The Impactful NBA Offseason: Key Free Agent Signings You Need To Know

The NBA season is upon us. A lot has happened since the Toronto Raptors defeated the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals. Players have re-signed, swapped teams, and retired—and that’s just in the NBA! We’ve also been wowed by the U.S. Women’s National Team winning a World Cup championship, the NFL regular season kicking off, and the MLB playoffs keeping us on the edge of our seats.

All that’s to say that if you missed a free agent signing here or there, it’s completely understandable. But don’t head into the regular season feeling left out. We’re here to help you get up to speed with the five best free agent signings this offseason, starting with one that impacted the entire landscape of the league.

Note: This list only includes players that signed with new teams, not ones that re-signed with their current squads (like Klay Thompson with the Warriors) or were acquired in a sign-and-trade (like Kevin Durant with the Brooklyn Nets).

Kawhi Leonard: The Star of the Los Angeles Clippers

Kawhi Leonard has signed a lucrative contract with the Los Angeles Clippers for 3 years, totaling $103 million. He is a player who may never win the regular-season MVP, simply because he doesn’t play enough games during the regular season. However, as the Raptors showed us last year, it’s worth trading a quarter of the season to have a fresh Leonard for the playoffs.

Leonard’s impact is undeniable; he has won NBA Finals MVP awards with two separate teams. Moreover, he’s now playing where he wants to be—in southern California. The Clippers, in signing Leonard, also scored Paul George, which makes them a formidable team. They had to trade two players, Shai-Gilgeous Alexander and Danilo Gallinari, along with five draft picks to acquire George, but their core remains intact.

J.J. Redick: A Veteran Presence for the New Orleans Pelicans

J.J. Redick, now 35, has signed a 2-year contract worth $26.5 million with the New Orleans Pelicans. Known for his lethal shooting, Redick boasts a career average of over 41 percent from beyond the arc. His skills are invaluable in today’s NBA, where space on the floor is crucial for success. Remarkably, Redick averaged a career-high 18.1 points last season with the Philadelphia 76ers.

Redick’s addition to the Pelicans is significant as they aim to rejuvenate their rebuilding process. He joins a talented group of young players, including Zion Williamson and Lonzo Ball, which could help the team transition smoothly after losing a star like Anthony Davis. This relatively inexpensive contract signals that the Pelicans are moving in the right direction.

Bojan Bogdanovic: A Game-Changer for the Utah Jazz

Bojan Bogdanovic, now with the Utah Jazz, has signed a 4-year deal worth $73 million. This signing transformed the Jazz from a potential first-round playoff exit to serious championship contenders. Bogdanovic has shown continual improvement throughout his career, achieving personal bests in various metrics such as points and assists last season.

His offensive prowess is complemented by his defensive abilities; he notably hounded LeBron James during the playoffs, making it difficult for him to score. Bogdanovic’s size also adds an edge to the Jazz, especially when facing other top-tier players. With all these factors combined, he is expected to make a significant impact this season.

Tomas Satoransky: A New Hope for the Chicago Bulls

Tomas Satoransky has joined the Chicago Bulls on a 3-year, $30 million contract. The Bulls' point guard situation has been shaky since Derrick Rose's first knee injury in 2012. With the recent drafting of Coby White, Satoransky has a chance to showcase his skills as a starting point guard, especially after a solid performance last season in Washington.

At 6’7”, Satoransky has the length to be a pesky defender while also having the capability to score over smaller guards. The Bulls are hoping he can lead them back to the playoffs, as he will have the opportunity to drive the offense and bring stability to the team.

Derrick Rose: A Resurgence with the Detroit Pistons

Derrick Rose made headlines with his 2-year, $15 million contract with the Detroit Pistons after a remarkable season with the Minnesota Timberwolves. He averaged 18 points per game while shooting 48 percent from the field, including a memorable 50-point game. Last season marked a turning point for Rose as he developed a three-point shot—hitting 37 percent of his attempts.

At 30 years old, Rose has faced injuries but showed signs of revitalization. Since his ACL tear, he has struggled to play more than 66 games in a season, so the Pistons must prepare for potential absences. Nonetheless, securing a starting-caliber point guard for less than $8 million annually is a strategic move for the Pistons.