The 2016 NBA free agency spending spree is up to over $1.8 billion in contract values as teams around the association scrambled to try to lock up the top players available to them this summer. There was no shortage of overpaid players that stole the spotlight with their ridiculous contracts but there were also some excellent fits with signings that will truly help elevate teams as contenders this coming season. Here is a look at the four best fits for players that signed with new teams in NBA free agency this summer.
Kevin Durant to Golden State Warriors
2-Years, $54.3 Million
There is no doubt the Warriors won the offseason with the addition of the 2014 MVP Durant, who joins a team that just set the record for the most wins in a single-season in NBA history. There is no precedent for a move of this magnitude as Golden State solidified its position as the betting favorite to win an NBA championship in 2017 while at the same time devastating its toughest competition in the Western Conference in the Oklahoma City Thunder. Durant should fit in perfectly with Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green in the Warriors’ offense and all eyes will be on Golden State to see just how dominant they will be this coming season. In terms of the money, it’s not crazy. They gave him as much as they could and he deserves every penny. It still feels weird that he’ll be making less than Mike Conley Jr. next season.
Al Horford to Boston Celtics
4-Years, $113 Million
The Celtics quest for a superstar player will continue after missing out on Durant in NBA free agency but they have to be thrilled about the addition of a star in Horford, who fills as massive and immediate need at the center position. Horford has the potential to be an absolute beast in the paint at both ends of the floor and his addition should help in terms of Boston’s appeal to future free agents. The Celtics have taken positive steps forward in each of the last two years under head coach Brad Stevens and the addition of Horford moves them closer to contending for a championship.
Joakim Noah to New York Knicks
4-Years, $72 Million
Basketball fans in New York might have wanted a lower term for Noah but the reality is that he will be a major upgrade for them at the center position and he will make just $2 million more annually than Timofey Mozgov will for the Los Angeles Lakers. The Knicks retooled with the additions of Noah and Derrick Rose and that has spawned a level of optimism that they will be able to contend for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference in 2016-17. Yes, this has now become an old team that could be stocked with players that are broken down. However, the investment was minimal. Rose didn’t cost them much and Noah’s deal was fair market value. That’s all you can ask for.
Al Jefferson to Indiana Pacers
3-Years, $30 Million
Larry Bird was criticized for dropping head coach Frank Vogel and moving George Hill out of town, but looking at the situation now, it’s hard not to like what he has done with his roster. Bird brought in Jeff Teague to replace Hill at the point guard position and that should very well be an upgrade. Yes, Hill fit well with the Pacers and what they were doing but he isn’t a traditional point guard. Teague is more of a distributor who will fit in better. The Pacers also acquired Thaddeus Young from the Brooklyn Nets, who should upgrade their front lines. They don’t need him to carry a big load, but he will be a solid secondary scorer. Lastly, the Pacers then signed Jefferson to a three-year deal at a very reasonable price. Jefferson might not be the player he once was but he is still a quality veteran big man that can provide Indiana with some insurance coming off the bench behind Myles Turner. And remember, they’re paying him $10 million a year, which is quite reasonable when you consider that guys like Timofey Mozgov got about $17 million in NBA free agency.
