Normally, the NBA offseason is drawn out and filled with juicy drama. This year, however, the coronavirus pandemic has left teams around the league with a condensed variant. Some organizations still managed to acquire significant pieces under these irregular circumstances, while others were left in the proverbial dust.
In this piece, we'll rank the three biggest winners of NBA free agency. While more moves can still be made, most of the biggest deals are done, though some potential big trades could still shake up the landscape.
Before we dive in on the rankings, we're noting the Phoenix Suns as an honorable mention on this list. The Suns added 10-time All-Star Chris Paul by way of a trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder before free agency began, which is a reason why they fall outside the top three.
Led by rising star Devin Booker, the Suns have been a young team in recent seasons. However, the additions of Paul plus Jae Crowder and others in free agency should bring a wealth of experience to the roster. Furthermore, Crowder should serve as a nice complementary piece alongside big man Deandre Ayton.
The Suns haven't made it to the postseason in 10 years, despite their great run in the bubble this year. Perhaps these moves will change that narrative.
But without further adieu, here are three teams that have really helped themselves in NBA free agency in 2020.
3. Portland Trail Blazers
The Blazers bolstered their rotation by adding a few nice pieces and keeping around a few others. They acquired Robert Covington before free agency even began, setting the tone for stellar moves to come.
Portland managed to keep Carmelo Anthony (one-year minimum) and Rodney Hood (two-year, $21 million). Harry Giles (one-year minimum) and Derrick Jones Jr. (two years, $19 million) are heading to Rip City. It's also worth noting that Enes Kanter is on his way back to The City of Roses as part of a three-team deal with the Boston Celtics and Memphis Grizzlies.
The Blazers have been a contender in the Western Conference for quite a while. Will these moves lead the team to an NBA title? Even if they don't, they're putting the work trying to build the best team possible around Damian Lillard.
2. Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks are intent on making a playoff push in the coming season, and their offseason moves prove it.
In short order, Atlanta made several eye-catching offseason deals, acquiring Rajon Rondo, Danilo Gallinari, Kris Dunn and Solomon Hill in free agency. The Hawks also brewed up a four-year, $72 million offer sheet for Bogdan Bogdanovic, and the Sacramento Kings are still mulling over whether to match or not.
The addition of Rondo, in particular, will give rising star Trae Young a bit of veteran leadership from the bench. Rajon helped the Lakers claim their 17th NBA championship last season. In the coming campaign, he'll look to lead the Hawks down a similar path.
Rondo will provide a break for Young when needed, while Dunn should serve as a defensive presence on the ball. Gallinari, meanwhile, has always been known as a solid wing scorer.
The Hawks recorded a disappointing 20-47 overall record last season, which left the team well out of the playoff hunt. Without a doubt, they'll be looking to change that tune with this bolstered roster.
1. Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers lost a few players in this offseason, but the team managed to replace these pieces with what many experts are viewing as upgrades.
Both Dwight Howard and Danny Green are elsewhere. As mentioned previously, Rajon Rondo signed with the Atlanta Hawks. These three players were key to the Lakers' NBA championship run, to be sure, and losing them might lead one to think that the team is heading in the wrong direction.
“Not so fast,” as Lee Corso would say.
The Lakers turned these open roster spots into Dennis Schroder, Wesley Matthews and Montrezl Harrell. By most accounts, these are upgrades at each position, though Rondo and Howard played well for Los Angeles.
But wait, there's more!
Over the weekend, the Lakers traded JaVale McGee to the Cleveland Cavaliers in order to make room for Marc Gasol on a two-year deal. Notably, Gasol was drafted by the Lakers in 2007 but had his rights traded to Memphis for his brother, Pau, before he ever played an NBA game. Pau would go on to help the team win two championships alongside Kobe Bryant.
Lakers All-Star Anthony Davis is expected to sign an extension to stay with the team, and Gasol will be filling the void created at center with the departures of McGee and Howard. Davis can certainly play the position as well, but Los Angeles wanted to have a reliable center on its roster.
For now, we'll have to wait and see if these moves are enough to help the Lakers defend their crown. At first glance, they should be even better.
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