The top five free-agent signings of the last decade. With an aging LeBron James and a declining Dwyane Wade in Miami, Drake isn’t the only one who’s pushing hard to make this happen!
The “Kyle Lowry free agency” is a player that has been the subject of much debate. He was one of the best players on the Toronto Raptors for many years, but this offseason he left to play for his hometown team, the Houston Rockets. There have been 5 other NBA free agent signings in the last decade that were better than Kyle Lowry’s deal. Read more in detail here: kyle lowry free agency.
How many times has a free-agent signing gone from being heavily panned to being overwhelmingly praised? That’s what we’re witnessing with DeMar DeRozan right now.
Last summer, DeRozan agreed to a three-year, $82 million deal with the Chicago Bulls. The contract was criticised at the time for being excessively pricey for a player of DeRozan’s age and abilities. DD, on the other hand, is at the helm of the Bulls’ comeback, leading them to an Eastern Conference-best 25-10 record.
Despite the fact that he is just halfway through his rookie season, DeRozan seems to be the best summer acquisition. But what about the last ten years? Any signee worth consideration should be able to demonstrate a degree of individual brilliance that more than justifies their contract. In addition, team success should be a primary consideration.
So, who else makes the cut for the top five free-agent signings in the past decade?
Only unrestricted free agents who switched clubs between 2011 and 2021 will be included. So LeBron James signing with the Heat in 2010 or Anthony Davis re-signing with the Lakers in 2020 aren’t eligible.
5. Chicago Bulls’ DeMar DeRozan
DeMar DeRozan leads the ENTIRE NBA in 4th quarter scoring (249 points) 🔥 @DeMar_DeRozan this season:
2 (back-to-back!) game winners / 27 PPG / 5 RPG / 4.5 APG / 49.5 percent FG / 36.2 percent 3PT / 86 percent FT / 2 (back-to-back!) game winners / 49.5 percent FG / 36.2 percent 3PT / 86 percent FT / 2 (back-to-back!) game winners / 2 (back-to-back!) game winners / 2 (back Bulls have a 25-10 record and are ranked first in the East.
ALL HAIL THE KING OF THE 4TH 👑 pic.twitter.com/rQibQ7wKIn
— Whistle (@WhistleSports) January 7, 2022
DeRozan has a potential to go up this list in the future, but for now, the high-scoring forward has earned a position in the top five.
There’s something to be said about abruptly altering a franchise’s course. Shaquille O’Neal and Steve Nash, both Hall of Famers, accomplished it for the Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns, respectively, making them two of the league’s best acquisitions. But DeRozan is accomplishing just that after just 35 games.
The 32-year-old is averaging 26.9 points per game, good for fourth in the league and his best since 2016-17. Despite some doubts about his compatibility with fellow All-Star Zach LaVine, the two have thrived together and provided Chicago with an excellent 1-2 punch. Not to add, DeRozan has been a clutch performer all season, most notably nailing game-winning, buzzer-beater threes on two consecutive nights, an NBA first.
An $82 million deal that was previously thought to be excessive now seems to be a steal, as Chicago has gone from playoff outsider to championship contender in the blink of an eye. Although DeRozan is still in the early stages of his three-year deal, he deserves a lot of credit for the Bulls’ success.
4. Miami Heat’s Jimmy Butler
*{padding:0;margin:0;overflow:hidden} html,bodyheight:100% img,spanposition:absolute;width:100% ;top:0;bottom:0;margin:auto;bodyheight:100% html,bodyheight:100% html,bodyheight:100% html,bodyheight:100% html,bodyheight:100% html,bodyheight:100% html,bodyhe spanheight:1.5em;text-align:center;font:48px/1.5 sans-serif;color:white;text-shadow:0 0 0.5em black;text-shadow:0 0 0.5em black;text-shadow:0 0 0.5em black;text-shadow:0 0 0.5em black;text-shadow:0 0 0.5em black;text-shadow
After the 2018-19 season, the Miami Heat found themselves in limbo. That is, until Jimmy Butler entered the picture and provided South Beach the boost it needed to go back into contention.
Butler was one of the most sought-after players in a crowded 2019 free-agent class. The Houston Rockets and the Los Angeles Clippers were among the teams interested in signing the 29-year-old. However, it was Miami that landed him, agreeing to a sign-and-trade deal with the Philadelphia 76ers and inking the star to a four-year, $140 million contract.
Jimmy Buckets has long been seen to be an excellent number two option on a competitive club. Despite this, the highly competitive veteran aided Miami’s surprising run to the NBA Finals in the bubble season. Despite the defeat to the Lakers, Butler averaged 26.2 points, 9.8 assists, and 8.3 rebounds per game in the Finals.
Butler’s average point total has increased each year in his third season with the Heat. During his stay in South Florida, he earned two All-NBA selections, an All-Defense pick, and an All-Star nomination. If the 32-year-old can lead Miami to its fourth championship, he’ll go down in history as one of the most influential additions.
3. Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James
The Lakers aren’t afraid to make a huge statement. They caught the largest fish out there in James in 2018.
LA was in the middle of its worst period in team history when LeBron signed his four-year, $153 million deal. The Lakers remained significantly below.500 for five years after being ousted out of the first round in 2013. Despite this, the King abandoned his Cleveland Cavaliers in quest of Hollywood.
