The Free Agency 2022 He started really strong in the NBA and in the first day alone there were almost 40 contract agreements. They arrived for exorbitant values that even without including the explosive extensions of Jokic, Booker and company, were located close to 900 million dollars.
With so much rain of signings and renewals it is easy to get disoriented, so once the waters calmed down, It is time to summarize what happened on this first daythrough six key points.
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The Lakers, from one end to the other
The Los Angeles Lakers’ first day of Free Agency couldn’t have been more different than their 2021 moves. From hiring veterans close to or over 35 years old, to looking for young players. From strong names with a past such as All-Stars or All-NBA, to classic role players. From pieces known for their offensive talent, to others that stand out mostly in defense.
Darvin Ham’s Lakers have a clear path, in which they are looking to rejuvenate the squad and add legs to defend. His first four signings in this market prove it: Lonnie Walker, Juan Toscano, Troy Brown y Damian Jones.
An unsettled Brooklyn
Kevin Durant’s trade request seems to have surprised not only the millions of NBA fans around the world, but also the Brooklyn Nets themselves. At least that would indicate one of the moves they made this Thursday, just as the KD news exploded: they traded a 1st Round pick to add to the perimeter Royce O’Nealefrom the Utah Jazz.
Giving a first for O’Neale already sounds like too much. But even more so if we take into account the context of Brooklyn, whose future in the Draft is in the hands of the Houston Rockets (due to the exchange for James Harden). And in a context of uncertainty for what is to come, losing a new 1st Round pick for a player who does not make any kind of differencedraws attention.
As is also surprising the agreement for two years and 14.5 million with Patty Mills. Again, moves more befitting a team that thinks in the last details to surround its three All-Stars and not a franchise that is probably going to be without a couple of those figures in the coming days.
Los Philadelphia Rockets
After adding James Harden in 2021-2022, Daryl Morey seems to remain focused on recreating his old roster in Houston. On this first day of Free Agency he finalized the veteran’s arrival at the 76ers PJ Tuckerwith a contract for three seasons that extends until his 40 years, in addition to the shooting forward Danuel House. Even his third signing of the day, The Queen of Travel, comes from completing his rookie year with the Rockets. And watch out if Eric Gordon doesn’t show up soon in a Sixers jersey.
Milwaukee Positive Gust
The Bucks had three free agents they were going to try to retain: Bobby Portis (the most important), Wesley Matthews y Jevon Carter. And not only did they renew all of them on this first day, but they also did it with reasonable salaries. Including a Portis who was signed for four years and 49 million: only 12.5 million average for one of the best substitutes in the league. Nothing bad.
Added to that was one of the best signings under the radar on Thursday: Aussie Joe Ingles. One year and 6.5 million for the exUtah, who if he is healthy, can be very useful at the moment of truth in the postseason.
Highs, super highs and records
The first day of Free Agency left his strong numbers in terms of signings and extensions. The most relevant thing happened with the arrival of Jalen Brunson a los New York Knicks, signing for four years and 104 million dollars. Hard blow for the Dallas Mavericks who have just reached the Western Finals with Brunson as their second best player.
Furthermore, as expected, Bradley Beal renewed in Washington for 5 years and 251 million, Anfernee Simons confirmed its continuity in Portland for four years and 100 million, Devin Booker extended his bond in Phoenix for 224 million dollars and four years, while Nikola Jokic He did it in Denver for 270 million and five years. At the same time, I Morant extended with Memphis for five years and 193 million and Karl-Anthony Towns he did it with Minnesota for four seasons and 224 million.
Not a minor fact: the 270 million received by Jokic are the all-time high for an NBA contract.
silent hit
no one will talk about Kyle Anderson as a star in the league and it is logical that his arrival in Minnesota does not make too much noise. However, among the role players who changed teams, the Slow-Mo is one of the highlights of this Thursday: 2 years and 18 million for a intelligent, winning and versatile forward, who will fit like a glove in this new identity of the Timberwolves.
