RADIO
The NBA free agency period has begun, so news of signings will be flying in all week. Rumors are buzzing about, but as deals are officially reported, we will add them to our running list of NBA player signings and trades here.
The news will come strong and fast, so we have you covered! Keep tabs on the latest free agent deals with our 2024 NBA Free Agent Tracker.
This article will be updated daily and will cover all NBA free agent signings and trades, with some discussion of the fantasy impact as well - so be sure to check back often!
Upgrade To VIP: Win more with our NBA and DFS Premium Pass, get expert tools and advice from proven winners! Will Priester (@ChiefJustice06) from RotoGrinders joins the RotoBaller team in 2023-24 with his exclusive DFS picks, Prop picks and more. Gain VIP access to our Lineup Optimizer, Research Station, DFS Cheat Sheets and VIP Chat Rooms. Go Premium, Win More!
NBA Free Agent Tracker
Franz Wagner - Orlando Magic: Five years, $224 million
The Magic continue to build for the future, locking up Wagner who has emerged as a key piece of their rotation. Orlando is basically running it back next season, with the addition of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Although there is potentially room to grow for Wagner, it could be that we see only gradual improvements given the roster around him is also working on the same timeline. He should be a safe fantasy target in the fifth or sixth round of standard drafts.
Buddy Hield - Golden State Warriors: Two years, $21 million
The Warriors continue to add role players to their roster following the departure of Klay Thompson. After an unsuccessful stint in Philadelphia, Hield will look to rejuvenate his career playing alongside Steph Curry. Although Brandin Podziemski is likely to be given the starting nod come opening night, he is by no means a lock to remain in the role. In fact, an argument could be made for Hield sliding in as a downgraded version of Thompson. Having had multiple top-100 seasons, Hield is a name to watch both prior to and following fantasy drafts.
Alec Burks - Miami Heat: One year
Burks will add some scoring punch to the Miami bench, something they could certainly benefit from. Unfortunately, that is unlikely to translate into fantasy value, outside of periods during which he could be streamed for points and threes.
Joe Ingles - Minnesota Timberwolves: One year
Ingles will slide seamlessly into the Minnesota rotation, filling the void left by Kyle Anderson. He basically has no chance of being fantasy-relevant, but should be a nice addition for the Timberwolves as they look to build on a successful 2023-24 campaign.
LeBron James - Los Angeles Lakers: Two years, $104 million
James will return to Los Angeles, to no one's surprise, to play alongside his son in what will be a first for the NBA. Despite his age, James is still a force to be reckoned with on the basketball court. Games played will continue to be a lingering question, impacting his overall fantasy appeal. He is likely to slip in drafts, meaning there could actually be some value to be had for anyone lucky enough to land him.
Kyle Anderson - Golden State Warriors: Three years, $27 million
Despite the change of scenery, we know exactly what we are going to get from Anderson. He will serve as a 'glue guy' for the Warriors, filling a number of roles on any given night. Outside of situational streaming, he is unlikely to play enough to have sustainable fantasy value.
Jonathan Isaac - Orlando Magic: Five years, $84 million
Another piece of the confusing puzzle falls into place in Orlando, with Isaac signing a lengthy contract. While his talent is undoubted, Isaac's health remains an issue. He is coming off a moderately successful season, giving hope to fantasy managers everywhere. If we get word his role is likely to push toward 22 minutes per night, he could be worth a flier in fantasy drafts.
Xavier Tillman - Boston Celtics: Two years
Another nice depth piece for the Celtics. While there is very little to see in terms of fantasy, Tillman is someone to monitor given Kristaps Porzingis will miss at least the first month of the season.
Mo Wagner - Orlando Magic: Two years, $22 million
The center situation in Orlando continues to be confusing, having now re-signed both Wager and Goga Bitadze. Add to that the fact that Wendell Carter Jr. remains on the roster and we have a three-headed monster with very little idea as to who is the preferred option. It could be that the Magic are planning on packaging Carter to acquire some more floor spacing, something that would at least reduce the options to two. Until we get more clarity, all three are tough players to draft and/or roster. Assuming Carter starts if he is still around, he could be a potential target in the later rounds.
