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This year's free agency class was among the most stacked in NBA History, and the opening hours of the 2019 offseason were perhaps the most exciting of all-time. Kevin Durant announced his blockbuster decision to join the Brooklyn Nets just minutes after free agency began, and he was followed by an influx of stars moving to new teams.
Meanwhile, Kawhi Leonard kept the league waiting, but eventually rocked the NBA by signing for the Los Angeles Clippers alongside Paul George. In a week of madness, more than half of the leagues All-Star's had swapped sides, while NBA teams had collectively smashed the previous spending record.
Nevertheless, it seems as though a number of teams got caught up in the madness, and not every move appears to be a home run. So, with the 2019 offseason drawing to a close, here we will examine the five most overrated moves of the summer.
#5 Derrick Rose to the Detroit Pistons
Derrick Rose was one of the NBA's best stories of the 2018-19 season, as the former All-Star came back from the brink of retirement to establish himself as one of the leagues best backup guards. Memorable moments included a 50-point game, and Detroit's decision to hand him a two-year $15 million contract was praised by the NBA media and fans alike.
However, the Pistons needed to improve their starting lineup during free agency, and Rose's deal took up much of their remaining cap space. Rose's injury issues also resurfaced during the second half of last season, and he won't get much help in a poor Detroit reserve unit. Ultimately, the veteran is a bad fit for the Pistons, and his much-hyped move won't yield the desired results.
#4 Kemba Walker to the Celtics
The Boston Celtics felt as though they had to make a big move following their failure to sign Anthony Davis coupled with the departure of Kyrie Irving. Their significant addition arrived in the form of Kemba Walker, who signed a four-year, $141 million maximum contract following his breakup with the Hornets.
Walker will be tasked with playing a similar role to Irving, and while Walker won't bring the same locker room issues, few will argue that he is an upgrade over his predecessor. Walker will also turn 30 in May, and Michael Jordan was scared off by how badly he believed the point guard's game would age.
Walker's arrival means that the Celtics will likely win 50 regular-season games this season, however, the former Hornets man isn't good enough to guide his new team past either the Bucks or Sixers.
#3 Jimmy Butler to the Heat
Heading into the offseason, the Miami Heat wanted to offload their highest earners as Pat Riley attempted to put his franchise in a position to compete for the top free agents in 2020 and 2021. However, the Heat's plans were cast aside when Jimmy Butler declared his surprise decision to sign with the franchise.
Evidently, Butler makes the Heat a better team, although his arrival is unlikely to bridge the gap to the top of the Eastern Conference. The four-time All-Star will also turn 30 next month, and a second star looks unlikely to arrive ahead of the new season.
This time last season, Butler was involved in an ugly standoff with the Minnesota Timberwolves over the team's failure to compete, and it is not difficult to envision a similar situation developing in Miami. Ultimately, Butler is a star, although he doesn't have the talent alone to carry the Heat.
#2 D'Angelo Russell to the Golden State Warriors
Up until last summer, D'Angelo Russell's career was more notable for what happened off the court rather than on it. However, the 18-19 season served as a breakout campaign for the 23-year-old as he helped guide a young Brooklyn Nets side to the postseason.
Russell averaged 21.1 points, 7.0 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game - also earning a first All-Star appearance. However, the Nets opted to part with Russell to bring in Kyrie Irving, and the young point guard completed a surprise move to the Golden State Warriors.
Boasting one of the best backcourts in NBA history, it is difficult to envision Russell having the same sort of impact for Steve Kerr's team, and the Warriors had to give up both Andre Iguodala and Shaun Livingston to complete a sign-a-trade for the guard. Overall, the Warriors got worse this summer, and Russell may disrupt the locker room once he is forced to take on a reserve role.
#1 Kyrie Irving to the Celtics
Kyrie Irving enters the 2019-20 season with more pressure on his shoulders than any other star. Just two seasons ago, Irving demanded a trade from the Cavs as he attempted to emerge from LeBron James' shadow, and while the Celtics handed him the starring role he craved, the guard failed to deliver.
During his time in Boston, Irving often criticized his younger teammates, and his poor performances during the 2019 playoffs cast further doubt on his status as one of the NBA's biggest stars.
Irving took a slight pay cut to head to Brooklyn which should be applauded, although surrounded with young players once more, the same problems that plagued his spell in Boston could emerge. Additionally, few inside the NBA view the Nets as contenders this season, an opinion that highlights severe doubts over Irving's ability to lead a team.
