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Three NBA teams that flopped in summer free agency
Every year, free agency dramatically alters the NBA.
This offseason, Paul George signed with the Philadelphia 76ers, Klay Thompson landed with the Dallas Mavericks in a sign-and-trade and DeMar DeRozan joined the Sacramento Kings.
Many teams improved their fortunes (and championship odds), but for the teams that missed out on the big-name free agents or lost key role players to other franchises, the coming seasons look less promising.
Here are three big-name teams that flopped in free agency:
Los Angeles Lakers
Usually, the Lakers have it easy. Stars typically want to play for the team because living in Los Angeles and playing out the star life of a famous basketball player are included in the deal.
But in the past few years, that allure has weakened. This summer's free agency is perhaps the best example of that. Players aren't chomping at the bit to play for a Lakers team that hasn't lived up to expectations since its 2020 title and recently hired a new coach (JJ Redick) with no experience.
The Lakers missed out on their biggest free-agent targets (Thompson and DeRozan), then watched Taurean Prince sign with the Milwaukee Bucks. He might have been the Lakers' most consistent three-point threat last season (39.6%).
The Lakers should still be a solid team in 2024-25. We know what LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Austin Reaves and the role players can do. But we also saw the chasm of talent between Los Angeles and the Denver Nuggets in the first round of last year's playoffs and the Lakers have done nothing this summer to shrink that gap between them and elite teams.
Denver Nuggets
Speaking of Denver, much of the basketball world is acting like the Nuggets' window has closed because it lost Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to the Orlando Magic. That's a slight overreaction given that the Nuggets still have the best player in the NBA (Nikola Jokic) and an elite cast of role players.
But it's certainly not a good thing KCP walked. He filled his role perfectly in Denver (41.5% from deep in two seasons) and now the Nuggets must rely on youngsters Christian Braun and Peyton Watson to fill the void left in the starting lineup. Maybe they can replicate KCP's production, but an already-thin Denver team just lost even more depth.
Denver doesn't need to add more star power, but shoring up its bench was supposed to be priority No. 1. The Nuggets may have more moves to make, but team's second unit somehow looks even more suspect heading into 2024-25 than it did during the past campaign.
Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks are acting like they have all the time in the world. Someone should tell them that's not the case. Damian Lillard is 33 and if last season were an indication, is starting to slow down as an offensive hub.
Khris Middleton will turn 33 next month and injuries are starting to become a legitimate hindrance to his production. Brook Lopez is 36. The Bucks are old and the front office should be willing to take risks to surround Giannis Antetokounmpo with more high-level talent, but that didn't happen this offseason.
The addition of Prince is nice, but the Bucks also lost sharpshooter Malik Beasley, making that signing is more of a lateral move than an outright improvement.
Outside of Prince, Milwaukee has been mostly silent in free agency and its two draft picks (AJ Johnson and Tyler Smith) are long-term projects. Is the franchise gearing for the future rather than focusing on team-building in 2024?
A franchise can do both, but it's mighty difficult. The only thing standing between Milwaukee and consistent, deep playoff runs seems to be itself.
More must-reads:
- Five NBA teams that have improved massively in free agency
- Wizards agree to a three-year deal with Saddiq Bey
- The 'NBA Summer League MVPs' quiz
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Sacramento Kings Announce Signing Of Elite 3-Point Shooter
Doug McDermott spent the 2024-25 season with the Sacramento Kings. He had averages of 3.5 points per contest while shooting 42.7% from the field and 43.6% from the three-point range in 42 games. On Tuesday, the Kings officially announced that they had re-signed McDermott. Via Kings.com: "The Sacramento Kings announced today that the team has re-signed forward Doug McDermott. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed." McDermott has been a solid role player over his 11-year NBA career. He was initially the 11th pick in the 2014 NBA Draft out of Creighton. Via ESPN's Shams Charania (on July 21): "Free agent Doug McDermott has agreed to a one-year, $3.6 million deal to return to the Sacramento Kings, Mark Bartelstein and Andy Shiffman of @PrioritySports tell ESPN. McDermott will enter his 12th NBA season after shooting 44% from 3 in 42 Kings games in 2024-25." McDermott has also spent time with the Indiana Pacers, Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and OKC Thunder. The 33-year-old has career averages of 8.6 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.0 assists per contest while shooting 47.0% from the field and 41.1% from the three-point range in 697 games. Via The Indiana Pacers (on May 27, 2024): "Doug McDermott blocks the shot cashes in with a three " As for the Kings, they finished last season as the ninth seed with a 40-42 record. They lost to the Dallas Mavericks in the play-in tournament, so they missed the NBA playoffs.
