The Danny Ainge System: Which NBA lead execs have proven their mettle in free agency?

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Congratulations on reaching Day 3 of The Danny Ainge System, where we rate every NBA executive’s every decision, using baseball’s Sabermetrics to determine a ranking of the league’s best shot-callers.

We have already determined our rankings of every executive based on their trade and draft histories.

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Today we are tackling every executive’s history in free agency, categorizing each signing as a strikeout, walk, single, double, triple or home run. As we tally up each individual move, we can calculate an exec’s rating (or OPS). The higher the OPS, the better the score. It will make more sense as we go. I promise.

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As was the case with trade and draft histories, there were several outliers in this portion of the System. None of them had made more than a handful of free-agent signings. They would have accounted for the three worst scores and a top-two score. It didn’t feel right to include them, but we listed them here, as their limited production will still be included when we roll out the overall executive rankings on Friday.

Joe Cronin, Portland Trail Blazers (2021-)

Free agents: .000 OBP • .000 SLG • .000 OPS

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  • K: Gary Payton II (2022)

Mike Dunleavy, Golden State Warriors (2023-)

Free agents: .200 OBP • .200 SLG • .400 OPS

  • 1B: Buddy Hield (2024)

  • K: Cory Joseph (2023) • Dario Saric (2023) • De’Anthony Melton (2024) • Kyle Anderson (2024)

Michael Winger, Washington Wizards (2023-)

Free agents: .500 OBP • .000 SLG • .500 OPS

  • BB: Jonas Valančiūnas (2024)

  • K: Saddiq Bey (2024)

Brian Wright, San Antonio Spurs (2019-)

Free agents: .800 OBP • .667 SLG • 1.467 OPS

  • 1B: Doug McDermott (2021) • Chris Paul (2024)

  • BB: Bryn Forbes (2021) • Jock Landale (2021)

  • K: Zach Collins (2021)

That should give you a good feel for what you’re looking at when it comes to The Danny Ainge System. It is a fun way to evaluate the recent history of the league and determine executive rankings in the process.

We weeded out most inconsequential non-guaranteed contracts, including training camp invites, as well as most buyout signings, unless, of course, they hit, in which case the executive gets credit for the move.

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Another reminder: Newcomers Jeff Peterson (Charlotte Hornets), Trajan Langdon (Detroit Pistons), Ben Tenzer (Denver Nuggets), Onsi Saleh (Atlanta Hawks), Scott Perry (Sacramento Kings), Brian Gregory (Phoenix Suns) and Bobby Webster (Toronto Raptors) do not have sample sizes big enough to evaluate.

And FYI: 2025 signings are not included, as we do not yet know their impact.

OK, I think we’re ready to dive into the free-agent history of every executive. Strap in for a wild ride …

19. Jeff Weltman, Orlando Magic (2017-)

Free agents: .250 OBP • .250 SLG • .500 OPS

  • 1B: Khem Birch (2017) • Moritz Wagner (2021) • Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (2024)

  • K: Shelvin Mack (2017) • Jonathon Simmons (2017) • Arron Afflalo (2017) • Marreese Speights (2017) • Al-Farouq Aminu (2019) • Michael Carter-Williams (2019) • Dwayne Bacon (2020) • Robin Lopez (2021) • Joe Ingles (2023)

I’m not sure Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was a single. Weltman signed him to a three-year, $66 million deal, he underperformed, and he was traded inside of a year, though the Magic moved him as part of the trade for Desmond Bane, who could transform them into a more serious title contender. So we gifted Weltman a single. It’s not great, though, when one of your other best signings is the brother of one of your players.

18. Nico Harrison, Dallas Mavericks (2021-)

Free agents: .333 OBP • .375 SLG • .708 OPS

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  • 2B: Derrick Jones Jr. (2023)

  • 1B: Reggie Bullock (2021)

  • BB: Seth Curry (2023)

  • K: Sterling Brown (2021) • Frank Ntilikina (2021) • JaVale McGee (2022) • Grant Williams (2023) • Naji Marshall (2024) • Spencer Dinwiddie (2024)

Harrison hasn’t been on the job long enough for a rich free-agent history, but signing Derrick Jones Jr. helped his team to an NBA Finals, and that warrants a double. Signing Grant Williams, on the other hand, cost the Mavericks a first-round pick to get him and another first-rounder to get rid of him. Not good.

