Free-agent spending spree puts pressure on NBA players, teams
DWYANE WADE ■ Left: Miami ■ Signed with: Chicago, 2 years, $47 million
Wade cherished Miami and Miami cherished Wade. But years of little problems eventually turned into a mess that couldn’t be solved, and Wade went to his hometown in one of the more surprising moves of the summer. He turns 35 this season and has been hearing the he’s-in-decline argument for years. But he keeps silencing doubters, and has plenty of motivation.
■ Outlook: His jersey will sell, he’ll excite the Chicago fan base and he’ll probably coax more out of Jimmy Butler. Hall of Famers are worth the cash. PAU GASOL ■ Left: Chicago ■ Signed with: San Antonio, 2 years, $32 million
The Spurs love international players, love players who can do multiple things well and love players who understand that a perfect pass means more than any highlight. It’s almost like Gasol is a perfect fit, especially now that San Antonio has lost the retired Tim Duncan. (And at 36, he makes the Spurs younger.) Gasol is still a double-double machine and fantastic from the foul line.
■ Outlook: There’s 50 or so players making more than Gasol this season. There aren’t 50 better players. Spurs got a steal. ROY HIBBERT ■ Left: Los Angeles Lakers ■ Signed with: Charlotte, 1 year, $5 million
Hibbert’s game vanished last season, and there were 27 games in which he had at least as many fouls as points. But the Hornets realized they needed some help up front, and at 7 feet 2 inches, Hibbert at least provides an imposing frame. Being on a third team in as many seasons isn’t ideal, but here’s why this one might work — Charlotte’s associate head coach under Steve Clifford is a Georgetown guy like Hibbert, named Patrick Ewing.
■ Outlook: Ewing gets a project, one that comes at low financial risk for Michael Jordan’s club.