What a NBA free agency period it has been. While not many played have changed uniforms, we have been filled with drama and surprises. We have also learned that teams will go to the extreme to keep their players, even if it means holding that player hostage. Some teams have been able to make themselves legitimate title contenders with their additions this offseason. Let us take a look at the winners and losers of free agency.
Winners and Losers of the NBA Free Agency Period
Winner- San Antonio Spurs: Without a doubt, the Spurs are arguably the biggest winner of free agency. The organization was able to add some of the best talent in the league while re-signing players who are a big part of their core. LaMarcus Aldridge was the most coveted free agent on the market, and he is going to be a perfect fit with the Spurs. A team is in pretty good hands when they have arguably the greatest power forward of all time and one of the best power forwards in the game right now on the same team. David West also took a big sacrifice financially and is excited for the chance to compete for a championship. Not only did the Spurs prepare to win now, but they also prepared for life after the big three. It is safe to say Coach Poppovich will be resting the big three for a lot of nationally televised games this upcoming season.
Winner- Small Market Organizations: It is becoming a trend in the NBA where players are starting to take winning over playing in the big spotlight with more money. Once again, big market franchises such as the New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers have missed out on high-tier free agents. Aldridge decided to go to San Antonio because of the chance to win now instead of having to wait a few years with the Lakers. Greg Monroe felt he had a great chance to succeed with the Milwaukee Bucks and turned down the New York Knicks. Although the lifestyle is great in these big market franchises, players ultimately want to win. And as of right now, both the Lakers and Knicks are not in the best basketball situation.
Loser- Portland Trail Blazers: Seriously, who is even on the Blazers right now? After a few playoff runs, many of the players on the Trail Blazers have decided to jump ship and move on. The team had success, but it did not seem that they would be able to make the leap in a loaded Western Conference. The Trail Blazers have lost four of their five starters from last season, with Damian Lillard being the only starter left. They were able to bring in solid talent such was Gerald Henderson, Mason Plumlee, and Noah Vonleh. But in the Western Conference, the chances of the Trail Blazers returning to the playoffs next year are very low. The team seems to be headed for rebuilding mode.
Loser- Dallas Mavericks: This team was only hours away from becoming one of the biggest winners of free agency. They were so close to signing DeAndre Jordan, but Jordan ultimately decided to return to the Los Angeles Clippers after basically not being allowed to leave his house. The team lost Monta Ellis and Tyson Chandler, who were a big part of their success last season. Wes Matthews, Zaza Pachulia, and Deron Williams come in with the hopes of making the playoffs next season. Williams returns to his hometown, but we will have to wait and see to find out which Williams the Mavericks got. Matthews is one of the better two-way players, but any player coming off a torn achilles will not be able to produce right away. It is very possible that the Mavericks could miss the playoffs next season.
Winner- Memphis Grizzlies: The Grizzlies have quietly had a very productive season. Marc Gasol, the cornerstone of the franchise, re-signed and is very positive about the future. The team was able to bring in Matt Barnes and Brandan Wright, who will instantly help them on the offensive side. Barnes provides perimeter shooting which they have lacked throughout the past few years. Wright is a solid back up who is a great finisher around the rim. Oh and they play defense, which is always good for the Grizzlies.
Winner- Los Angeles Clippers: The Clippers have had a fantastic offseason. DeAndre Jordan decides to re-sign, which was obviously the smart basketball decision. They only gave up Matt Barnes and Spencer Hawes, who were not going to be with the organization much longer. They were able to bring in Lance Stephenson, Paul Pierce, and Josh Smith. Pierce provides an edge and veteran experience for the Clippers, which was needed. And it is great to see Pierce reunited with Doc Rivers. Stephenson and Smith have proven they can be good players when in the right situation. This is a great situation for both players. It looks like Doc the GM is finally starting to make the right moves. There are no more excuses for the Clippers. This team is 10-deep. They have to team to make it to the Conference Finals.
Loser- Luke Ridnour: It is impossible to not feel bad for Luke Ridnour. He was traded four times in six days and is currently a free agent. Hopefully Ridnour is able to find a team that will keep him for more than a few hours.
Loser- Dan Gilbert’s Pockets: Dan Gilbert spent a lot of money off this season. He felt that the team can win a championship with the players they have now and looked to re-sign all of them. Although a lot of money was spent, this team is equipped to return to the NBA Finals. But, Gilbert’s pockets will have to take a pretty big cut.
Winner/Loser- Indiana Pacers: The Pacers are in a big change with their style of play. Instead of being a half-court team that works in the paint, the team is looking to become a transition team. David West and Roy Hibbert are gone, and Monta Ellis is in. Ellis is a proven scorer who will fit perfectly alongside Paul George. They could easily become one of the best scoring duos in the league. Ellis will more than likely finally make the All-Star team, which is long overdue. It will be exciting to watch the transition of the Pacers next season.
Winner- Miami Heat: Pat Riley has done his magic once again. After losing LeBron James last season, he has turned the Heat into legitimate Eastern Conference contenders. They were able to re-sign Dwayne Wade and Goran Dragic while adding talent to their bench. Gerald Green and A’mare Stoudemire are proven players who will provide instant offense off the bench. Chris Bosh will be returning, and the starting five will be very talented. The Heat pose as a legitimate threat to the Cleveland Cavaliers, and it will be exciting to watch what goes on in South Beach.
