Head-Scratching moves we saw during NBA free agency

NBA front offices look forward to molding the makeup of their team during the offseason with the available financial resources they have. They’ll do what they think is in the best interest of their franchise, but this zeal for the promise of a better future can lead to curious decisions. We’ll take a look at some of the more puzzling choices made this offseason.

The Portland Trail Blazers gave a remarkable amount of money to a player who does not figure to lead a team to the playoffs. Grant has steadily improved throughout his career, but to give him a five-year, $160 million deal seems ludicrous. This decision would seem to put Portland is a difficult position as the league’s new CBA kicks in.

There were reports that Lillard wanted the franchise to bring Grant back, so they might have locked the forward into a large deal in order to placate their superstar. However, a day later, Lillard asked to be traded. The order of events doesn’t seem to make a whole lot of sense, considering the organization did what Lillard reportedly asked of them.

Thanks to his stellar performance throughout the course of the NBA playoffs, it was all but certain that Brown would receive a handsome payday. However, it’s a little surprising that the offer came from the Indiana Pacers. They’re not a team that figures to contend for a title next year, and Brown’s skill set tends to be more valuable on a roster where roles are clearly defined.

After the Memphis Grizzlies lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round, it felt like Brooks’ lack of effectiveness and constant provocation of opponents would land him in NBA purgatory. That was not the case, as the Houston Rockets gave the instigative forward a four-year, $80 million deal. This surprised many around the league, who thought he would command a shorter deal.

Irving has arguably been the most polarizing player in the league, but the Dallas Mavericks have signaled their faith in the mercurial guard. They signed him to a three-year, $126 million deal.  Dallas plummeted in the standings after trading for Irving last February, but clearly feel like his talent can elevate them in the upcoming campaign.

There was a lot of back and forth surrounding the desire of the Golden State Warriors to bring Green back at a handsome figure. They decided to give him four years at $25 million each, which is an intriguing move. Green’s production has declined in recent years, but it appears like the franchise prioritized his championship pedigree and experience.

Hachimura was re-energized after his trade to the Los Angeles Lakers, and he was a key component of their playoff run. It’s not shocking the Lakers decided to retain him, but it is a little surprising to consider the total amount of money he got, versus the contract Austin Reeves received. Hachimura inked a $51 million deal, while Reeves, who was viewed more highly, got $56 million.

The Chicago Bulls have had some bad luck recently, as it appears like Lonzo Ball’s career is in jeopardy after suffering a mysterious knee injury. The team has tried to reinvent its backcourt in light of this circumstance and brought Carter in from the Milwaukee Bucks. Carter is a decent reserve, but it feels like Chicago is grasping at straws to patch their team together.