Top 5 NBA Free Agent Signings Of 2024

As the 2024-25 NBA season approaches, the landscape of the league has been reshaped by a flurry of free-agent signings. Teams across the league have made bold moves to bolster their rosters, and some of these additions could be the difference-makers in the quest for a championship.

In no particular order, I've highlighted my top five free-agent signings for the upcoming season, each of which has the potential to make a significant impact.

1. Paul George to the 76ers

Less than 12 hours after the signing period opened, Paul George agreed to a four-year, $212 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, joining a roster that features Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, raising expectations for a championship run.

The impact of George's addition is reflected in the odds, with the Sixers’ chances to win the NBA Championship improving from +1400 to +800, tying them for the third shortest odds behind the Celtics and Nuggets. His presence adds another offensive threat alongside Embiid and Maxey, and his three-point shooting and defense will be crucial, especially with Tobias Harris now with the Pistons.

On paper, the Sixers have the talent to win the East and compete for a title. However, the biggest obstacle might be their own health. George's history of injuries, combined with Embiid's own injury concerns, raises questions about their ability to stay healthy throughout the season. If they can, postseason success is likely, but it’s a significant "if."

2. Tyus Jones to the Suns

Signing Tyus Jones this offseason was a big-time addition for this Phoenix team that operated without a true starting point guard last year. The Suns signed him to the veteran's minimum, which is a significant move considering Jones was arguably the best free agent point guard on the market and someone worth closer to the $15 million per year mark.

The Suns struggled mightily with turnovers in 2023-2024, ranking 27th in TOV% while averaging 14.9 giveaways per game. Those numbers should be significantly lower this season with the ball in Jones' hands. He's built a reputation as a savvy point guard known for his exceptional playmaking and court vision, but most importantly, his ability to take care of the ball.

Jones tallied 1,933 minutes for Washington last season, yet turned the ball over just 66 times. He finished the year with 485 assists (7.3 per game), giving him an assist-to-turnover ratio of 7.35 last season. According to ESPN Stats & Information, that was the highest of any player in a season since individual turnovers were first tracked in 1977-1978.

3. Chris Paul to the Spurs

Veteran point guard Chris Paul was waived by the Warriors after just one season in Golden State. Instead of remaining a bench player on a championship-contending team, Paul chose to sign with the Spurs, where he knew he’d get ample playing time, inking a one-year, $10.46 million contract. His presence will be invaluable in leading what was the league’s youngest team during the 2023-2024 season. With 19 years of experience, Paul will serve as a leader both on the floor and in the locker room for Wembanyama and this young group. The two-man game between him and Wembanyama could potentially become one of the best in the league, likely contributing to an increase in wins.

Paul’s contract includes eight different incentives, one of which is tied to the Spurs winning 32 games in the 2024-25 season. This would represent a significant improvement from the 22 games San Antonio won last season but is just shy of the 35.5 win total set for the upcoming season. With Wembanyama expected to make significant strides this offseason and Paul bringing the veteran leadership the organization lacked last year, surpassing 35.5 wins seems well within reach for this squad.

4. Isaiah Hartenstein to the Thunder

Isaiah Hartenstein is the perfect addition to the Thunder, making this one of the best free-agent signings this offseason. OKC's young corps was talented enough to earn the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference playoffs last year, but it still lacked a few key pieces, one of those being a versatile big man who can rebound and defend the rim. OKC was the second-worst offensive rebounding team and fourth-worst overall rebounding team in 2024-25. They were crushed on the boards in the postseason, so signing Hartenstein makes perfect sense.

The Thunder are the favorites to win the Northwest Division at +100 and the Western Conference at +340 on DraftKings. While the value isn't great, both are bets that I think have a very realistic chance of hitting, especially with the Thunder also trading for Alex Caruso in the offseason.

5. Kentavious Caldwell Pope to the Magic

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope signed with the Orlando Magic on a three-year deal worth $66 million after it became clear that the Nuggets wouldn't give him that big of a deal. KCP now brings championship experience and a proven track record as a reliable long-range shooter to an Orlando squad that was desperate for offense last year. With a career three-point shooting percentage of 40.6%, Caldwell-Pope addresses a significant offensive need for the Magic, who ranked only 22nd in the NBA offensively last season.

After a successful season where they secured 47 wins, their highest in 13 years, and earned the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference, the Magic are looking to take the next step in their playoff journey. Caldwell-Pope’s arrival not only enhances their offensive firepower but also adds veteran leadership to a team that already boasts one of the league’s top defenses. His presence is expected to help Orlando push deeper into the postseason as they aim to build on their recent momentum.

Their win total for 2024-25 is set at 47.5 on DraftKings for -110. However, you can grab them to have 50+ wins for +150, which is something that I think is certainly doable and provides more value.