While James’ individual stats were outstanding in year one, he was sidelined for most of the second half due to a groin ailment, thereby ending LA’s playoff hopes. With Anthony Davis entering the fold in 2019, though, LeBron helped the Lakers conclude the season with a conference-best 52-19 record. Then, in the playoffs, James helped the Cavaliers win their 17th championship and LeBron’s fourth overall.
In comparison to his past stints with the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Miami Heat, James’ time in Los Angeles may not be as fruitful as many had hoped. Even at 37 years old, LeBron James continues to play like a superstar deserving of every dime he earns. Not to mention the fact that the league’s most decorated club is once again relevant is a significant plus.
Kevin Durant of the Golden State Warriors is ranked second.
*{padding:0;margin:0;overflow:hidden} html,bodyheight:100% img,spanposition:absolute;width:100% ;top:0;bottom:0;margin:auto;bodyheight:100% html,bodyheight:100% html,bodyheight:100% html,bodyheight:100% html,bodyheight:100% html,bodyheight:100% html,bodyhe spanheight:1.5em;text-align:center;font:48px/1.5 sans-serif;color:white;text-shadow:0 0 0.5em black;text-shadow:0 0 0.5em black;text-shadow:0 0 0.5em black;text-shadow:0 0 0.5em black;text-shadow:0 0 0.5em black;text-shadow
There’s a strong argument that Kevin Durant joining the Golden State Warriors is the most contentious free-agent deal in NBA history. However, his initial influence on the franchise cannot be overlooked.
Durant became a free agency in the summer of 2016 after a nine-year tenure with the Oklahoma City Thunder. While many expected Durant to return to OKC, he surprised the basketball world by signing a two-year, $54 million deal with the Warriors. By the way, these are the same Warriors that had a 73-9 record the prior season.
KD fit right in in the Bay, which was no surprise. During his three seasons with Golden State, the superstar averaged 25.8 points per game. After averaging 32.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 6.3 assists in both of the Warriors’ Finals appearances, he was named MVP for both. Due to injuries, he was unable to participate in the 2019 NBA Finals against the Toronto Raptors, when he might have gone 3-for-3.
Durant only stayed with the Warriors for a short period, but it was fruitful. After all, it’s difficult to disagree with two championships in three years. Add in the fact that he joined Shaq and LeBron as the only players to win consecutive Finals MVPs after signing with a franchise in free agency, and he’s now a contender for the best free-agent signing of all time.
1. Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James
*{padding:0;margin:0;overflow:hidden} html,bodyheight:100% img,spanposition:absolute;width:100% ;top:0;bottom:0;margin:auto;bodyheight:100% html,bodyheight:100% html,bodyheight:100% html,bodyheight:100% html,bodyheight:100% html,bodyheight:100% html,bodyhe spanheight:1.5em;text-align:center;font:48px/1.5 sans-serif;color:white;text-shadow:0 0 0.5em black;text-shadow:0 0 0.5em black;text-shadow:0 0 0.5em black;text-shadow:0 0 0.5em black;text-shadow:0 0 0.5em black;text-shadow
In recent memory, there have been a lot of notable acquisitions that may have made the list. One glaring absence is Kawhi Leonard’s signing with the Los Angeles Clippers, as well as Kevin Durant’s signing with the Brooklyn Nets. Andre Iguodala, whose deal with Golden State was followed by three championships in five seasons, has a good case as well.
But let’s return to the King, because no free-agent signing has had a greater effect than LeBron’s return to Cleveland in 2014.
In 2010, James did not just depart the Cavaliers. He left them in shambles, beginning a four-year period of futility. Meanwhile, the Heat’s hero won back-to-back championships, including two Finals MVP awards. After losing in the 2014 Finals against the San Antonio Spurs, James returned to the Cavs on a two-year, $42 million deal.
It was as if the Akron native had never left the Cavaliers, with whom he had spent seven seasons. Cleveland boosted their year-over-year victory total by 20 games, getting to the NBA Finals, with LeBron leading the way. In 2016, James polished off a historic Finals performance with a triple-double and series triumph in Game 7, giving the club its first title. After that, the King would lead the Cavs to two more NBA Finals before moving to Los Angeles in 2018.
During those four seasons, LeBron transformed the Cavaliers into championship contenders. In 2017-18, he was a model of consistency, appearing in all 82 games. Along with exceptional numbers, he delivered on a promise to win a championship for Cleveland.
In the end, the Cavaliers’ acquisition of James is the clear favorite for the top slot.
Basketball Reference provided all statistics, while Spotrac provided contract data.
Is DeMar DeRozan of the Chicago Bulls a True MVP Candidate? Or a Possibility of a Most Improved Winner?
Watch This Video-
The “demar derozan trade” is a topic that has been discussed in recent days. DeMar DeRozan was traded to the San Antonio Spurs, and the five best NBA free-agent signings of the last decade were LeBron James, Chris Bosh, Kevin Durant, Carmelo Anthony, and Dwight Howard.
Related Tags
- free agents nba 2021
- nba free agents
- demar derozan mavericks
- demar derozan total earnings
- demar derozan lakers