Twins' Rocco Baldelli Announces Carlos Correa Update After Leaving Red Sox Game
Shortstop Carlos Correa is in his fourth season with the Minnesota Twins after debuting in the majors with the Houston Astros in 2015. The former first overall pick in the 2012 MLB Draft lived up to expectations early, winning AL Rookie of the Year in his first full season. Over seven seasons in Houston, he earned two All-Star selections, a Gold Glove award, and helped the Astros capture two World Series titles. Correa joined Minnesota in free agency prior to the 2022 season, and made his third career All-Star appearance last year—his first with the Twins. However, a flare-up of plantar fasciitis in his right foot sidelined him for nearly the entire second half. He still finished 2024 with a strong stat line, hitting .310 with a .905 OPS and 14 home runs over 86 games. During Tuesday’s game against the Boston Red Sox, Correa was removed from the game in the second inning and replaced with Brooks Lee. Manager Rocco Baldelli provided an update during the game, “Carlos was a little lightheaded out there and it didn't go away so we're going to get him out of the game.” This season, Correa has yet to regain the offensive form he showed last year. Through 92 games, he’s batting .265 with a career-low .701 OPS and has hit just seven home runs. His struggles have contributed to Minnesota’s disappointing 51–55 record, and the team now looks poised to be sellers at the trade deadline on Thursday.
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Minnesota Vikings Jeff Okudah Turning Heads At Training Camp
The Minnesota Vikings are looking to re-establish their defensive identity in 2025, and one of the surprises of training camp so far has been Jeff Okudah. Once labeled by some as a draft bust, Okudah is making waves under the guidance of new defensive coordinator Brian Flores. His performance, work ethic, and the strides he’s made in adapting to the Vikings’ system are quickly altering perceptions of both his potential and his fit in Minnesota. But Okudah’s story stretches far beyond just this training camp. His NFL career has been one of highs and lows, a testament to both his resilience and ambition. With Flores’ mentorship and a clear path to playing time, Okudah might finally be in the right place to thrive. A Challenging NFL Journey Jeff Okudah entered the NFL with monumental expectations. Selected third overall by the Detroit Lions in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Ohio State standout was viewed as a generational defensive back prospect. His college resume was nothing short of outstanding. At Ohio State, Okudah was a lockdown corner who excelled in press coverage, finished his junior season with three interceptions, and earned unanimous All-American honors. Experts heralded his technique, physicality, and ability to close on the football as elite traits that would translate seamlessly to the professional level. However, like many rookies burdened with high draft expectations, Okudah didn’t get off to the start he dreamed of. His rookie season was marred by injuries and inconsistent play, and Detroit’s overall defensive struggles compounded his growing pains. Things hit a low point during his second season in 2021 when he tore his Achilles just one game into the year. The injury sidelined him for the remainder of the season, raising serious doubts about his durability and ability to regain his form. Even upon returning to the field in 2022, Okudah showed flashes but struggled to secure a consistent role. With the Lions moving in a different direction, Okudah was traded to the Atlanta Falcons in 2023. Atlanta offered him stability and opportunities to play, but his performances didn’t fully live up to his potential, and he became a free agent after the 2024 season rather than earning a long-term extension. Now with the Minnesota Vikings, Okudah is under scrutiny once again. However, this time, there are signs that he may finally break through. Making Waves at Vikings Training Camp One week into the Minnesota Vikings’ training camp, Jeff Okudah has been a standout. Despite initial reservations about his role, Okudah has been running with the first team at nickel cornerback. For a defensive unit that prioritized upgrades in other areas this offseason, Okudah’s emergence has provided an unexpected boost in the secondary. Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores has already praised Okudah’s effort and attention to detail. “He’s been diligent on the field, off the field, in the training room, and in the weight room. He’s always looking to do extra film work,” Flores shared in a recent press conference. One hallmark of Flores’ defense is its reliance on intelligent, adaptable players who can read offenses quickly—and Okudah seems to be rising to the challenge. Flores also made it clear that Okudah’s work ethic and athletic ability are giving him an edge. “He’s getting more comfortable within the defense and has shown up positively in every way,” Flores added. For a player whose confidence was undoubtedly tested in previous seasons, this kind of recognition is both meaningful and motivating. What Okudah Brings to the Vikings’ Defense Okudah’s skill set is what originally made him such a highly valued draft pick. At 6’1” and 205 pounds, he has the size to challenge receivers physically at the line of scrimmage, as well as the speed to keep up in coverage downfield. These traits align well with Flores’ aggressive defensive philosophy, which often calls for corners to play in high-pressure scenarios. Playing in the nickel role can feel limiting to some defensive backs, but it requires discipline and versatility—two strengths Okudah is quickly proving he possesses. Nickel corners must be capable of switching onto slot receivers, dropping back into zone coverage, or even stepping up to help in run defense. It’s no easy job, but Okudah’s adaptability is allowing him to make steady progress. The Vikings are