Top 5 NBA free agency signings that will prove to be impactful during the 2021-22 season

Kyle Lowry was signed by the Miami Heat during the 2021 NBA free agency
Kyle Lowry was signed by the Miami Heat during the 2021 NBA free agency

The 2021 NBA free agency has been intriguing, with formerly average teams now being included in championship conversations based on the strength of their signings. The LA Lakers and the Miami Heat have been the busiest this offseason, making stellar signings that will boost their chances of winning the 2022 NBA Finals.

Although the Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns proved that a superteam is not needed to win a championship or reach the NBA Finals, teams have gone ahead to stack their roster with elite talent. The 2021 NBA free agency was filled with championship-caliber players, most of whom have since been signed.

With the NBA free agency moratorium lifted earlier today, some of the verbal agreements between teams and players are official. Although players or teams could back out of the deal, it is unlikely we would witness such.

Now that most teams have gotten their targets in the NBA free agency, it will be exciting to see how these additions will impact the game. Undoubtedly, the power rankings heading into the new season will have a different outlook.

On that note, let's take a look at the top five NBA free agency signings that will prove to be impactful during the 2021-22 season.


#5 Patty Mills - Brooklyn Nets

Patty Mills
Patty Mills

Patty Mills joined the Brooklyn Nets in what could be regarded as one of the most under-the-radar NBA free agency signings. However, his addition to the Nets' superteam would be a significant boost to their championship hopes.

One area the Brooklyn Nets struggled in during the 2021 NBA playoffs was production outside of their big three. Landry Shamet, who had a decent run during the regular season, was not impactful in the short time he had on the court.

With Mills on the roster, the Nets will get significant help from the second unit. His performance so far in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics also boosted his profile in the NBA free agency.


#4 DeMar DeRozan - Chicago Bulls

DeMar DeRozan
DeMar DeRozan

The Chicago Bulls could qualify for the playoffs for the first time since 2017 considering how well they have done during the 2021 NBA free agency so far. Their signings could position the team for a playoff run in 2022.

DeMar DeRozan and Lonzo Ball were acquired via sign-and-trade, both of who will take the scoring pressure away from Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic. Alex Caruso is also a big signing for the Bulls as he was part of the LA Lakers' defensive core. The Bulls are assuredly winners in the 2021 NBA free agency.

DeRozan was San Antonio's top scorer, leading the team with 21.6 points and 6.9 assists per game. We should expect to see a very effective Chicago Bulls offense in the 2021-22 NBA season.

#3 Evan Fournier - New York Knicks

Evan Fournier
Evan Fournier

The New York Knicks are one of the biggest winners in the 2021 NBA free agency. They had significant cap space and used it as best as one could imagine.

Kemba Walker, Evan Fournier, Derrick Rose and Alec Burks were all signed new deals with the Knicks during the 2021 NBA free agency. However, Fournier will likely make the most impact, considering how deadly he can be from the perimeter.

Fournier's effectiveness was visible during the Boston Celtics' 2021 NBA playoffs run. His presence on the Knicks' roster will provide the team with another scoring option aside from Julius Randle and establish the team as a perimeter threat.


#2 Carmelo Anthony - LA Lakers

Carmelo Anthony #00
Carmelo Anthony #00

Carmelo Anthony, among other veterans that were acquired during the NBA free agency, will be joining the LA Lakers for the 2021-22 NBA season. Rob Pelinka outdid himself, acquiring six free agents that could improve the LA Lakers' chances of winning the 18th championship without breaking the bank.

The LA Lakers struggled to get points on the score sheet when LeBron and Davis were unavailable in the 2020-21 season. With the injection of elite scorers like Anthony, the burden on LeBron to lead the offense every night will be reduced.

The Lakers' approach to the 2021 NBA free agency is a clear indication that they are not building for the future. With such offensive firepower and decent perimeter defenders, the Lakers have a decent shot at the 2022 championship.


#1 Kyle Lowry - Miami Heat

Kyke Lowry
Kyke Lowry

The Miami Heat's disappointing first-round exit in the 2021 playoffs propelled them to be aggressive during the 2021 NBA free agency. The team has moved from average to championship contenders ahead of the new season.

Among other notable signings the Heat made, Kyle Lowry is the most interesting one. Although the Toronto Raptors failed to make a deep run in the playoffs after their 2019 championship, Lowry has always been a premier offensive coordinator.

Things have changed for the Miami Heat heading into the new season. Given the level of success they had during the 2021 NBA free agency, a second NBA Finals appearance in three seasons does not sound far-fetched.

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Edited by Arnav Kholkar