The first free agency of the second apron era has begun. It’s still too early to tell what the full impact of the new CBA is going to be, but the league has to be happy with some of the early moves by the most expensive teams in the league.
Paul George is leaving the LA Clippers as a free agent. Same for Klay Thompson in Golden State and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in Denver. Expensive players, from stars to key reserves, are too expensive and the punishments too punitive for teams to keep moving forward with business as usual.
The Celtics, however, aren’t in the position to shell out more huge money this summer. They’ve already done that. Free agency for them is about the finer details, which they’ve taken care of. Here’s a look, with my reaction, at the opening of free agency
WHAT THE CELTICS DID
Picked up Sam Hauser’s option: Makes sense. They can talk about an extension soon. I’m not sure where those talks will go, but I’m sure Hauser will be looking for a significant raise next season. For now Boston is getting him on the cheap at $2.1 million. Depending on the season he has, he could be looking for $10 million or so moving forward.
Re-signed Luke Kornet for one season: Terms of the deal have not been announced, but bringing him back makes sense. Kornet is coming off the best season of his career and the Celtics will need him to start the season in Kristaps Porzingis’ absence. He’s a good option for the regular season and the continuity will be more valuable than even a slightly more talented option. He fits well, which is most important.
Agreed to multi-year contract with Neemias Queta: I expect the deal to have team options in the coming seasons. I think the theme here is flexibility after this season because the repeater tax kicks in for Boston after this season, and that's going to be a bear.
Essentially, Boston’s tax bill, which is estimated at about $50 million this season would be more than $90 million under the repeater tax. I don’t know who stays or who goes, but I can put it best this way: The Celtics are running it all the way back this season. They will very much not be doing that next season. I don’t know how that looks, but it will look different.
For now, 12 players from the world championship team is back.
WHAT EVERYONE ELSE DID
Clippers lose Paul George, keep James Harden, add Kevin Porter, Jr.: KPJ was arrested on a felony domestic assault charge a year ago, was waived, and went to Greece this past season. He’s completing a court-ordered program that will ultimately lead to a clean record, but there is still the potential for league punishment. Whenever that ends, he’ll try to fill the void left by George, who announced he’s leaving the Clippers.
The most likely landing spot is Philadelphia to team up with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. That would make the Sixers a very strong challenger to the Celtics … if they can stay healthy. We’ll save the rest of that analysis for when it actually happens. This is one to watch for Celtics fans.
Harden is sticking around on a two-year, $70 million deal. The Clippers kind of had no choice but to run it back with Harden because they're opening a new building and they need the team to be interesting and good. Losing George might normally be the trigger for a rebuild, but not under these circumstances. Harden is going to be Harden … great some games, non-existent in others, and unreliable in the playoffs.
Caldwell-Pope to Orlando: Denver is messing around the margins of its team, losing Bruce Brown and KCP in consecutive years. They hope Christian Braun can make up the difference, and we’ll see if that's enough to fill the void, but the Nuggets sure look like they are playing with fire by cheaping out on Nikola Jokic’s supporting cast.
Meanwhile, Magic add a wing defender and willing shooter to a team that struggled from deep. Orlando is an interesting team, hanging around the top of the East early on before reality set in later in the season. KCP can help space the floor and get the Magic extra possessions. That will let the Magic stars do what they do best.
Franz Wagner remembering how to shoot will also help, but Boston fans should probably root against that.
The Magic are a team to watch. New York got better. Philly is about to get better (we think). Orlando is getting better. The challengers are lining up.
Philadelphia lands Eric Gordon, Andre Drummond: A one-year minimum deal for Gordon gets them a really nice floor-spacer. Of course, Daryl Morey dips back into his old Houston Rockets well again.
Drummond gives them rebounding and capable backup to Embiid. It keeps massive size on the floor, which will make the Sixers tough to defend.
Klay Thompson leaving Warriors: Dallas is going after Thompson in a big way. The Clippers, Lakers, and Sixers are reportedly looking to add him as well.
Chris Paul to San Antonio: They needed a point guard for Victor Wembanyama. Paul is a very temporary fix, but anything Wemby-adjacent is interesting. This pairing will be worth watching.