Chandler Parsons to Memphis, 4 years, $94 million (B-)
The Memphis Grizzlies finished last season second from the bottom in three-point percentage, and not a whole lot higher in overall field goal percent. This is something that Memphis has struggled with since losing scorer Rudy Gay in 2013, and this need is immediately addressed by bringing in Chandler Parsons from the Dallas Mavericks. Parsons is coming off his best shooting year in the league, shooting .492 and .416, which immediately ranks him as the Grizzlies' best three-point shooter. The concern over this deal lies in the fact that he actually showed a slight decline in production in Dallas, which is not a positive sign from a 27-year-old 5th year pro. But if Memphis are willing to bet $25 million a year that it's just a slump, it's unlikely anyone will try to stop them.
Rajon Rondo to Chicago, 2 years, $28 million
The Chicago Bulls have recently shown themselves to be one of the more savvy operators when it comes to personnel moves and the salary cap. They again nabbed themselves what can be described as a โtripe a ratedโ financial move in signing Rajon Rondo for $28 million over the next two seasons. After finally shipping out Derrick Rose, Chicago were in need of a new point guard, and it was surprising they were able to get an upgrade on such a low price. Given the length of the deal, there is no financial risk at play here, but it seems that many teams have been scared off by Rondo's unpredictable headspace, which has at times been described as borderline sociopathic. Spacing is also an issue here too, with both Dwyane Wade and Jimmy Butler also being ball dominant, drive first guards. Fred Hoiberg may no longer be short on talent, but good luck to him working it out.
Dwyane Wade to Chicago, 2 years, $47 million (B-)
After being told by the Miami Heat that he was not going to get his paycheck, Dwyane Wade tossed his home of 13 years to the curb like a trash bag, not before plenty a tantrum on how he somehow had a right to a young man's pay packet because of pay cuts he had taken in the past. Whether he wants to be there, or whether he is just playing a game of spite, Wade moved to his hometown Chicago Bulls, the team he considered moving to in 2010. For any team willing to pay a 34-year-old $24 million a year, this is a good deal. Dwyane Wade is still a very productive NBA player who still does what he does very well. While his age and fit is a concern, Chicago has probably got themselves the best 34 year old on the market.
David West to Golden State, 1 year, $1 million (B+)
Last year, David West turned out to be one of the better value signings of the year. Coming over from the Indiana Pacers to the San Antonio Spurs, West shot to a career best clip, averaging .545 from the field and .429 from three, even if it was for only 7 points per game. Logic then says that West should thrive with the Golden State Warriors in his new team's offence, just as Marreese Speights had the past few seasons. Either way, one year and $1 million is not much to pay for a guy who can at the very least be a locker room leader and reliable performer when called upon.