17. Tim Connelly, Minnesota Timberwolves (2022-)

Free agents: .400 OBP • .400 SLG • .800 OPS

  • 1B: Randy Foye (2013) • Paul Millsap (2017) • Torrey Craig (2017) • Facu Campazzo (2020) • Jeff Green (2021) • Kyle Anderson (2022)

  • K: J.J. Hickson (2013) • Nate Robinson (2013) • Isaiah Thomas (2018) • JaMychal Green (2020) • Austin Rivers (2022) • Bryn Forbes (2022) • Shake Milton (2023) • Troy Brown Jr. (2023) • Joe Ingles (2024)

(Connelly served as general manager of the Denver Nuggets from 2013-22.)

We should note: There is an inherent advantage to working out of a destination market. Pat Riley, for example, has an easier time recruiting players to Miami than, say, Zach Kleiman does getting guys to Memphis. Connelly has worked in both Denver and Minnesota, neither much of a destination market.

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Maybe Connelly deserved a double for signing Paul Millsap to a three-year, $90 million contract in 2017. Millsap had made four consecutive All-Star teams at the time. He never reached those heights in Denver, and by the time his tenure on the Nuggets was done, he was a bit part. I’m not sure he ever lived up to his end of that deal, so I gave him a single. We can argue these things all day, which is what makes it fun, but either way, Connelly has not had as much success in free agency as he has in the draft and trade markets.

16. Rob Pelinka, Los Angeles Lakers (2019-)

Free agents: .387 OBP • .516 SLG • .903 OPS

  • 3B: Austin Reaves (2021)

  • 2B: Alex Caruso (2019) • Rajon Rondo (2019)

  • 1B: Danny Green (2019) • Dwight Howard (2019) • Markieff Morris (2020) • Malik Monk (2021) • Lonnie Walker IV (2022) • Dennis Schroder (2022) • Thomas Bryant (2022) • Taurean Prince (2023) • Jordan Goodwin (2024)

  • K: Avery Bradley (2019) • Quinn Cook (2019) • Jared Dudley (2019) • Wesley Matthews (2020) • Marc Gasol (2020) • Montrezl Harrell (2020) • Kendrick Nunn (2021) • Wayne Ellington (2021) • Carmelo Anthony (2021) • Rajon Rondo (2021) • Dwight Howard (2021) • Kent Bazemore (2021) • Damian Jones (2022) • Troy Brown Jr. (2022) • Juan Toscano-Anderson (2022) • Gabe Vincent (2023) • Christian Wood (2023) • Jaxson Hayes (2023) • Cam Reddish (2023)

Remember: Pelinka should have an easier time recruiting players to L.A., but his best move was an undrafted free agent, Austin Reaves, who is bordering on stardom in Los Angeles. Pelinka has taken a ton of swings in his attempts to build around LeBron James, even constructing a championship rotation in 2020, but he does not get credit for landing James, whose signing fell under Magic Johnson’s purview.

FILE - Joe Dumars, the New Orleans Pelicans executive vice president of basketball operations, speaks at a press conference in Metairie, La., on April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton, File)

Oh, Joe D … (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton, File)

(ASSOCIATED PRESS)

15. Joe Dumars, New Orleans Pelicans (2025-)

Free agents: .484 OBP • .478 SLG • .962 OPS

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  • HR: Chauncey Billups (2002)

  • 2B: Antonio McDyess (2004)

  • 1B: Lindsey Hunter (2004) • Nazr Mohammed (2006) • Will Bynum (2008) • Charlie Villanueva (2009) • Chris Wilcox (2009)

  • BB: Elden Campbell (2003) • Darvin Ham (2003) • Maurice Evans (2005) • Jarvis Hayes (2007) • Ben Wallace (2009) • Viacheslav Kravtsov (2012) • Gigi Datome (2013) • Chauncey Billups (2013)

