Evaluating the early returns on the top 2024 offseason free-agent signings

The offseason was marked by several high-profile free agents changing teams, sparking raised expectations for their new organizations. Yet, as the 2024-25 season progresses, a surprising trend has emerged: many of these marquee signings have underperformed.

Here’s a closer look at how some of the most notable free-agent acquisitions have produced thus far.

Paul George

George entered free agency as arguably the most coveted player after playing 77 games and averaging 22.6 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 3.5 APG and 1.5 SPG with the Los Angeles Clippers. The 76ers signed him to a max deal, instantly becoming the perceived winners of the summer. However, the early season has been a disaster. George has been plagued by two separate left knee hyperextensions, limiting him to just nine appearances. In those contests, he has averaged a mere 14.4 PPG on a disappointing 37.8 percent shooting clip, contributing to the 76ers’ dismal 4-14 record.

Klay Thompson

After a storied career with the Golden State Warriors, where he helped secure four championships, Thompson opted for a new chapter with the Dallas Mavericks. Signing a three-year, $50 million deal, expectations were high for the sharpshooting guard. However, Thompson’s performance has fallen short. 

He’s averaging his lowest point total since his rookie season at 13.2 PPG while shooting a career-worst 38.3 percent from the field. On the defensive end, Thompson hasn’t been able to replicate the high-end wing defense he showed during his prime, allowing his assignments to shoot 47.5 percent from the field, one of the poorest marks among all regular rotation players on the Mavericks.

DeMar DeRozan

DeRozan’s first campaign with the Sacramento Kings has been a mixed bag. While he’s maintained solid scoring numbers, averaging 22.9 PPG and 4.4 APG on 50.7% shooting, his ball-stopping playing style has disrupted the Kings’ once dynamic free-flowing offense. Sacramento has seen a significant drop in passes made, going from second in the league last season (305.6 passes per game) to 15th this year (289.0). Additionally, his struggles from beyond the arc (28.6%) and lack of lockdown defense have contributed to the Kings’ mediocre 9-12 start.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

Caldwell-Pope, a major contributor to the Denver Nuggets’ championship run, has also experienced a significant decline in performance. While he continues to provide solid play for the Orlando Magic as a key cog in their third-ranked defense, his offensive game has faltered. After shooting over 40% from deep during two seasons in Denver, his three-point percentage has plummeted to 31.0%, with his jump shot frequently appearing rushed and shaky.

Isaiah Hartenstein

Amidst the struggles of other high-profile acquisitions, Hartenstein stands out as a lone bright spot. Despite a preseason hand injury that has limited him to just four games in 2024-25, the 7-foot center has provided the Oklahoma City Thunder with the defensive presence they envisioned when they signed him to a three-year, $87 million contract. Averaging 15.2 PPG, 13.8 RPG, 3.8 APG and 1.6 BPG, Hartenstein has helped the Thunder to a 4-1 record when he starts.

Takeaways from the top free-agent acquisitions

Four of the marquee free agents we listed from this offseason — George, Thompson, DeRozan and Caldwell-Pope — found themselves unceremoniously shown the door by their former teams.

The Clippers made a face-saving gesture by offering George a three-year max deal, knowing full well the 34-year-old, eyeing one last massive payday, would decline. Similarly, the Warriors nudged Thompson out by presenting him with a low-ball contract and making it clear he’d be relegated to a bench role if he stayed. DeRozan might have been willing to remain with the Bulls, but the hefty four-year contract he sought never materialized. As for Caldwell-Pope, the Nuggets made no attempt to retain him, signaling they had other plans.

Despite their former teams’ obvious lack of interest, these players remained highly coveted in free agency, with their signings earning widespread praise during the offseason. Meanwhile, the Clippers were heavily criticized for not offering George a four-year max deal, the Warriors faced backlash for letting Thompson walk and the Nuggets were labeled cheapskates for parting ways with an integral piece of their championship rotation.

Yet now, with all four players struggling, the narrative is shifting. The Clippers have surprised with a solid 13-9 start despite Kawhi Leonard missing every game, the Warriors are thriving at 12-7 and Christian Braun — KCP’s replacement — has been impressive for the 10-8 Nuggets. Perhaps it’s time for fans, media and rival teams to exercise caution with free agents deemed expendable by their former organizations.