James Wiseman - Indiana Pacers: Two years
After parting ways with Jalen Smith, the Pacers bring in Wiseman as an alternative center option, playing behind Myles Turner. Wiseman has been anything but spectacular during his career, and this feels like it could be his final shot. He will likely battle Isaiah Jackson for minutes, providing Indiana with a somewhat better offensive option. For fantasy managers, there is nothing that needs to be done.
Donovan Mitchell - Cleveland Cavaliers: Three years, $150.3 million
After much speculation, Mitchell will stick around in Cleveland for at least another two years (player option in third year). As things stand right now, this has very little impact from a fantasy perspective. However, there are rumblings that his signature could signal some unrest, potentially leading to some changes. Both Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen are names to watch moving forward, just in case they are moved. Mitchell will remain the primary option on offense but if Garland is not there, it could be that Mitchell actually has to do a little more.
Mo Bamba - Los Angeles Clippers: One year
Bamba comes in as the possible backup behind Ivic Zubac, pending the decision regarding Daniel Theis. Bamba can have limited fantasy appeal thanks to his ability to block shots and spread the floor. However, he would need an injury to Zubac to be a viable target outside of deeper formats.
Garry Harris - Orlando Magic: Two years, $14 million
With Kentavious Caldwell-Pope arriving in Orlando, Harris will likely move to the bench. While he certainly strengthens their second unit, he should not be on anyone's fantasy radar, given he was a non-factor last season while serving as a consistent starter.
De'Anthony Melton - Golden State Warriors: One year, $12.8 million
The Warriors snap up Melton for one year, where he will likely play as the sixth man behind Brandon Podziemski. Melton has always been a player who flashes fantasy upside only to be let down by insufficient playing time. He was a borderline top-80 player last season in just under 27 minutes per night. As much as fantasy managers would love for him to crack 30 minutes, it feels unlikely at this stage. He is also coming off a season that was cut short by a back injury, perhaps the reason for his one-year deal. Feel free to grab him with a last-round pick, just in case he can turn his potential into tangible fantasy value.
Nic Batum - Los Angeles Clippers: Two years, $9.6 million
Batum returns to the Clippers after a short stint in Philadelphia. While he does provide the Clippers with a nice veteran presence off the bench, his days of being a fantasy asset are behind him.
Klay Thompson - Dallas Mavericks: Three years, $50 million
As expected, Thompson will continue his career in Dallas after an underwhelming 2023-24 campaign. Coming off two significant injuries, it's fair to say that Thompson is not the player he was during his prime. This is perhaps most evident on the defensive end, with his lateral movement severely impacted by the two injuries. However, he remains one of the purest shooters in the league, providing the Mavericks with a viable third scoring option behind Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. He should start for his new team, topping out at about 30 minutes per night. He is probably worth drafting in the later rounds, assuming you are simply looking for points and threes.
Derrick White - Boston Celtics: Four years, $125.9 million
The Celtics needed to make this signing and of course, they did. From a fantasy perspective, there is very little to discuss. White should be able to come close to replicating what he did last season, making him a great target in the fourth round if he slides that far.
Delon Wright - Milwaukee Bucks: One year, $3.3 million
Wright is a great, sneaky addition for the Bucks. Often underutilized, he should provide them with a nice complementary piece alongside Damian Lillard. Unfortunately, he is unlikely to play enough to warrant significant fantasy attention. He should be on everyone's watchlist but initially, should be viewed as an elite streaming option for anyone seeking steals.
Drew Eubanks - Utah Jazz: Two years, $10 million
Eubanks will shift from Phoenix to Utah, a move that doesn't make a lot of sense. It is unclear what his role will be come opening night, although it is unlikely he sniffs fantasy value, unless the Jazz make a number of moves in the coming weeks.
Tobias Harris - Detroit Pistons: Two years, $52 million
Harris returns to Detroit where he will undoubtedly serve as the starting power forward, supplanting Isaiah Stewart who will play as the backup center behind Jalen Duren. While Harris is on the back end of his career, he should be able to put together another solid fantasy season. He is one of the more underrated fantasy assets, meaning he could still be available in the seventh or eight round despite finishing as a top 50 player last season.