  • K: Joe Smith (2000) • Ratko Varda (2001) • Victor Alexander (2001) • Damon Jones (2001) • Pepe Sanchez (2002) • Danny Manning (2002) • Ronald Dupree (2004) • Dale Davis (2005) • Ronald Murray (2006) • Kwame Brown (2008) • Ben Gordon (2009) • Chucky Atkins (2009) • Tracy McGrady (2010) • Damien Wilkins (2011) • Josh Smith (2013) • Josh Harrellson (2013)

Dumars signed Chauncey Billups, a Finals MVP for the 2004 champion Detroit Pistons, and he has been dining off it ever since. Good luck to him as he improbably tries to replicate that feat in New Orleans.

14. Danny Ainge, Boston (2003-21) • Utah Jazz (2021-)

Free agents: .471 OBP • .517 SLG • .988 OPS

  • HR: Al Horford (2016)

  • 2B: James Posey (2007)

  • 1B: Eddie House (2007) • P.J. Brown (2008) • Sam Cassell (2008) • Evan Turner (2014) • Gerald Green (2016) • Aron Baynes (2017) • Daniel Theis (2017) • Brad Wanamaker (2019) • Collin Sexton (2022)

  • BB: Marquis Daniels (2009) • Shaquille O’Neal (2010) • Jason Collins (2012) • Leandro Barbosa (2012) • Patty Mills (2024)

  • K: Tom Gugliotta (2004) • Brian Scalabrine (2005) • Rasheed Wallace (2009) • Jermaine O’Neal (2010) • Chris Wilcox (2011) • Jason Terry (2012) • Darko Miličić (2012) • Amir Johnson (2015) • Gordon Hayward (2017) • Kemba Walker (2019) • Enes Kanter (2019) • Vincent Poirier (2019) • Tristan Thompson (2020) • Jeff Teague (2020) • Omer Yurtseven (2023) • Johnny Juzang (2023) • Drew Eubanks (2024) • Svi Mykhailiuk (2024)

(Ainge served as general manager of the Boston Celtics from 2003-21.)

Prior to 2016, when Ainge persuaded Al Horford to join the Celtics, propelling them to perennial contention, Boston had never recruited a high-profile free agent. Rasheed Wallace, well past his prime, was as close as Ainge had come to a big-name signing, and he was one of many whiffs for a team that was built through the draft and trades. It isn’t likely going to get any easier for Ainge in free agency in Utah.

13. Sam Presti, Oklahoma City Thunder (2007-)

Free agents: .417 OBP • .583 SLG • 1.000 OPS

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  • 2B: Luguentz Dort (2019) • Isaiah Hartenstein (2024)

  • 1B: Nenad Krstić (2008) • Mike Muscala (2019) • Kenrich Williams (2020)

  • K: Daniel Orton (2012) • DeAndre Liggins (2012) • Anthony Morrow (2014) • Semaj Christon (2016) • Patrick Patterson (2017) • Raymond Felton (2017) • Nerlens Noel (2018)

Another reminder that success in free agency does not dictate success in the NBA. Presti toiled in Seattle and Oklahoma City for years without a quality free-agent signing. It wasn’t until he identified Lu Dort as an undrafted free agent that Presti found success, and then he overpaid to get Isaiah Hartenstein in the door last season. That paid off, as both Dort and Hartenstein were key members of this year’s title team.

12. Koby Altman, Cleveland Cavaliers (2017-)

Free agents: .462 OBP • .583 SLG • 1.045 OPS

  • 2B: Lauri Markkanen (2021) • Ty Jerome (2023)

  • 1B: Jeff Green (2017) • Dean Wade (2019) • Max Strus (2023)

  • BB: Georges Niang (2023)

  • K: Derrick Rose (2017) • Jose Calderon (2017) • Channing Frye (2018) • Ricky Rubio (2022) • Robin Lopez (2022) • Raul Neto (2022) • Tristan Thompson (2023)

Registering an OPS higher than 1.000 is really hard in free agency, and Altman has done it in Cleveland, a destination free agents rarely prioritize. Still, Altman signed-and-traded for Lauri Markkanen, who begot Donovan Mitchell, and added Ty Jerome, who challenged for Sixth Man of the Year on a minimum deal. It is a bit of good work, as was signing Max Strus, whose arrival helped the Cavaliers to 64 wins last season.

