Grading the Biggest Deals from Early NBA Free Agency

The NBA offseason has been in swing for a while, even before free agency officially began. But with the official start on Wednesday, the moves have been flying from teams, specifically the Los Angeles Lakers.

Sports • July 3, 2026

Written by ZACH ROBERTS

Photography ARIANNA GRAINEY-IMAGN IMAGES

The NBA offseason has been in swing for a while, even before free agency officially began. But with the official start on Wednesday, the moves have been flying from teams, specifically the Los Angeles Lakers. So many free agents have found new homes and new deals. Here are some of the biggest and how the teams fared.

NBA free agency grades

Los Angeles Lakers sign and trade for Walker Kessler: B-

Perhaps the biggest move, once it became clear that LeBron James wasn’t returning, was how to spend all that money. They have been ridiculously active, but their biggest move was a sign-and-trade for Utah Jazz RFA Walker Kessler. They sent two unprotected first-rounders (their last two) and two pick swaps, then signed him for four years at $130 million. It destroys their future assets, but Kessler is what they need. It’s now or never.

Boston Celtics land Mitchell Robinson: B

It’s unclear what the Celtics are trying to build, with NBA trade rumors swirling around Jaylen Brown. In the meantime, they signed Mitchell Robinson to a three-year (with a player option in year three) $47.5 million deal. It’s a good signing, as Robinson is a great defender and would be a starter on a lot of non-Knicks teams. He will provide the Celtics with some valuable rim protection, even if the price is a little steep.

Nikola Vucevic back to the Orlando Magic: A-

It’s a little bit meaningless since the Orlando Magic didn’t really need him and he’s past his prime, but seeing Nikola Vucevic go back to the Magic is just so nice. He is better in a Magic uniform, and with the Magic later losing backup center Moe Wagner, it makes perfect sense to bring back a fan favorite, even if he’s an awful defender. Even still, few centers can shoot from distance as he can.

Chicago Bulls land Norman Powell: A

Norman Powell is with the Chicago Bulls after a lone season with the Miami Heat. This is a very good deal for the Bulls, even if it’s a touch expensive. It’s only a two-year deal, so the NBA contract will never be an albatross. The Bulls need shooting, and they already have an established lead guard. Powell works better off the ball, where he’ll thrive getting shots off of Josh Giddey’s passes.

Detroit Pistons ink John Collins: B+

The Detroit Pistons are a perfect fit for John Collins, whose defense in the post will fit right in with what the Pistons like to do. There are inklings that Jalen Duren is trying to sign elsewhere, so bringing in another big man makes a lot of sense. Worst-case scenario, Collins will be a really good NBA backup for Duren or a starter if Tobias Harris doesn’t return and the Pistons want to go with a size lineup.

Quentin Grimes signs with Lakers: C+

The Los Angeles Lakers were really busy, signing Collin Sexton, Sandro Mamukelashvili, and Quentin Grimes. Grimes earned the biggest deal with a four-year, $60 million deal. This is a decent addition for the Lakers, but it’s hard to justify such a long and lucrative contract. Grimes has shown flashes, but he’s hardly shown enough for such a big deal.

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By Zach Roberts

Zachary Roberts has written in the sports industry for over four years. He's covered the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Hornets, Seattle Seahawks, and wider coverage of the NFL, pro golf, NHL, MLB, and NBA. He has worked with ComicBook, Sportskeeda, The Sporting News, and the On SI Network. In his free time, Zachary loves playing video games, watching movies, or reading books.