There is just something so enticing about a free agent.
It’s not something you have to give up assets for (not yet anyway). It’s not something you have to sit and develop for years and years. It’s “free” in the sense of not having to give up anything aside from money.
There’s a limit, though. It’s a limit that is surpassed almost every summer. It’s happened in the past, it will happen in the future and it will almost certainly happen this summer as well. Some general manager is going to feel the clock ticking on their talented team and go for broke on a free agent.