NBA teams on hunt for free-agent bargains

Even after roughly $1.5 billion in new contracts were hammered out during the first two weeks of free agency, there is still plenty of shopping for NBA teams to do over the coming weeks.

Most of it will be for bargains.

The biggest deals of summer — Chris Paul, Paul George and Lebron James getting contracts that will pay them a combined $450 million over the next four years — are almost certainly done. A blockbuster trade involving San Antonio’s Kawhi Leonard can obviously still happen and at some point Carmelo Anthony’s exit from Oklahoma City, mostly likely to Houston, will be finalized.

Here’s a look at some of the bargains that have already been found this summer and a look at others who are bargains waiting to happen:

BARGAINS FOUND

ISAIAH THOMAS: one year, Denver

It seems so long ago that Thomas was averaging 30 points and answering questions about the max contract he would be signing. Now he’s starting anew in Denver with a coach in Michael Malone who believes in him and that chip Thomas had as a No. 60 overall draft pick is squarely back on his diminutive shoulders. His massive deal may be waiting, but consider this: No fewer than 33 players will make more this coming season than Thomas has made in his entire career. $2 million,

DEMARCUS COUSINS:$5.3 million, one year, Golden State

This could go down as the bargain of the summer if Cousins returns to previous form and fits his enormous game — and enormous personality — into the Golden State system. When he comes back from his Achilles tendon injury, the Warriors could have five players from the 2018 All-star Game in their starting lineup. Had he not gotten hurt in January, somebody would be paying at least $20 million and probably a lot more to Cousins this season. JUSUF NURKIC: $48 million, four years, Portland

Not all bargains are for small dollars. Nurkic is durable and he’s one of 13 players who averaged 14.3 points and nine rebounds last season. But there’s at least 24 centres alone who will be paid more next season than Nurkic.

WAYNE ELLINGTON: $6.3 million, one year, Miami

All Ellington did last season was make more threepointers than any other Heat player in a single season. And he didn’t even get a raise. It’s not that Miami doesn’t value Ellington, but he appeared to get caught in a numbers crunch. If Miami is going to get out of the first round, Ellington will likely have to play a key role.

RAJON RONDO: $9 million, one year, Los Angeles Lakers

Don’t think for a second James wasn’t down with the Lakers making this move. James values smarts in teammates and Rondo has plenty of smarts, so if this works the $9 million will be a pittance to the Lakers.

BARGAINS LEFT

DWYANE WADE

If he returns to Miami, the sense is it’ll be for $5 million. A future hall of famer who can still play and willingly accepts a bench role for small money is a steal, especially considering how much he means to Heat fans.

VINCE CARTER

He’ll almost certainly get the veteran’s minimum from a good team, give it good minutes off the bench and use his experience — the 41-year-old has basically spent half his life in the NBA — to become the sage of whatever locker-room he calls home next season.

MICHAEL BEASLEY

He was really good at times for a really bad Knicks team last season. And he’s still a gifted scorer. Put him on a good team and the second unit will be better.

MARCUS SMART

Many would be surprised if Boston lets the restricted free agent go elsewhere and Smart’s value to the Celtics is clear. But what is taking so long?

DIRK NOWITZKI

He’s “out there” on paper only. Nowitzki is eventually going back to Dallas, probably for about $5 million again, but it’s impossible not to include him. He’ll spend what may be his final season grooming Luka Doncic. The best player in Mavs history is about to become the best mentor in Mavs history.