Isaiah Hartenstein - Oklahoma City Thunder: Three years, $87 million
After putting together the best season of his career in New York, Hartenstein was rewarded with a sizeable contract, landing in Oklahoma City, where he should play a significant role right out of the blocks. It is unclear whether he will start alongside Chet Holmgren or come off the bench. Either way, he should see upwards of 26 minutes per night, placing his fantasy floor right around the top 80. If he can edge his way toward 30 minutes per night, the top 50 is not out of the question. As for Holmgren, this probably impacts his rebounding numbers, slicing a few spots off his ceiling.
Jalen Smith - Chicago Bulls: Three years, $27 million
With Andre Drummond leaving Chicago, Smith should slide straight into the backup center spot, playing behind Nikola Vucevic. While he should at least have a consistent role, he isn't someone who needs to be a priority outside of deeper leagues. If (and when) Vucevic and the Bulls fall out of playoff contention, perhaps Smith steps into a larger role. Until that point, just monitor his playing time.
Aaron Wiggins - Oklahoma City Thunder: Five years, $47 million
Another solid depth piece for the Thunder, Wiggins should continue to play limited minutes with the second unit. He can be utilized as a streaming option, much like Joe, although his overall game is a little more well-rounded, making him less of a specialist.
Isaiah Joe - Oklahoma City Thunder: Four years, $48 million
The Thunder bring back a key bench piece, locking Joe up for the next four years. Given his likely role, it is hard to see him being anything but an elite three-point streaming option.
Tyrese Maxey - Philadelphia 76ers: Five years, $204 million
No surprise here with Maxey signing on a long-term deal. As discussed earlier, he likely takes a small hit with the arrival of Paul George. Keeping in mind his trajectory is pointed in the opposite direction to George, it makes sense for the Sixers to prioritize Maxey. While his ceiling is somewhat capped, he should still be a solid second or potentially third-round target.
Paul George - Philadelphia 76ers: Four years, $212 million
George will continue his search for an NBA title in Philadelphia, alongside Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid. He ended the 2023-24 season as a first-round player in per-game value, something that is unlikely to repeat this season. His numbers could take a small hit across the board, making him a relatively solid target in the mid-to-late second round. His arrival could also result in both Maxey and Embiid dipping slightly in terms of scoring.
His departure from the Clippers means James Harden and Kawhi Leonard are going to have to shoulder a little more on the offensive end. Derrick Jones Jr. could be an ideal replacement for George on the defensive end, however, his offensive skills are far less appealing. Assuming Leonard can remain relatively healthy, he could be in for another top-10 finish. Meanwhile, Harden could find himself back in the second round after ending last season as the 26th-ranked player in standard formats.
Kelly Oubre - Philadelphia 76ers: Two years, $16.3 million
Oubre will return to Philadelphia where he is likely to serve as a primary offensive option in the second unit. While he has certainly never met a shot he didn't like, Oubre's overall fantasy game is far from appealing. Outside of some sporadic streaming appeal, he probably lands as a potential last-round flier for anyone needing a late boost in points.
Derrick Jones Jr. - Los Angeles Clippers: Three years, $30 million
Coming off a strong performance in the playoffs, Jones was seen as a priority for the Mavericks. However, they couldn't come to terms on a new deal, affording Jones the opportunity to look elsewhere. He was subsequently picked up by the Clippers where he could move straight into the starting lineup, replacing Paul George who is likely on the move himself. Even in starters' minutes, Jone has never been a high-priority fantasy target. He can be streamed in for defensive purposes but is unlikely to warrant significant attention come draft season.
Naji Marshall - Dallas Mavericks: Three years, $27 million
Marshall should provide the Mavericks with a viable option, either off the bench or starting. With Derrick Jones Jr. seemingly on his way out of town, Marshall could be called upon to play meaningful minutes on a consistent basis. Although his role could be relatively consistent, there is no reason to be targeting him in standard leagues, given his limited ceiling and the fact the Mavericks have depth at the wing/forward position.
Mason Plumlee - Phoenix Suns: One year
Plumlee comes in as the primary backup behind Jusuf Nurkic, providing the Suns with a serviceable, proven veteran. Although we have seen Plumlee have fantasy value in the past, he would need an injury to Nurkic to even be considered a viable asset. If and when Nurkic does miss time, Plumlee could be worth streaming in for rebounds, field goal percentage and out-of-position assists.