11. Zach Kleiman, Memphis Grizzlies (2019-)

Free agents (OBP: .500 • SLG: .625 • OPS: 1.125

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  • 2B: Tyus Jones (2019)

  • 1B: John Konchar (2019) • Scotty Pippen Jr. (2023) • Jay Huff (2024)

  • K: Marko Guduric (2019) • Jontay Porter (2020) • Bismack Biyombo (2023) • Derrick Rose (2023)

It is almost impossible to operate as a free-agent merchant out of Memphis, but Kleiman has done well to identify undrafted free agents, adding John Konchar, Scotty Pippen Jr. and Jay Huff to a playoff team’s rotation. Huff, in particular, fetched a pair of second-round picks for the Grizzlies in a trade this summer.

10. Jon Horst, Milwaukee Bucks (2017-)

Free agents: .524 OBP • .632 SLG • 1.156 OPS

  • 3B: Brook Lopez (2018)

  • 2B: Bobby Portis (2020)

  • 1B: Pat Connaughton (2018) • Wesley Matthews (2019) • Bryn Forbes (2020) • Jevon Carter (2022) • Malik Beasley (2023) • Taurean Prince (2024) • Gary Trent Jr. (2024)

  • BB: Thanasis Antetokounmpo (2019) • Torrey Craig (2020)

  • K: Ersan Ilyasova (2018) • Robin Lopez (2019) • Kyle Korver (2019) • D.J. Augustin (2020) • George Hill (2021) • Rodney Hood (2021) • Semi Ojeleye (2021) • Joe Ingles (2022) • Robin Lopez (2023) • Delon Wright (2024)

Half of Milwaukee’s 2021 championship rotation was signed by Horst, as Brook Lopez, Bobby Portis, Pat Connaughton and Bryn Forbes contributed. Thanasis Antetokounmpo was there, too, earning him a walk as well. Horst has done well to squeeze value from what has mostly been minimum-level signings. Horst’s history does not include this year’s signing of Myles Turner, as it is too early to determine his impact, but from an early vantage point, it may have been the most controversial free-agent signing of the summer.

9. Daryl Morey, Philadelphia 76ers (2020-)

Free agents: .500 OBP • .658 SLG • 1.158 OPS

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  • 3B: Dwight Howard (2013) • Eric Gordon (2016)

  • 2B: Trevor Ariza (2009) • Patrick Beverley (2012) • PJ Tucker (2017)

  • 1B: Jeremy Lin (2012) • Omer Asik (2012) • Aaron Brooks (2012) • Omri Casspi (2013) • Josh Smith (2014) • Ryan Anderson (2016) • Nene (2016) • Luc Richard Mbah a Moute (2017) • Gerald Green (2017) • Danuel House (2018) • Austin Rivers (2018) • Andre Drummond (2021) • Kelly Oubre Jr. (2023)

  • BB: Michael Carter-Williams (2018) • Georges Niang (2021)

  • K: Steve Francis (2007) • Brent Barry (2008) • David Anderson (2009) • Brad Miller (2010) • Samuel Dalembert (2011) • Carlos Delfino (2012) • Tarik Black (2017) • James Ennis III (2018) • Tyson Chandler (2019) • Thabo Sefolosha (2019) • Dwight Howard (2020) • Danuel House (2022) • P.J. Tucker (2022) • Montrezl Harrell (2022) • Patrick Beverley (2023) • Mo Bamba (2023) • Paul George (2024) •.Caleb Martin (2024) • Andre Drummond (2024) • Eric Gordon (2024)

(Morey served as general manager of the Houston Rockets from 2007-20.)

