NBA Day 1 Winners and Losers: Sixers and Clippers

There were not many big names in the 2024 NBA free agent period. Here are the winners and losers of the first day.

By Sanjesh Singh

 

The latest NBA free agency period began Sunday with teams and players now being able to discuss deals during the moratorium period.

Fans who were hoping to see a rush of action when the game began at 6 p.m. ET were disappointed. ET was left disappointed.

It was reported that some popular names changed teams, but the experience wasn’t like years before.

Here are five winners and losers from the free agency day.

WINNER: Victor Wembanyama

The San Antonio Spurs were criticized for their lack of a point guard who could move the ball. Chris Paul, who was released by the Golden State Warriors during free agency, is set to fill that hole for the time being.

Paul , reportedly, agreed with San Antonio to sign a $11 million, one-year contract. He’ll start the season alongside Victor Wembanyama. Wembanyama showed a lot of promise in his first season. But playing with a player of Paul’s calibre can help him achieve new heights.

Paul is no longer in the running to win his very first ring. But he will still play a major role in Texas.

LOSER: Los Angeles Clippers’ starpower

The clippers marriage to Paul George has all but ended. The star wing will be exploring interest from other teams. According to reports, the Philadelphia 76ers are in the running.

Los Angeles reportedly extended James Harden’s contract to two years and $70 million on Sunday. Kevin Porter Jr. also agreed to a deal of two years with a player option, while Derrick Jones Jr. signed a deal for three years worth $30 million.

The George-Kawhi tandem in Hollywood is over. They were a constant source of disappointment and never made it to the NBA Finals. The Clippers won’t have the same strength next season unless they can find another star.

WINNER: Orlando Magic’s defense

The Magic made a surprising splash on the first day of the season when they agreed to terms with Kentavious Cadwell-Pope. The deal according to, is worth $66 millions over three years. This seems like an overpayment. Caldwell Pope is a 2-time NBA champion and a quality 3-and D wing.

It’s pretty obvious that his fit with Orlando is clear: He will be the second guard, with Jalal Suggs and Franz Wagner also in the line-up. Wendell Carter Jr., Paolo Banchero, and Wendell Carter Jr. are all included as well. Orlando had the third best defense in the league, so Jamahl Mosley has another player to help him improve.

This reported move will also be a major blow to the Denver Nuggets who will most likely have to replace Caldwell Pope’s influence internally. The Denver Nuggets will also be a step down in depth, something that hurt them at certain times during the past season.

LOSER: Silence

The biggest news of the day was the lack of movement. The next big move came after the announcement of Harden’s new contract with the Clippers and Paul’s resignation. It was the Boston Celtics keeping backup center Luke Kornet.

Andre Drummond is planning to return to Philly, and Jonas Valanciunas plans to join the Washington Wizards for a 3-year, $30-million deal.

Others include George, Klay Thomson, Tobias Harris DeMar DeRozan Isaiah Hartenstein Gary Trent Jr. Buddy Hield and others.

Philadelphia 76ers activity winner

The Sixers’ lack of depth was one of their biggest weaknesses last season. The Sixers addressed this early in the season, by signing Eric Gordon and Drummond to one-year contracts.

Drummond’s primary role of a big rebounder has revitalized the value of his career. Gordon, a Phoenix Sun in last season, averaged 11 points a game on a 44/38/80 split.

They also reportedly have agreed to sign Kelly Oubre Jr. for a two-year deal worth $16.3 million after a successful first season.

There’s more to be done, with Hield, Harris and Nicolas Batum all hitting the open market. Robert Covington is also on the move, along with De’Anthony Melton, Cam Payne, Kyle Lowry and Robert Covington.

They’re doing the right thing by securing George to team up with Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxiey and Tyrese Maxey.