banking on Flores’ knack for turning overlooked talents into key contributors, and Okudah could be the next beneficiary. His ability to stay locked in during practice, both physically and mentally, is earning him trust within the organization. Why This Training Camp Feels Different for Okudah What sets this training camp apart from previous ones in Detroit or Atlanta is the environment. Under Flores, Okudah appears to be part of a system that prioritizes tailored assignments and coaching. The Minnesota Vikings’ staff isn’t asking him to be a savior; they’re asking him to play to his strengths. For a player trying to overcome doubts, this structured approach could be crucial. Additionally, Okudah’s own evolution as a professional is evident. The 24-year-old has dealt with more than his fair share of adversity and seems determined to erase any stigma attached to his draft pedigree. Watching him after practice, continuing reps or working on footwork solo, is a small glimpse into the kind of focus he’s bringing to this opportunity. What His Success Could Mean for the Vikings If Jeff Okudah continues to impress and locks himself into a starting role, the Vikings’ secondary might become more formidable than expected. With veteran safety Harrison Smith anchoring the defense and cornerbacks like Byron Murphy Jr. already contributing, Okudah’s emergence as a dependable nickel corner could provide the versatility needed to counter dynamic passing offenses. It’s also worth noting how Okudah’s trajectory could shape Brian Flores’ reputation. Known for squeezing maximum production out of his players, Flores has a chance to add another reclamation project to his résumé if Okudah lives up to his potential. Final Thoughts Jeff Okudah’s NFL story so far has been anything but linear, but he’s proving at the Minnesota Vikings training camp that the narrative is far from over. Under Brian Flores’ direction, Okudah seems to have found a system and coaching staff capable of helping him tap into his first-round potential. His development could be pivotal not only for the Vikings’ immediate defensive goals but also for reshaping how people view Okudah as a player. It’s still early in camp, and there’s a long season ahead. But for the first time in a long while, it feels like Jeff Okudah is writing a new chapter—one filled with promise, growth, and maybe even the redemption he’s been working toward since 2020.
Commanders reportedly hesitant about one issue with Terry McLaurin deal
The 2024 offseason expanded the $30M-per-year wide receiver club to six members. D.K. Metcalf, Ja’Marr Chase and Garrett Wilson have taken it to nine this year. Terry McLaurin is undoubtedly pushing to bump that number to 10, after seeing 2019 Day 2 classmates Metcalf and A.J. Brown land among that contingent. McLaurin reported to training camp Sunday and landed on the active/PUP list. As our Rory Parks explained, skepticism exists about how injured the Commanders’ top wide receiver really is. An ankle injury has keyed the PUP stay, but it can be safely assumed McLaurin would be ready to practice if an extension comes to pass. Nevertheless, the Commanders have been surprised by the difficulty of these talks. Using an injury to avoid practicing while negotiating — developments the Jonathan Taylor and Micah Parsons sagas brought — represents a third tactic, joining the holdout and the increasingly utilized hold-in amid extension talks. McLaurin shifted from a holdout to the injury route; no matter how he is accomplishing not practicing, the seventh-year veteran is aiming to land a lucrative third contract. His age provides a complication for Washington. McLaurin is going into an age-30 season, separating him from Brown and Metcalf. Both Ole Miss products were drafted just before McLaurin, a 2019 third-round pick, but they are each two years younger. This strengthened their cases for big-ticket third contracts. McLaurin went first to ignite the second-tier boom on the receiver market in 2022, agreeing to a three-year, $69.6M extension. That shaped the Metcalf and Deebo Samuel extensions, both of which coming in higher than McLaurin’s despite the latter’s consistency with suboptimal quarterback situations. McLaurin’s AAV has dropped to 17th at wide receiver. The Commanders are prepared to extend their top wideout, but Sportskeeda.com’s Tony Pauline indicates the "holdup" is regarding the $30M-AAV number. Some around the league point to the team not wanting to go into that neighborhood for McLaurin, despite his five 1,000-yard seasons. Courtland Sutton and McLaurin are nearly the same age, and the Broncos’ top target signed a four-year, $92M extension. That matches where the Titans went for Calvin Ridley (now 30) in 2024. McLaurin, though, has a better resume than both and should be aiming higher. The Commanders have a Jayden Daniels rookie contract to structure another McLaurin extension around as well. Adam Peters was around for the 49ers’ 2022 Samuel extension but not Brandon Aiyuk‘s $30M-per-year deal. (The Samuel extension also did not work out for the 49ers, who proceeded with a salary dump of sorts by trading him to the Commanders.) The second-year GM taking a hardline stance with McLaurin would be an interesting route given the WR’s importance to a sudden contender. Peters confirmed talks are ongoing, with that comment coming after McLaurin expressed frustration about the negotiations. A potential gap between the pack of 20-somethings (and Tyreek Hill) north of $30M AAV and the Tee Higgins–Jaylen Waddle–D.J. Moore tier could be relevant here, and it will be interesting to see if McLaurin settles for something just south of that $30MM benchmark. Guarantees and contract structure, of course, will be important to determining the value as well. A short-term extension should be reached soon, per Pauline, but if the Commanders hold the line at or around $30M, the McLaurin matter could drag on for a while longer.
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