Morey signed Dwight Howard, who helped his Rockets to the 2015 Western Conference finals, and Eric Gordon, who won a Sixth Man of the Year award in Houston. He has hit a few doubles and a ton of singles. This is a good score, especially for someone who has been on the job for so long, but Morey could use a hit in Philadelphia, where his history of free-agent signings (i.e., Paul George) is shaky at best.

8. Sean Marks, Brooklyn Nets (2016-)

Free agents: .607 OBP • .560 SLG • 1.167 OPS

  • HR: Kevin Durant (2019)

  • 3B: Kyrie Irving (2019)

  • 2B: Joe Harris (2016)

  • 1B: Jeff Green (2020) • Patty Mills (2021) • Blake Griffin (2021) • T.J. Warren (2022) • Trendon Watford (2023)

  • BB: Yuta Watanabe (2022) • Markieff Morris (2022) • Lonnie Walker IV (2023)

  • K: Jeremy Lin (2016) • Trevor Booker (2016) • Justin Hamilton (2016) • Luis Scola (2016) • Greivis Vasquez (2016) • Randy Foye (2016) • Quincy Acy (2016) • Ed Davis (2018) • DeAndre Jordan (2019) • Garrett Temple (2019) • Dennis Smith Jr. (2023)

Give credit to Marks, whose plan to create two max-salary free-agent slots worked, as he signed both Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving in the summer of 2019. While that did not yield a championship, it did forge a short-lived contender, one that might have made more noise in the playoffs had Irving been healthy.

7. Artūras Karnišovas, Chicago Bulls (2020-)

Free agents: .625 OBP • .667 SLG • 1.292 OPS

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  • 2B: Alex Caruso (2021)

  • 1B: Garrett Temple (2020) • Andre Drummond (2022)

  • BB: Jevon Carter (2023) • Jalen Smith (2024)

  • K: Lonzo Ball (2021) • Goran Dragic (2022) • Torrey Craig (2023)

Hey, the Bulls aren’t terrible at everything! Though they haven’t hit for much power, and the one double they did have, Alex Caruso, immediately won a championship once they traded him for Josh Giddey, who remains unsigned in restricted free agency. At least there haven’t been too many free-agent strikeouts.

6. Brad Stevens, Boston Celtics (2021-)

Free agents: .727 OBP • .571 SLG • 1.298 OPS

  • 1B: Sam Hauser (2021) • Luke Kornet (2021) • Oshae Brissett (2023) • Neemias Queta (2023)

  • BB: Enes Kanter (2021) • Blake Griffin (2022) • Svi Mykhailiuk (2023) • Torrey Craig (2025)

  • K: Dennis Schroder (2021) • Jabari Parker (2021) • Danilo Gallinari (2022)

Not much power, but Stevens has a pretty consistent track record of identifying helpful players in free agency. Sam Hauser and Luke Kornet, in particular, played roles on Boston’s 2024 championship roster.

Miami Heat president Pat Riley during a time out in the first half as the Miami Heat play host to Denver Nuggets at the Kaseya Center on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, in Miami. (Al Diaz/Miami Herald/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

Pat Riley has been calling the shots in Miami for 30 years. (Al Diaz/Miami Herald/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

(Miami Herald via Getty Images)

5. Pat Riley, Miami Heat (1995-)

Free agents: .524 OBP • .790 SLG • 1.314

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  • HR: LeBron James (2010) • Chris Bosh (2010) • Jimmy Butler (2019)

  • 3B: Udonis Haslem (2003) • Lamar Odom (2003)

  • 2B: Ray Allen (2012) • Hassan Whiteside (2014) • Gabe Vincent (2020) • Max Strus (2020) • Caleb Martin (2021)

  • 1B: P.J. Brown (1996) • Terry Porter (1998) • Rafer Alston (2003) • Gary Payton (2005) • Joel Anthony (2007) • Mike Miller (2010) • Shane Battier (2011) • Chris Andersen (2012) • Tyler Johnson (2014) • Rodney McGruder (2016) • Kelly Olynyk (2017) • Duncan Robinson (2018) • Kendrick Nunn (2019) • P.J. Tucker (2021) • Kyle Lowry (2021) • Haywood Highsmith (2022) • Kevin Love (2023)

