Grading the 11 biggest headline-grabbing day 1 NBA Free Agency signings

Cam Johnson, Brooklyn Nets

The contract: 4 years, $108 million

The Brooklyn Nets may have eyes on a bigger move this offseason (hoping that Damian Lillard decided to wiggle out of the grasp of the Portland Trail Blazers), but re-signing Cam Johnson was something that needed to be done. And the Nets accomplished that fairly early on in free agency, signing Johnson to a four-year, $108 million deal. With Johnson and Mikal Bridges locked up for the foreseeable future, the Nets have their established core to build around.

In the latter portion of last season, after he was traded from Phoenix to Brooklyn, Johnson showed that he was worth the huge extension. He proved that he can be a capable supporting star in this league. And if the Nets are able to land another star this offseason, there’s a very real chance that they could be an absolute player in the Eastern Conference.

Less than a year ago, the Nets had Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant. With both off the roster, it’s actually quite amazing how well this team was able to pivot with Johnson and Bridges. The Nets have an established core in place and can now get creative with the rest of their roster construction.

Grade: B+