NBA

76ers sign SF Paul George to four-year, $212 million contract

The 76ers — armed with upwards of $60 million in salary cap space entering free agency — were equipped to upgrade their roster more than any other contender. In an era of first and second aprons hamstringing franchises from adding talent, Philadelphia had a huge advantage. By adding George, a nine-time All-Star, the 76ers are taking advantage of their flexibility. George should be a snug fit between Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid in Philadelphia’s lineup, one that will likely enter the 2024-25 season as the second best in the East, behind defending-champion Boston.

Grade: A-

Thunder sign C Isaiah Hartenstein to three-year, $87 million contract

This is probably a bit too much money for Hartenstein, but the fit here is phenomenal — enough to make up for the overpay. The small Thunder struggled mightily to rebound in 2024, so adding Hartenstein, a team-first physical center, will boost Oklahoma City’s fortunes. The Thunder are doing a great job of adding around the team’s core of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams.

Grade: C+

Pistons sign PF Tobias Harris to two-year, $52 million contract

Why? It’s possible Detroit takes a leap into play-in territory next season — a lot of things would need to go right — but signing Harris to this deal is a poor use of cap room. The 31-year-old is a fine player — a stretch forward with defensive chops and a good locker-room presence — but he doesn’t fit the Pistons’ timeline and could keep the franchise out of the Cooper Flagg sweepstakes in 2025. For next season though, Harris will surely help space the floor for a cramped Detroit offense.

Grade: D+

Celtics sign SG Derrick White to four-year, $126 million contract extension

White could’ve waited a year and signed for a lot more, but the guard opted for immediate security with the league’s best team, and I can’t blame him. White and Jrue Holiday form one of the NBA’s more well-rounded backcourts, and at 29, he’s probably a few years away from regressing. This is a bargain for Boston.

Grade: A-

Thunder sign SG Isaiah Joe to four-year, $48 million contract

It’s uncertain how Joe’s role will scale over time, given the shooting guard’s lack of size and Oklahoma City’s guard depth, but he’s one of the league’s top three-point marksmen. A career 39.7 percent shooter from deep, Joe makes sense on this pact, and should be moveable, as well.

Grade: B

Thunder sign SG Aaron Wiggins to five-year, $47 million contract

It was obvious Oklahoma City was up to something when it declined Wiggins’ $2 million team option on Saturday, and with this contract, Sam Presti’s machinations paid off. The 25-year-old Wiggins is an ascending player — an undervalued part of the Thunder’s young core — and will be well worth this deal for the coming years. The shooting guard shot 56.2 percent from the floor and 49.2 percent from three in 2024.

Grade: B+

Bulls sign PF Jalen Smith to three-year, $27 million contract

The Bulls probably need a complete refresh, but at least the team has committed to getting younger this offseason. Trading for Josh Giddey, extending Patrick Williams and signing Smith are all moves in the right direction for Chicago. After flaming out with the Suns, Smith carved out a role in Indiana, and the Bulls are getting him at the right time; there’s probably still some potential remaining for the 24-year-old.

Grade: B+

76ers sign SF Kelly Oubre to two-year, $16.3 million contract

The 76ers stole Oubre last summer with a one-year, $2.9 million contract, and while Philadelphia isn’t getting away with the same crime this time around, securing Oubre at this price is good business. The forward put forth his typical output in 2024 — 15.4 points per game, rangy defense and questionable decision making — and should complement Paul George well, giving the Sixers two lengthy wings to throw at Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, among others.

Grade: B+

76ers sign PG Tyrese Maxey to five-year, $204 million contract

This extension was widely expected, but the Sixers — and Maxey — smartly waited to do this deal in order to keep the point guard’s cap hit low. There’s not much to this contract; Maxey has become so good, so fast that he’ll still be a bargain on this extension for the next five seasons. Philadelphia is having an excellent summer.

Grade: A+

Warriors sign SG De’Anthony Melton to one-year, $12.8 million contract

I’m surprised Melton was only able to fetch one year, but I suppose that’s Golden State’s gain. The shooting guard, in theory, should be a good fit next to Stephen Curry in the Warriors’ backcourt, and gives the team a strong option on the perimeter.

Grade: B

Rockets sign PG Aaron Holiday to two-year, $10 million contract

Houston already has Fred VanVleet, Jalen Green, Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard, so Holiday could struggle to find minutes in the team’s backcourt, but he’s a versatile guard that’ll be a nice insurance policy in the event of injury.

Grade: C

Clippers sign PF Nicolas Batum to two-year, $9.6 million contract

Batum, entering year No. 17, showed last season that he still has some left in the tank, and can help the Clippers with his shooting, length and basketball IQ.

Jazz sign C Drew Eubanks to two-year, $10 million contract

For a lottery team, Utah has a deep roster, but adding Eubanks at this price is smart. The Jazz are thin behind Walker Kessler at center — John Collins is too small for the position and Kyle Filipowski is an unknown — so Eubanks should be able to get minutes for a franchise teetering between taking the next step or furthering a rebuild.

Grade: B

Bucks sign SG Delon Wright to one-year, $3.3 million contract

At 32, I don’t know if Wright is worthy of a roster spot anymore, but he’s still capable of providing minutes in a pinch, and brings a diverse skillset to Milwaukee.

Grade: C-