiate with free agents starting at 6 p.m. ET on Sunday, June 30. At 12:01 p.m. ET on July 6, teams can officially sign free agents.

There is going to be a ton of player movement starting Sunday evening, and we are grading all of the free agency signings live at The Sporting News. Details and analysis will be updated for all of the major moves throughout the evening, so keep on checking back on this page for what to think of your favorite team’s moves. 

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NBA free agency grades 2024: Live analysis for every signing

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope signs with Magic

The Nuggets were going to be hard-pressed to re-sign Caldwell-Pope due to second apron concerns. The Magic took advantage, nabbing an above-average starting wing to show that they are serious about taking a step forward. 

This was a great signing for Orlando. It got one of the top free agents in the marketplace and a proven winner who can show the franchise how to succeed in the playoffs. The Magic had a dearth of 3-point shooting on their roster, ranking 29th in attempts last season. Caldwell-Pope will juice that number while adding to the team’s already-lethal defense. 

Grade: B+

Kevin Porter Jr. signs with the Clippers

Porter certainly has scoring talent. He averaged 19.2 points per game before going to Greece last season. He lost his spot in the NBA after facing domestic violence charges. 

Porter has had numerous other issues that had him signing a non-guaranteed deal with the Cavaliers. This is a pretty risky signing in terms of disrupting the chemistry in Los Angeles

Grade: C-

Andre Drummond signs with the 76ers

Drummond was a good backup for Joel Embiid in the 2021-22 season. He gets to reprise his role again at a bargain price.

Drummond is still one of the league’s best rebounders. He has quick hands that generate a surprising amount of steals, and he is a huge body. He doesn’t have a great offensive bag and will make some strange decisions, but he’s a top-notch backup center.

This is a great deal for the Sixers

Grade: A-

James Harden re-signs with Clippers

I had Harden at $27 million in value for next season, so this is a bit of an overpay.

Harden started off the season terribly after getting traded to the Clippers but picked it up in the middle of the year, looking like an All-Star caliber player again. His scoring has dropped off considerably, particularly as a finisher in the paint, but he’s still a great 3-point shooter and facilitator. 

The Clippers didn’t have a ton of avenues to replace Harden, so bringing him back on a short-term deal at a reasonable price is a good move for them. 

Grade: B

Pascal Siakam re-signs with Pacers

The Pacers were always going to give Siakam a huge deal after trading three first-round picks to acquire him. He looked great in helping them advance to the Eastern Conference Finals last season, showing that he can create a good shot whenever he wants in a playoff setting. 

Siakam was eligible for a five-year max contract. Getting off that fifth year is a nice piece of negotiating for the Pacers. This is a slight overpay, but Siakam was one of the best free agents in this class and the Pacers did what they needed to to get him. 

Grade: B

Kevin Love re-signs with Heat

Love has certainly declined at age 35, but this deal is slightly above the veteran’s minimum salary. He was still a rotation-level player for the Heat, hitting 34.4 percent of his 3s and throwing terrific outlet passes.

This is a fine deal for a good veteran that fits the team’s culture. 

Grade: B

Bulls re-sign Patrick Williams

Williams hasn’t performed like an $18 million player through his first four years in the league, but he certainly has the potential to go way past that mark. 

This is a good hedge by the Bulls. There would have been outside interest in Williams, who is a good defender and hit 41.0 percent of his 3s last season. They’re giving him less-than-average starter money in the hopes that he can increase his offensive production and stay healthier.

Williams has the tools to do it, but he has to improve his motor to get there. 

Grade: B

Pacers re-sign Obi Toppin

• Contract details: Four years, $60 million

There was legitimate worry that Toppin would be priced out of Indiana’s plans due to a large new deal for Pascal Siakam and Jarace Walker waiting in the wings for Toppin’s minutes. Toppin is a young, talented offensive player, though, and keeping him in the fold was nice business for the Pacers. He’s a good 3-point shooter and a terrific athlete who helps juice up the team’s transition attack.  

Grade: B+

Lakers re-sign Max Christie

Christie has shown a lot of potential in Summer League and preseason settings. That hasn’t quite carried over to his NBA minutes, where he’s been shaky as a 3-point shooter and hasn’t managed to carve out a consistent spot in the Lakers’ rotation. 

Christie was a restricted free agent, and I’m not sure who Los Angeles was competing with to hold onto him. Every dollar is going to be precious for this team going forward as they battle apron concerns.

Grade: C

Celtics re-sign Luke Kornet

Free agency opened with the blockbuster decision of Kornet coming back to the Celtics on what will probably be a veteran’s minimum signing. He’s been great for team chemistry and filled in as the third-string center in the right matchups. Kudos to him for finding a role on a championship team and resuscitating his NBA career.

Grade: C