  • BB: Dan Majerle (1996) • Clarence Weatherspoon (1999) • James Jones (2008) • James Johnson (2016) • Wayne Ellington (2016) • Maurice Harkless (2020)

  • K: Stacey King (1995) • Gary Grant (1996) • Ed Pinckney (1996) • Terry Mills (1997) • Blue Edwards (1998) • Otis Thorpe (1999) • A.C. Green (2000) • LaPhonso Ellis (2001) • Kendall Gill (2001) • Travis Best (2002) • Samaki Walker (2003) • Michael Doleac (2004) • Wesley Person (2004) • Smush Parker (2007) • Rashard Lewis (2012) • Greg Oden (2013) • Michael Beasley (2013) • Luol Deng (2014) • Josh McRoberts (2014) • Amare’ Stoudemire (2015) • Gerald Green (2015) • Dion Waiters (2016) • Derrick Williams (2016) • Willie Reed (2016) • Jordan Mickey (2017) • Avery Bradley (2020) • Markieff Morris (2021) • Josh Richardson (2023) • Thomas Bryant (2023) • Alec Burks (2024)

A stat sheet for the ages. Three home runs, including two in the same summer, LeBron James and Chris Bosh, who delivered back-to-back championships in 2012 and 2013. They, along with Dwyane Wade, were the faces of the Heatles, who saw plenty of minimum-contracted free agents pass through Miami’s door, some of whom hit and many of whom swung and missed. Such is the life of Riley, a longtime executive.

It is a wonder how Riley landed Jimmy Butler with no salary cap space to speak of. It was the type of thing that could only happen in Miami and required Morey’s approval of a sign-and-trade. All it cost the Heat was Josh Richardson, and it produced a pair of NBA Finals appearances. A home run and a half.

Now, Miami is waiting on its next chance for a big swing in free agency, except the biggest-name players are rarely becoming available, as they chase the guaranteed money from exorbitant extensions. That has made it all the more difficult for front-office shot-callers to hit for extra bases in this portion of their job.

4. Rafael Stone, Houston Rockets (2020-)

Free agents: .625 OBP • .714 SLG • 1.339 OPS

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  • 2B: Fred VanVleet (2023)

  • 1B: Jae’Sean Tate (2020) • Dillon Brooks (2023) • Aaron Holiday (2023)

  • BB: Jeff Green (2023)

  • K: Christian Wood (2020) • Daniel Theis (2021) • Jock Landale (2023)

Stone has not been on the job long, so he has not had too many opportunities to strike out. He has, however, made the most of his limited chances, signing Fred VanVleet, who helped legitimize Houston as a playoff team. Stone also scored Dillon Brooks, a signing most everyone took issue with, only for him to become an asset worthy of trading in a deal for Kevin Durant. With Aaron Holiday and Jeff Green also in the fold this season, Durant, VanVleet and the Rockets are among the league’s leading title contenders.

3. Lawrence Frank, Los Angeles Clippers (2017-)

Free agents: .600 OBP • .786 SLG • 1.386 OPS

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  • 3B: Kawhi Leonard (2019)

  • 2B: Reggie Jackson (2020)

  • 1B: Nicolas Batum (2020) • Isaiah Hartenstein (2021) • Russell Westbrook (2023) • Derrick Jones Jr. (2024) • Kris Dunn (2024) • Nicolas Batum (2024)

  • BB: Patrick Patterson (2019)

  • K: Mike Scott (2018) • Luc Richard Mbah a Moute (2018) • Rodney McGruder (2019) • Serge Ibaka (2020) • Justise Winslow (2021) • John Wall (2022)

We could argue all day whether Kawhi Leonard is a home run. His health has been a consistent impediment to superstardom, but his signing did help alter our perception of the Clippers as a free-agent destination. They are in L.A., after all, and that helped Frank recruit three players last summer — Derrick Jones Jr., Kris Dunn and Nicolas Batum — who each contributed to a 50-win team this past season.

