'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The 2020-21 NBA campaign has seen some impressive free agency moves being made, which has seen the teams making these signings climb their respective conference standings. However, the real impact of these NBA free agency moves will be judged in the postseason when the franchises go for the ultimate prize - the NBA championship.
NBA 2020-21: Listing the 5 most effective free agency signings made this season
With the NBA buyout deadline coming to an end in a few hours, this will be the last opportunity for teams across the league to make final additions to their roster. The majority of franchises have already constructed a squad of their choice.
On that note, let's take a look at the five most impactful NBA free agency moves made in the 2020-21 NBA season:
#5 Jae Crowder to Phoenix Suns
After he helped the Miami Heat make the NBA finals last season, it was shocking to see the Heat's front office letting Jae Crowder leave in free agency in the offseason. The Miami Heat's loss was the Phoenix Suns' gain as the Arizona-based franchise plugged a huge gap in their roster by adding the gritty forward.
Crowder's impact can't be fully measured through statistics. He has put up 10 points and 5 rebounds per game on 37.8% shooting from 3-point range, apart from registering close to a steal per game.
Jae Crowder has brought an element of ruggedness and grit to the Suns outfit, making hustle plays and guarding 1-5.
As a result, the Phoenix Suns have been one of the best defensive teams this season, registering an impressive 109.7 defensive rating - the fifth-best mark in the league.
#4 Serge Ibaka to LA Clippers
The LA Clippers were looking for an experienced head in the off-season who could share minutes with young center Ivica Zubac at the 5. The Clippers couldn't have landed a better player than Serge Ibaka for that role in free agency.
A championship winner with the Toronto Raptors in 2019, Ibaka has brought stellar paint defense and spacing to an already stacked LA Clippers team.
Ibaka has averaged 11 points and 7 rebounds so far, and has been a consummate professional in his time with the championship hopefuls. He has been in and out of the starting lineup, but that fact has not interfered with his performances at all.
Also Read: Creating the strongest starting 5 featuring NBA players who never won a championship
#3 Montrezl Harrell to LA Lakers
What a sensational free agency signing Montrezl Harrell has been for the LA Lakers. Coming from city rivals the LA Clippers, Harrell has provided a much-needed scoring punch off the bench. His rebounding on both ends of the floor has also been key to Frank Vogel's tactics.
Harrell has averaged 14.7 points and 6.7 boards on 63% shooting from the field, ensuring that the LA Lakers' front-court offense doesn't suffer in Anthony Davis' absence. He has also held his own on the defensive end, something he was thoroughly criticized for last season.
#4 Jeff Green to Brooklyn Nets
The Brooklyn Nets have probably been the most covered team in the NBA this campaign because of the presence of the mercurial trio of Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant and James Harden. The Nets' front office recently added Blake Griffin and LaMarcus Aldridge as well, giving the final touches to a brilliant squad.
However, one NBA free agency signing that has gone under the radar is that of veteran forward Jeff Green. Green has acted as the team's glue guy, starting at all the front-court spots at some point in the campaign. He has registered a respectable 10 points and 4 rebounds per game, on a brilliant 42% shooting from the deep.
#5 Jerami Grant to Detroit Pistons
It won't be controversial to suggest that Jerami Grant was unlucky to miss out on an All-Star berth this year. A few eyebrows were raised when the Detroit Pistons decided to reward the versatile forward with a three-year, $60 million contract.
But the former Nuggets man has more than justified those numbers, as Grant has put up 22.5 points and 5 rebounds, carrying the Detroit Pistons offense on his back.
Grant has made things happen on the defensive side of the ball as well, tallying a block and 0.7 steals per game. Grant has been key to the Pistons' plans and an extension could be coming his way next year.
Also Read: 2020-21 NBA season: How does the NBA play-in tournament work?