Jonas Valanciunas - Washington Wizards: Three years, $30 million
In one of the more intriguing free agency moves, Valanciunas heads to Washington where he will compete with the likes of Marvin Bagley and Richaun Holmes, not to mention the number two draft pick, Alex Sarr. Although his immediate future in New Orleans was likely coming to an end, the Wizards were not on the list of potential targets. While there is a chance he can be a standard league asset, fantasy managers are going to need to see what other moves are made as well as what the rotation could look like. If he ends up starting alongside Sarr, perhaps he can provide limited big-man numbers.
Chris Paul - San Antonio Spurs: One year, $11 million
After a terrible season in Golden State, Paul finds himself in a much more favorable situation in San Antonio. Although age is not on his side, if he can remain relatively healthy, Paul could find himself back inside the top 80 without too much trouble. Playing alongside Victor Wembanyama should ensure Paul's assist numbers increase. His days of being a reliable, high-volume scorer are behind him, however, he could certainly average more than the 9.2 points per game he put up with the Warriors. If we compare him to fellow veteran Mike Conley, we at least have a ballpark in terms of what his value could be. Conley ended as the 69th-ranked player last season, averaging 11.4 points, 5.9 assists, 1.2 steals and 2.4 three-pointers.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope - Orlando Magic: Three years, $66 million
While Caldwell-Pope is not typically seen as a marquee piece, he provides the Magic with a huge upgrade at the off-guard position. He remains one of the best wing defenders in the leagues, with the ability to step out and consistently connect from the perimeter. If there is one thing the Magic needed to upgrade this offseason, it's their perimeter scoring. With that said, Caldwell-Pope's role is unlikely to change despite the move, making him a questionable fantasy asset, at best. He can be snapped up with a final pick by anyone needing a boost in steals and threes.
Andre Drummond - Philadelphia 76ers: two years, $10 million
Playing behind Joel Embiid, Drummond's opportunities are obviously going to be limited. However, Embiid's injury history cannot be overlooked here. Based on what we know about his ongoing knee concerns, there is a chance Embiid not only misses plenty of games this season but is also managed whenever he is on the court. Drummond will be competing with Paul Reed for backup minutes, with each player providing a unique skill set. While he won't be a target during fantasy drafts, Drummond will almost certainly be a frequent streaming candidate, at times providing somewhat sustainable value.
James Harden - Los Angeles Clippers: Two years, $70 million
Harden will return to Los Angeles for at least one more season, serving as arguably the first option on offense with the impending departure of Paul George. While it is unlikely we see Harden get back to being a top-10 player, there is a chance he could flirt with top-15 value, especially if Russell Westbrook also finds an alternate home. The Clippers could still have some moves to make, following which Harden's upside may have to be scaled back. For now, it's a situation to monitor, especially for anyone keen on trying to snap up a bargain on draft day.
Max Christie - Los Angeles Lakers: Four years, $32 million
Christie did just enough last season to earn himself a multi-year deal in Los Angeles. He could potentially be a fantasy asset at some point in his career but at this stage, he is simply a depth piece on a roster with title aspirations.
Obi Toppin - Indiana Pacers: Four years, $60 million
Toppin was able to carve out a meaningful role in Indiana, albeit a little underwhelming when compared to preseason hype heading into the 2023-24 season. The Pacers see him as a key piece moving forward, likely utilizing him both off the bench and as a member of the starting unit, depending on the individual matchup. With his role seemingly set in stone, there is no reason to think his fantasy value will change, making him a deeper league target only.
Patrick Williams - Chicago Bulls: Five years, $90 million
The Bulls continue to show a ton of faith in Williams despite the fact he has been largely underwhelming, both in reality and fantasy. He was able to cobble together limited fantasy value last season before once again being derailed by injury. The Bulls are going nowhere fast, meaning Williams should at least be given ample opportunity to prove himself once again. Based on what we have seen to this point in his career, managers are well within their rights to steer clear of him on draft day.
Royce O'Neale - Phoenix Suns: Four years, $44 million
O'Neale has the ability to contribute across multiple categories, playing a number of positions depending on the matchup. Unfortunately, his production typically falls short of the mark when it comes to sustainable fantasy value. He is a great example of a situation where real-life value outweighs fantasy value. He will undoubtedly be on and off rosters across all formats for most of the season.
Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App
Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy basketball mobile app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, lineup notifications & DFS articles. All free!