2. Kevin Pritchard, Indiana Pacers (2017-)

Free agents: .600 OBP • .800 SLG • 1.400 OPS

  • 2B: Andre Miller (2009) • Bojan Bogdanovic (2017) • T.J. McConnell (2019)

  • 1B: Steve Blake (2007) • Darren Collison (2017) • Doug McDermott (2018) • Malcolm Brogdon (2019) • Jeremy Lamb (2019) • Justin Holiday (2019)

  • K: Tyreke Evans (2018) • Kyle O’Quinn (2018) • Kelan Martin (2020) • Torrey Craig (2021) • Bruce Brown (2023) • James Wiseman (2024)

(Pritchard served as general manager of the Portland Trail Blazers from 2007-10.)

Indiana is far from a free-agent destination. Same went for Portland, for that matter. But Pritchard just goes to show you, as long as you make contact, you can post a pretty good track record in this market, even if you never connect for a triple or a home run. Pritchard hasn’t taken a ton of swings, but he picks his spots and rakes for the most part. T.J. McConnell is his latest example of a good cut at a low salary.

1. Leon Rose, New York Knicks (2020-)

Free agents: .600 OBP • 1.111 SLG • 1.711 OPS

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  • HR: Jalen Brunson (2022)

  • 2B: Isaiah Hartenstein (2022) • Donte DiVincenzo (2023)

  • 1B: Alec Burks (2020) • Cameron Payne (2024)

  • BB: Austin Rivers (2020)

  • K: Nerlens Noel (2020) • Evan Fournier (2021) • Kemba Walker (2021) • Landry Shamet (2024)

When the Knicks signed Jalen Brunson to a four-year, $104 million contract in the summer of 2022, a lot of folks figured it for an overpay. As it turns out, it was a wild underpay, as Brunson has changed what we thought possible for New York. They are, as a result of his signing, serious championship contenders.

This news was originally published on this post .

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Conventional wisdom goes that the best two words in sports are "Game 7." But, in this case, "Game 5" will have to suffice. Detroit won Game 1 of the series on the road, but Seattle responded by winning each of the next two games. The Tigers then came to life in Game 4, forcing a Game 5 back in Seattle. The winner of Game 5, which will take place at T-Mobile Park in Seattle, plays the Toronto Blue Jays in the AL Championship Series as the road team. <!-->Here are the top moments from Game 5. --> <!--> [-->8:42p ET Naylor's Baserunning Gives Mariners Lead Live Coverage for this began on 9:05p ET

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WWE Crown Jewel 2025 predictions, start time, card, matches, expert picks, date for event in Australia

On Saturday, WWE Crown Jewel takes place outside Saudi Arabia for the first time since the event's inception. This year's event will be held in Perth, Australia, though it will operate under the same format as last year's Crown Jewel.That means two headline matches featuring WWE's top champions. On the men's side, undisputed WWE champion Cody Rhodes will take on world heavyweight champion Seth Rollins. For the women, world champion Iyo Sky will face WWE women's champion Tiffany Stratton. The winners of those matches will win the ceremonial Crown Jewel championship, taking home a ring for their victory.In addition, John Cena returns for one of his final appearances when he takes on AJ Styles as the two revisit one of the promotion's top rivalries of the 2010s. Cena has been out of action since Wrestlepalooza and only has a handful […]

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Derek Jeter’s next Grand Slam? inside his $200 million sportswear gamble that’s shaking up the industry

The New York Yankees closed the 2025 season in disappointment, falling short of their long-awaited return to the World Series. Their elimination at the hands of the Toronto Blue Jays, losing the series 3-1, was a bitter ending for a franchise that hasn't lifted a championship trophy since 2009, the era when Derek Jeter's leadership defined success in the Bronx.Jeter, one of baseball's most respected figures, remains a symbol of excellence. His five World Series titles and 14 All-Star selections have solidified his legacy as one of the greatest to ever play the game. But beyond the diamond, Jeter's sharp business acumen has made him a notable figure in the modern sports landscape, where he continues to influence the next generation of leaders.Bad Bunny steals the game with a ball catch at the Blue Jays vs Yankees gameRecently, the former […]

