Top-5 Biggest NBA Free-Agency Signings of All Time

June 28, 2024

Eleazar Gonzales looks back at the top-5 biggest NBA free-agency signings of all time. Which of these signings went on to make a huge impact?

The NBA has become more than a basketball league. It has evolved into a global multi-billion dollar enterprise with games already reaching almost all continents of the planet. And, in any enterprise, money is a significant factor in its success. The more money entering the NBA, the better for the league and the fans.

And like any businessman, NBA players aspire for financial stability with a team where they can enjoy a successful career. In most cases, the offseason, particularly when free agency opens, is when players can test their value.

Below are the top-5 biggest free-agency signings of all time.

Kevin Durant, Brooklyn Nets ($164.2 million)

It was the 2019 offseason and Kevin Durant had just suffered another NBA Finals defeat at the hands of the Toronto Raptors, who won their first NBA championship against Durant's Golden State Warriors.

One year ago today, Kevin Durant signed with the Brooklyn Nets. pic.twitter.com/wWfbjzyq1A

— ESPN (@espn) June 30, 2020

Then, the two-time Finals MVP entered free agency and signed a four-year, $164.2 million deal with the Brooklyn Nets. He missed the 2019-2020 season as he was still recovering from the Achilles injury that shut him down during the 2019 NBA Finals.

All in all, Durant played there for three seasons, and at one point, had Kyrie Irving and James Harden as teammates. Sadly, the Brooklyn stint didn't produce a championship for Durant. The Nets traded Durant to the Phoenix Suns last year.

LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers ($153.2 million)

In 2018, LeBron James signed a $153.2 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers -- the second-largest free-agency signing in NBA history. And the rest is history.

LeBron, alongside Anthony Davis, would lead the Purple and Gold to a championship inside the Orlando bubble in 2020.

This year, James, the all-time leading scorer of the NBA, is believed to be opting out of his current contract with the Lakers and will enter free agency. However, the Lakers drafting the King's son, Bronny, in the 2024 NBA Draft might change things and may make LeBron want to stay in Hollywood. Either way, LeBron is heading toward another hefty paycheck.

Lebron James signed with the Lakers Five Years Ago. (July 1, 2018) #LeBronJames #NBA #History #Lakers pic.twitter.com/zxNvk5kNL2

— I POSTED🚨 (@blkaccess_) July 1, 2023

Jimmy Butler, Miami Heat and Kemba Walker, Boston Celtics (tied with $140.7 million)

Jimmy Butler and Kemba Walker both signed a $140.7 million deal separately in the same year (2019).

BREAKING NEWS: Jimmy Butler has signed with the Miami Heat pic.twitter.com/OpgmQ0dokk

— nick (@nbanickolaus) April 20, 2022

Of the two, Butler reached a farther distance for the Miami Heat -- leading them to two NBA Finals appearances.

On the other hand, Walker was paid a high price to replace Kyrie Irving as the Boston Celtics' new starting point guard. As talented as Walker was during his pre-Celtics years, he never blended well in Boston. He only spent two seasons in green before getting traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder in a deal that brought back Al Horford to Boston.

The Boston Celtics have signed PG Kemba Walker to a 4 year/$141 million max deal.
•••
Walker averaged 25.6 ppg for the Hornets last season. pic.twitter.com/SheB6ZUxwC

— 7th Round Media (@7thRoundMedia) June 30, 2019

Kyrie Irving, Brooklyn Nets ($136.4 million)

Kyrie Irving is the reason why the Boston Celtics paid a hefty price for Kemba Walker.

Irving opted out of his contract with the Celtics in the 2019 offseason, and then joined the Brooklyn Nets on a $136.4 million  contract. However, Irving's Brooklyn stint didn't last long like Durant's. And, just a few days before last year's trade deadline, he was shipped off to the Dallas Mavericks.

On this date in 2019, Kyrie Irving signed as a free agent with the Brooklyn Nets. #Celtics pic.twitter.com/ZNeaheXH90

— Honest☘️Larry (@HonestLarry1) July 6, 2022

Gordon Hayward, Boston Celtics ($127.8 million)

Coming off seven solid seasons with the Utah Jazz, Gordon Hayward was one of the hottest free agents in 2017. The Celtics and Hayward agreed to a $127.8 million contract.

He only played one game in his first season as a Celtic. In the three seasons he played in Boston, he never averaged above 20 points per game.

Three years ago today, Gordon Hayward signed with the Boston Celtics ☘️ pic.twitter.com/Wy4lVNn4oF

— Dante Turo (@DanteOnDeck) July 4, 2020