Moves that Matter: 2020 NBA Free Agency

This has been one of the craziest years in recent memory for the NBA. From playing games in a bubble to having a virtual draft in November, the NBA did not disappoint when it came down to offseason moves and acquisitions. So far there has been a lot of player movement that definitely shook up the landscape of the NBA. Teams are really mixing it and rosters are shuffling like cards at the casino. Here are some of the biggest moves he’ve seen so far:

Montrez Harrell is staying in Los Angeles, but not with the Clippers.

Montrez Harrell signs with the rival LA Lakers. Photo by ClutchPoints.com

Harrell, the reigning sixth man of the year, agreed to a deal for the full mid-level exception: $9.25 million the first year and $9.72 million the second. This move adds an added factor in the Clipper/Laker rivalry. Harrell is a tough, blue collar worker in the paint and can hold his own weight on the offensive end as well. His presence will help preserve Anthony Davis and will also help complement him. He has had some postseason troubles so he definitely will have a chip on his shoulder and something to prove.

Gordon Hayward is headed to Charlotte

The Charlotte Hornets made a big splash in the brief offseason drafting LaMelo Ball and signing Gordon Hayward to a multi year deal. Photo by NBAanalysis.com

The deal is said to be a four year, $220 Million agreement Michael Jordan is said to have overpaid for Hayward, who will not lose much of the $34.7 Million that he opted out of in Boston. Hayward showed flashes last season of returning to the All-Star level player he was before his injury but never quite got there. The Hornets are making their first big splash in free agency and signing Hayward is a huge risk for GM Michael Jordan. Hayward is 30 years old and coming off of two injuries in three years. Time will only tell how it will work out.

Serge Ibaka lands in Los Angeles and signs with the Clippers.

Ibaka brings a no nonsense Attitude to the Clippers and will be their defensive defensive anchor in the paint. Photo by ClutchPoints

Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reports (via Twitter) that Ibaka will receive $19MM over two years on his new deal, with the Clippers using their full mid-level exception to get the deal done. With Montrez Harrell leaving the Clippers to join the Lakers, and JaMychael Green leaving for Denver, the Clippers were pretty desperate to get a deal done with Ibaka. Serge is a defensive minded PF/C who still has some years in the tank. Averaging 15.4 PPG, 8.2 RPG, and 1.4 APG with an impressive .512/.385/.718 shooting last season for the Raptors the Clippers will ask a lot from Ibaka, and he will attempt to deliver.

Fred VanVleet is staying in Toronto

Raptors re-sign Fred VanVleet to four-year deal. Photo by ClutchPoints

VanVleet is a major component to the culture of Toronto Raptor Basketball. He agreed to a 4-year, $85 Million deal that makes him the highest paid undrafted player in NBA history. VanVleet is a good player. He has a strong basketball IQ, decent defender, good shot creator. I think any team that pays him is desperate for offense or just need a FA signing to keep the loyal fanbase seem happy.

Rajon Rondo says bye to the Lakers and hello to the Hawks.

Rajon Rondo agrees to 2-year, $15M deal with Hawks Photo by ClutchPoints

With Rondo getting interest from a multiple teams it would almost impossible for the Lakers to be able to match offers by other teams. Rondo, who turns 35 in February, averaged 8.9 points, 6.6 assists and 4.3 rebounds off the bench in 16 postseason games for the Lakers last season. He goes to the Hawks and brings veteran leadership and championship pedigree to a team who has been lacking in that department.

Dwight Howard signs with the Philadelphia 76ers.

Dwight Howard agrees with Philadelphia 76ers on one-year deal. Photo by ClutchPoints

Howard agrees to a one year deal with the 76ers and reunites with Daryl Morey, who is now the new Sixers president of basketball operations. He agreed to one-year guaranteed veteran minimum deal of $2.56 million and will help clog the lane with his big frame. Howard was a key piece of the Lakers’ championship run during the 2019-20 season and now takes his talents to an underachieving

Marc Gasol signs a two year deal with the Lakers

Former Defensive Player of the Year Marc Gasol is reportedly headed for L.A. to join the Lakers. Photo by ClutchPoints

Just when you thought the Lakers were in trouble for losing Dwight Howard and Javale McGee … they upgrade at the Center position with former Defensive Player of the Year, Marc Gasol. Many in Laker nation believe if it isn’t broken don’t fix it, but Gasol brings a level of versatility that the Lakers weren’t used to. Gasol will be able to stretch the floor because of his shooting ability. Partnered up with AD and Montrez Harrell should bring the best out of Gasol. The rich get richer. The champs have completely retooled their roster and seems to have gotten better on paper.

Golden State Acquires Kelly Oubre Jr. from OKC

The Warriors have acquired guard Kelly Oubre Jr. from the Thunder in exchange for a conditional 2021 first round draft pick and a 2021 second round pick. Photo by Clutch Sports

With the news of Klay Thompson going down to a season ending injury, the Golden State Warriors needed to act fast. They picked up Kelly Oubre Jr. on a one year heavily taxed rental. With his contract expiring, the Warriors did some maneuvering but made it work out. Oubre Jr. has tremendous potential fitting in with the Dubs long term. He could easily be the sixth man on a healthy Warrior squad and would make that team even more dangerous. For now, we’ll settle on Oubre as a Warrior for one year. Even though the Warriors would be way over the cap they hold Oubre’s Bird rights and will be be able to offer any offer in order to retain his services. We’ll have to wait and see how the story develops.

Other Notable Moves

Danilo Gallinari to the Hawks
Christian Wood to the Rockets
Joe Harris staying with the Nets
Jerami Grant to the Pistons
De’Aaron Fox signs max deal with Sacramento
Jayson Tatum signs max deal with Celtics
Wesley Mathews to the Lakers
Tristian Thompson to the Celtics
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope staying with the Lakers
Jae Crowder to the Suns
Kris Dunn to the Hawks
Marcus Morris staying with the Clippers
Derrick Jones Jr. to the Blazers
Jordan Clarkson stays with the Jazz
Goran Dragic stays with the Heat

Cal Griffin has covered the NBA for 5 years. You can email him here and follow him on Twitter.