When LeBron James decided to sign with the Miami Heat in the summer of 2010, it quickly became one of the most important moments in sports history. Since then, NBA free agency has become a more important avenue for teams and players, as other superstars like Kevin Durant and Kawhi Leonard have used it to revolutionize their career trajectories.
But since then, not every big signing has led to championships, or even sustained success. While James' decision brought at least one championship to every team he signed with. But some teams threw huge contracts in free agency, but that didn't live up to their expectations. Meanwhile, some other signings that didn't get much attention were amazingly successful.
I've picked the most influential free agent signing on every team since James moved to Miami in 2010, and influence is not just on the good side, but also on the bad side.
Western Chapter
Northwest Subdivision
Denver
Paul Millsap, 2017, Excellent Influence.
Three years, $90 million
When Millsap signed with the Nuggets as a free agent in 2017, he added experience, leadership and work ethic to the young locker room. Millsap helped the Nuggets on the road to a championship, helping Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray make their first playoff appearance in 2018-19. Under Millsap, the Nuggets made three consecutive playoffs, starting a five-game winning streak that ended with this year's championship. Millsap gave them playoff toughness, and a memorable feud with Marcus Morris Sr. in Game 5 helped the Nuggets win 1-3 in the first round of the 2020 playoffs and the Western Conference semifinals and reach the Western Conference Finals for the first time.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Taj Gibson, 2017, Excellent Impact.
Two years, $28 million
Gibson's two-year, $28 million contract with the Timberwolves is considered a bit exorbitant, but given how reliable he has been throughout his career, it's not too much of a risk. The Timberwolves paid off. He helped Minnesota into the playoffs in his first season with the Timberwolves, giving young star center Carl Anthony Towns some necessary advantage and help.
Portland
Wesley Matthews, 2010, Excellent Influence.
Five years, $34 million
When Matthews signed a five-year, $34 million contract in 2010, even the swingman had to admit that his salary might have been too high at the time. But Matthews helped the Blazers reach the second round in 2014, the Blazers' eighth straight playoff run. What's more, Matthews was a key part of the team, helping Damian Lillard get his first taste of the playoffs. After his first road trip with Matthews, Lillard has only reached the second round twice, reaching the Western Conference Finals in 2018-19. Matthews spent five seasons in Portland, averaging 15.4 points and 39.4 percent three-point shooting per game.
Utah
Joe Johnson, 2016, Excellent Impact.
Two years, $22 million
The Jazz signed 35-year-old Johnson to a two-year, $22 million contract in 2016 in hopes he would help them return to the playoffs. "Single Joe" played a key role in the first-round win over the Clippers, hitting the winning whistle in Game 1 and scoring 11 consecutive points in Game 4.
Oklahoma Thunder
Derek Fisher, 2012, Excellent Influence.
One year, $1.39 million
The Thunder have not had many big-name free agent signings in their history, and the Fish aggressively influenced Oklahoma City's youngsters towards the end of his career. Fisher was traded from the Lakers to the Rockets, who bought out his trade. The Thunder needed a backup point guard, and the 37-year-old Fisher was the perfect choice. Fisher averaged 22.3 minutes per game to help Oklahoma reach the Finals.
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