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Aces Beat Mercury For 4-Game Sweep, Win Third WNBA Title In Four Seasons

A'ja Wilson scored 31 points, Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young both added 18 and the Las Vegas Aces won their third WNBA championship in four seasons, beating the Phoenix Mercury on Friday night, 97-86, for a four-game sweep of the Finals.The Aces made quick work of the league's first best-of-seven Finals. It was another offensive onslaught from Las Vegas, which scored 54 points in the first half and averaged more than 90 points per game in the series.Wilson — a four-time MVP — was in the middle of the action once again, even if she didn't have the best shooting night. She finished 7 of 21 from the field, but made 17 of 19 free throws. Gray made four 3-pointers, including two in the fourth quarter to help turn back a final rally by the Mercury.The Aces led 76-62 going […]

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USMNT shows signs of progress in World Cup prep with 1-1 draw against Ecuador

AUSTIN, Texas — Mauricio Pochettino’s tenure preparing the U.S. men's national soccer team for the 2026 World Cup has hardly been a smooth process.Both opportunities to hoist a trophy failed and some of the performances have been downright concerning. On Friday, though, despite star forward Christian Pulisic sitting out until late in the game with an ailing ankle, the Americans seemed to turn a corner.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThey did not beat Ecuador. No, the friendly at Q2 Stadium ended in a 1-1 draw. But the U.S. team displayed ideas and execution, played with commitment and passion, and created numerous scoring opportunities against a stalwart defense.Folarin Balogun scored the equalizer in the 71st minute after Enner Valencia had put Ecuador ahead midway through the first half.“The response was very good,” Pochettino said. “We keep playing in the way that we plan to play.”The Americans […]

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Ja’Marr Chase Questionable for Bengals vs. Packers With Illness

After logging two full practices, Cincinnati Bengals star wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase's Week 6 status is now in question after the All-Pro missed Friday's session.Chase is listed as questionable for Sunday's road game against the Green Bay Packers due to an undisclosed illness, according Bengals head coach Zac Taylor. While it remains to be seen if Chase takes the field, the 25-year-old WR's status will certainly be worth monitoring entering the weekend. Should he miss the game, Cincinnati won't have the opportunity to see how he meshes with new acquisition, quarterback Joe Flacco.Instead, Flacco, acquired from the Browns on Tuesday, will see his quick transition into Cincy's QB1 as a chance to find chemistry with wideout Tee Higgins, running back Chase Brown and the rest of his new offense.Chase leads the team after five games in receptions and targets (32/45), receiving […]

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Tigers vs. Mariners Live Updates, Score: Seattle Strikes First

Conventional wisdom goes that the best two words in sports are "Game 7." But, in this case, "Game 5" will have to suffice. Detroit won Game 1 of the series on the road, but Seattle responded by winning each of the next two games. The Tigers then came to life in Game 4, forcing a Game 5 back in Seattle. The winner of Game 5, which will take place at T-Mobile Park in Seattle, plays the Toronto Blue Jays in the AL Championship Series as the road team. <!-->Here are the top moments from Game 5. --> <!--> [-->8:42p ET Naylor's Baserunning Gives Mariners Lead Live Coverage for this began on 9:05p ET

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WWE Crown Jewel 2025 predictions, start time, card, matches, expert picks, date for event in Australia

On Saturday, WWE Crown Jewel takes place outside Saudi Arabia for the first time since the event's inception. This year's event will be held in Perth, Australia, though it will operate under the same format as last year's Crown Jewel.That means two headline matches featuring WWE's top champions. On the men's side, undisputed WWE champion Cody Rhodes will take on world heavyweight champion Seth Rollins. For the women, world champion Iyo Sky will face WWE women's champion Tiffany Stratton. The winners of those matches will win the ceremonial Crown Jewel championship, taking home a ring for their victory.In addition, John Cena returns for one of his final appearances when he takes on AJ Styles as the two revisit one of the promotion's top rivalries of the 2010s. Cena has been out of action since Wrestlepalooza and only has a handful […]

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