2021 NBA Free Agency: 5 most surprising moves from opening day

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3. Lonzo Ball sign-and-trade to Chicago Bulls, New Orleans Pelicans missed out twice

Lonzo Ball #2 shoots over Anthony Edwards #1.

Lonzo Ball had been attached to rumors that he would sign with the New York Knicks, LA Lakers or Chicago Bulls in NBA free agency this summer. There was also a chance that he could return to the New Orleans Pelicans to run the Zion Williamson show for the next few years.

Lonzo Ball last season made more threes than:Trae YoungPaul GeorgeBradley BealKhris MiddletonDevin BookerSeth CurryLeBron JamesHe averaged 14.6 PPG on 41/38/78%, all career-highs. pic.twitter.com/B2NGGI27eN

— StatMuse (@statmuse) August 2, 2021

But the Bulls and Pelicans agreed to a sign-and-trade that sends Tomas Satoransky, Garrett Temple and a second-round pick to New Orleans on Day 1 of NBA free agency.

Interestingly, it’s a similar offer to what was reported at the trade deadline by The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor, which was Satoransky and a couple of second-round picks for Ball. Other than Temple being included in the deal, it’s surprising how similar that offer is, although the Bulls have Ball’s services secured for a few years.

The Pelicans lost twice in NBA free agency as they didn’t get Kyle Lowry (Miami Heat) and lost Ball in one day.

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2. P.J. Tucker leaves Milwaukee Bucks after winning ring

Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 celebrates with teammate P.J. Tucker #17.

After playing a crucial role last season in helping the Milwaukee Bucks win the franchise’s second championship, P.J. Tucker left them to sign with the Miami Heat in 2021 NBA free agency. It was a surprising move for the veteran forward, who appeared to be a happy camper with the Bucks, who traded for him midway through last season.

The Heat new squad:Kyle LowryDuncan RobinsonJimmy ButlerPJ TuckerBam Adebayo6th man: Tyler Herro pic.twitter.com/qyzqjTARPo

— StatMuse (@statmuse) August 3, 2021

According to The Athletic and Stadium’s Shams Chrania, his reported deal with the Heat was for two years at $15 million. It's a shame that Milwaukee couldn’t match or give Tucker a better deal to keep him considering how valuable he was to the Bucks in guarding the best swingmen from opposing teams.

Perhaps the Bucks are looking to sign someone else at that price range, but losing Tucker to an opposing team that will be gunning for them next season is a tough pill to swallow.

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1. Alex Caruso leaves LA Lakers for Chicago Bulls

Alex Caruso #4 drives to the basket on Edmond Sumner #5.

Almost everyone believed that Alex Caruso was coming back to the LA Lakers and that he was the one player they would try hard to keep among their many free agents. Unfortunately, the Carushow is now over in Los Angeles.

Will never forget my time in LA and the #lakeshow fans.. y’all loved me before it was cool 💜💛genuine love for all of y’all

— Alex Caruso (@ACFresh21) August 3, 2021

Caruso is going to the Bulls for a very reasonable four-year, $37 million deal that the LA Lakers could have easily matched as they owned his Bird rights in NBA free agency. The 27-year-old guard from Texas A&M clearly wanted to stay in L.A. but The Athletic’s Sam Amick reported that the Lakers didn’t make a counteroffer to try and retain him.

Knowing that the Lakers lost Caruso and hearing that they allegedly didn’t fight to keep him is just about the most shocking news in Day 1 of NBA free agency. Caruso was the heart and soul of their perimeter defense, helping them to get the No. 1 ranking in defensive rating in the entire league last season.

Simply put, this was the most baffling, surprising and shocking development on the first day of NBA free agency.

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