The NBA offseason, a time where fans can recollect, players can rest, and teams can improve. So far this NBA offseason, the free agency market has been busy to say the least. Players we never thought we’d see leave, joining different teams and see bad teams improve overnight on paper. Listed below are the best offseason moves that just made sense.

Alex Caruso to the Oklahoma City Thunder - B+

The native Aggie, Alex Caruso, was traded from the Bulls to the Thunder in exchange for Josh Giddey on June 21, 2024, marking the start of this year’s offseason moves. The surprising decision by the Bulls to trade Caruso after his best year in the NBA remains puzzling. Caruso had his most productive season last year with the Bulls, averaging double figures in points and recording a block per game for the first time in his career. The Thunder, who were the top seed last season, can continue to dominate the Western Conference with additional support from defensive specialists and non-boxscore contributors like Caruso.

Chris Paul to the San Antonio Spurs - A-

After one of the most lackluster seasons of his career, 12-time All-Star veteran Chris Paul hopes to bounce back with only so much time left on his career clock. Coming off the bench for the first time last season and rarely making an impact on the court, this year is a complete restart and a make-or-break season for the guard as he pairs up with the 7-foot giant with all the potential in the world. In my opinion, this is the best signing for the Spurs and one of the best signings in the league.

DeMar DeRozan to the Sacramento Kings - B-

A name that hasn’t been as popular since his time with the Raptors in 2018, the 34-year-old shooting guard DeMar DeRozan signed a $74 million contract with the Kings in a three-team sign-and-trade deal. Nothing about this move surprises me or should surprise any fan. The Kings needed an elite veteran presence since they are so young, and DeRozan was looking for a fresh start. The move itself is good, but the price paid for the 34-year-old is not. Although there is nothing bad to say about the Compton, California native, paying him almost $80 million for three years, knowing the team will get only two good full years out of him, is not a good long-term move. If DeRozan goes down or gets figured out by defenders next season, who will step up to bring that same veteran presence now that Harrison Barnes is gone?

Harrison Barnes to the San Antonio Spurs - A

Underrated, underrated, underrated… This signing is what will make the Spurs competitive. Barnes had a very successful yet underappreciated run with the Kings during his six-season tenure with the team. Now, being coached by one of the greatest, combined with a young, talented team and an experienced veteran guard in Chris Paul, Barnes has everything a player of his caliber could want. This opportunity allows him to potentially close out his career in San Antonio while also contributing to a bright future for the Spurs. Shooting a good percentage from the field, Barnes’ ceiling this season has the potential to be the most productive of his career.

Dejounte Murray to the New Orleans Pelicans - A+

Another spectacular signing from a team in the West, the Pelicans are looking like a dark horse playoff team. They sent a haul of four role players and two first-round picks, one in 2025 and the other in 2027, to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for the 27-year-old Dejounte Murray. Murray has had one of the brightest and most organic rises in the league. Drafted by San Antonio, picked up by Atlanta, and now in New Orleans starting at point guard, Murray has one of the best chances to find his city. New Orleans lost only 33 games last year, meaning they won 49 games, just shy of 50 wins. Looking at the depth chart from last year, it’s hard to understand how this team almost won 50 games without having a true point guard out there 80% of the time. Holding the reins at point guard without the worry of Trae Young, this move for the Pelicans is the best move in the NBA so far this year.