The NBA free agency frenzy began on June 30th at 6 p.m. ET, marking the start of what promises to be an exciting offseason. While this year’s free agency may not have had the same level of blockbuster moves as previous years, there were still some major shakeups in the league.
One of the biggest moves of the offseason saw Klay Thompson leaving the Golden State Warriors to join the Dallas Mavericks. This move sent shockwaves throughout the league as Thompson parted ways with the team he had spent his entire career with. Additionally, the Philadelphia 76ers made a splash by landing Paul George on a four-year deal, adding another star player to their roster.
The New York Knicks also made a significant move by trading for Mikal Bridges, while Isaiah Hartenstein signed a lucrative deal worth $29 million per year with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Another notable move saw Kentavious Caldwell-Pope leaving the Denver Nuggets to join the Orlando Magic.
As the dust settles on the first wave of free agency, it’s time to take stock of the early winners and losers of the offseason. While there were several teams and players who almost made the list, there are five standout winners and losers who have either improved their situations or taken a step back.
One team that emerged as a clear winner in free agency is the Thunder. Without sacrificing any assets, they managed to significantly bolster their roster and are now considered favorites to come out of the West next season. With a war chest of first-round picks at their disposal, the Thunder have positioned themselves for success in the coming years.
Another big winner of free agency is Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs. The addition of Chris Paul to the roster gives the team a much-needed boost at the point guard position, providing Wembanyama with a reliable playmaker who can help elevate his game. Paul’s leadership and mentoring abilities will be invaluable for a young Spurs team looking to make strides next season.
On the flip side, one of the losers of free agency is Chris Paul. While he may not be the same player he once was, his leadership qualities are undeniable and will be a valuable asset for the Spurs as they continue to rebuild. Paired with head coach Gregg Popovich, Paul’s influence on Wembanyama and the rest of the team cannot be understated.
The Philadelphia 76ers also find themselves on the list of losers after missing out on some key free agents. Despite having a max contract slot available, they were unable to secure top-tier talent to complement their roster. While the addition of Paul George is a solid move, the team will need to make further improvements to truly contend in the East.
As the NBA free agency period continues to unfold, more moves are expected to be made that will shape the league landscape for the upcoming season. Stay tuned for more updates on the winners and losers of free agency as teams look to build championship-caliber rosters.
