At 6 p.m. ET on Sunday, the NBA free agency period got underway. Teams all over the league have made quick moves to bolster their rosters since then.
Paul George’s free-agency transfer to the Philadelphia 76ers was the most headline deal. The Dallas Mavericks’ signing and trade of Klay Thompson came in second. Nevertheless, a number of other arrivals have received far less attention but might significantly affect how the season plays out.
Here are five sneaky additions to watch in the first week of free agency.
5. The Philadelphia 76ers’ Andre Drummond
Drummond was a key member of the Chicago Bulls’ team the previous year. He will provide the Sixers bench group size and physicality. More significantly, Drummond is a dependable backup who can replace Joel Embiid in the starting lineup should an injury or load management require him to miss time. Drummond is a skilled rebounder who can bully opponents in the paint. He will play a big role in how the Sixers prepare for the next campaign.
4. Minnesota Timberwolves’ Joe Ingles
Ingles gives the Timberwolves’ bench another floor-spacing player. He can draw up as a movement shooter or score off the grab and dribble. Though his initial stride isn’t as quick as it once was, he’s a dependable veteran whose skill set fills a hole in Chris Finch’s lineup. With a season-long three-point percentage of 45.3%, Ingles will be a real weapon off the bench who will make other teams think twice before double teaming him.
3. Detroit Pistons player Tobias Harris
Harris seems like a good match for the Pistons going forward. Alongside Cade Cunningham, JB Bickerstaff will have a true backup option thanks to his adaptable font court abilities. Harris’ time with the Sixers was not all that great, so he will definitely be driven to prove himself. He averaged 17.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 48.7% field goal shooting during the previous campaign.
2. Miami Heat’s Alec Burks
Burks is a versatile guard that can play one, two, or three positions in a rotation. He is able to score on all three levels, manufacture his own shot, and assist others. In recent seasons, the Heat have had trouble producing more on-ball creativity. The signing of Burks will provide Jimmy Butler, Terry Rozier, and Tyler Herro some insurance. It’s a wise signing that closes a significant hole in Miami’s bench rotation as a whole.
1. San Antonio Spurs’ Chris Paul
Paul will probably start at point guard for the Spurs. Victor Wembanyama will share the court with him for the first time as an All-Star caliber player. Paul is known for assisting in the NBA’s development of young talent, and he could be able to help Wembanyama elevate his game. For Gregg Popovich, Paul will be a reliable floor general since he is a true veteran. Moreover, if a compelling offer surfaces during the trade deadline on February 6th, his one-year, $11 million contract is very tradeable.
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