NBA Day One Winners and losers: Clippers and Sixers

The 2024 NBA free agents period was not filled with many notable names. These are the winners of the first day.

By Sanjesh Singh

The latest NBA Free Agency began Sunday, with teams and athletes now able to discuss agreements during the moratorium.

The fans who were expecting a rush of activity when the game started at 6 p.m., were disappointed. ET was disappointed.

Some popular names were reported to have changed teams but the experience was not like in previous years.

Five winners and losers of the Free Agency Day.

WINNER: Victor Wembanyama

The San Antonio Spurs have been criticized for not having a point-guard who can move the ball. Chris Paul was released from the Golden State Warriors in free agency and is expected to fill this hole for now.

Paul, according to reports, has agreed to sign an $11 million contract with San Antonio for a one-year period. He will start the season with Victor Wembanyama, who showed great promise in his debut season. Playing with a player as good as Paul can help him reach new heights.

Paul is out of the running for his first ring. He will still have a significant role to play in Texas.

LOSER: Los Angeles Clippers’ starpower

Paul George’s marriage to the Clippers is all but over. He will now be looking for other teams. The Philadelphia 76ers, according to reports are also in the running.

Los Angeles extended James Harden’s contract on Sunday to two years with $70 million. Kevin Porter Jr. agreed to two years of contract with a player’s option. Derrick Jones Jr. had signed a three-year deal worth $30 million.

George and Kawhi’s Hollywood partnership is over. They were a constant disappointment, and they never made it to NBA Finals.

WINNER: Orlando Magic’s defense

The Magic surprised everyone on the first day by agreeing to a deal with Kentavious Cadwell Pope. It is reported to be worth $66 million over three years. Caldwell Pope, a two-time NBA champion who is also a good 3-and D wing, seems to have been overpaid.

His fit in Orlando is obvious: He’ll be the second-guard, alongside Jalal Suggs. Wendell Carter Jr. and Paolo Banchero are also included. Orlando was the third-best defense in the league. Jamahl Mosley will have another player who can help him improve.

This move is also a blow to the Denver Nuggets, who will have to replace Caldwell Pope’s influence within the team. They will also lose depth in the Denver Nuggets’ roster.

LOSER: Silence

The day’s biggest news was the lack movement. This came after Harden’s announcement of his new contract with Clippers, and Paul’s resignation. The Boston Celtics kept backup center Luke Kornet.

Andre Drummond plans to return to Philly and Jonas Valanciunas is set to join the Washington Wizards on a three-year, $30 million deal.

Other players include George, Klay Thompson, Tobias Harris DeMar DeRozan Isaiah Hartenstein Gary Trent Jr. Buddy Hield, among others.

Philadelphia Sixers Activity Winner

Last season, the Sixers were hampered by a lack of depth. To address this issue early in the year, they signed Eric Gordon and Drummond on one-year deals.

Drummond’s primary function as a large rebounder has rejuvenated his career. Gordon, who was a Phoenix Sun last season, scored an average of 11 points per game with a split of 44/38/80.

After a successful debut season, they also reported agreed to sign Kelly Oubre Jr. on a two-year contract worth $16.3million.

Hield, Harris, and Nicolas Batum are all on the market. Robert Covington, De’Anthony Melton and Cam Payne are also moving.

By securing George’s team with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Miniey, they are doing the right thing.