The NBA’s free agency this year was rumored to be one filled with movement and chaos in the build up. While we may not have seen as many stars moved as we would have thought, a lot of teams have put themselves in positions to contend in the upcoming years. Let’s talk about my biggest winners from this year’s free agency.

Hawks Take Advantage of the East

Newly hired Hawks GM Onsi Saleh has gotten his opportunity to build a roster around Trae Young this year, and has taken full advantage of it. With injuries stacking up for Eastern Conference powerhouses like the Celtics and Bucks, we expected some East teams to be aggressive, and the Hawks have not disappointed. 

Their offseason began with one of the bigger trades so far with the Porzingis trade. The Hawks were able to get their hands on a former all star who, despite being plagued with injuries and illness last year, averaged 19.5 points per game on 41% shooting from beyond the arc. In a move that was essentially a salary dump for the Boston Celtics, the Hawks were able to add a big man that can diversify Quin Synder’s offense.

The Hawks followed up this trade with the major free agency signing of Nickeil Alexander-Walker who agreed to a 4-year, $62 million deal. Alexander-Walker undoubtable follows the blueprint that Saleh seems to be following, of surrounding Trae Young with as many elite perimeter defenders as possible. Alexander-Walker joins Dyson Daniels in the backcourt to create one of the scariest defensive duos for opposing guards.

Throw in the addition of sharpshooter Luke Kennard, and the Atlanta Hawks have positioned themselves to potentially go on a deep run in the playoffs next year.

Nugget Looking to Take Their Crown Back

Nuggets interim GM Ben Tenzer finally accomplished what Mike Malone had been asking the front office for before his firing. Tenzer brought in championship ready players that complement the core of Jokic, Murray, and Gordon. 

The Nuggets offseason started with a major move. Tenzer sent Michael Porter Jr. to the Nets, along with a 2032 unprotected first-round pick, in exchange for Cameron Johnson. Johnson averaged 18.8 points on 39% from three, which is comparable to Porter Jr. ‘s 18.2 points on 39.5% from three. However, what Johnson does bring to the team is added self creation that was previously not there. Johnson should give new head coach David Adleman a chance to diversify his offensive sets, while also being on a significantly cheaper contract.

The Nuggets followed up this trade with the signing of Bruce Brown. Brown was an integral part of the Nuggets’ 2023 championship team. Even though Brown may have seen a couple of down years following his departure from Denver, the Nuggets should be able to expect a rise in production now that he is reunited with the best playmaker in the league, Nikola Jokic. In addition to the Brown signing, the Nuggets also acquired Tim Hardaway Jr. on a 1-year deal. Hardaway Jr. should provide them with some much needed 3 point volume. Denver ranked 30th in 3PA per game at 31.9 attempts. Hardaway Jr. brings his 5.9 3PA from last season to a team that desperately needs to get those shots up in order to compete in the west.

With the win-now moves that Ben Tenzer has made, the Denver Nuggets have positioned themselves to potentially regain their crown as NBA champions this upcoming season.

Rockets Positioned to Take the Next Step

The Houston Rockets were one of the best stories last year, as they obtained the 2nd seed in the tough Western Conference. However, after falling short in game 7 against the Warriors, the Rockets have made the necessary moves to truly compete against the top teams in the West.

The Rockets began their offseason, not in a flashy way, but in a very important way. The agreed to contract extensions with key players, Steven Adams, Jeff Green, Jae’Sean Tate, and Jabari Smith Jr. In addition to this, the Rockets were able to rework guard Fred VanVleet’s contract to extend him for significantly cheaper. The Rockets did the most important part of the offseason perfectly, and retained all of their key players from last year’s season, while avoiding overpaying any player significantly. 

Following these extensions, the Rockets pulled off the biggest move of the offseason when they traded Dillon Brooks, Jalen Green, and the 10th pick in the draft for Kevin Durant. The only way to describe this trade is a low risk high reward deal. The Rockets acquired a tier 1 scoring threat to add to an offense that struggled greatly in the half court last season, especially in the playoffs. In return the Rockets gave up Jalen Green, who significantly under-achieved in his first playoff series, especially when considering the contract extension he signed last summer. The Rockets only other assets given up were a pick who most likely would not have received many minutes when considering Reed Sheppard was on the sideline last season, and Dillon Brooks who, while being a solid contributor, is not a talent worth keeping when Kevin Durant is on the table. 

The Rockets finished off these moves with two excellent signings, Clint Capela and Dorian Finney-Smith. Clint Capela, while not having a terrific season with the Hawks, can certainly provide solid backup minutes as a center, and can provide different double big lineups for Ime Udoka to utilize. Finney-Smith’s signing provides depth and versatility to an already excellent defensive unit. Finney-Smith’s will slide in perfectly as a 3-D wing to complete the culture that has been built in Houston over the past year. 

The Rockets made the big move to compete on the next level, and paired the move with perfect complementary signings. Houston should be on everyone’s radar next season as a true title contender.

Magic Go All in on Their Core

The Magic’s deficiencies last season were not secret to the rest of the league, 3 point shooting and shot creation. The Magic shot a league worst 32% from three, so addressing these deficiencies were undeniably necessary. 

The Magic started the offseason off with a major move, with a trade for Desmond Bane in exchange for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, and 5 first round picks. While at first this may seem like an overpay for Bane, in reality when looking at the lack of production from KCP and Cole Anthony last season in addition to the actual quality of the 5 first rounders, the trade is in fact less of an overpay for the Magic. Desmond Bane provides exactly what Orlando needs, with Bane shooting a career 41% from deep. Add in the fact that Bane is another excellent defensive guard to pair with the lockdown Jalen Suggs, and Bane fits perfectly with the Magic.

In terms of free agency newcomers, the Magic weren’t as loud. However, they were able to sign Tyus Jones to a 1-year $7 million contract. Even though Jones is coming off a lackluster season with the Suns, the Magic should expect solid playmaking coming off their bench with his signing. Despite his struggles as a starter in Phoenix, during his time as a backup in Memphis Jones held the best assist to turnover ratio in the league, and made minimal mistakes. Jones should be able to serve as a solid playmaker for a Magic bench that is lacking in creation. 

Orlando concluded their offseason with the resigning of Moe Wagner on a cheap deal to provide some scoring from the center position. In addition to this, the Magic were able to lock in their franchise player, Paolo Banchero, to a five-year $287 million contract, confirming what everyone knew–that Paolo Banchero is the guy in Orlando. 

The Magic made the moves that show that they have faith in their core of Banchero, Wagner, and Suggs and are poised to take the next step in a wide open Eastern Conference.