As the NBA offseason progresses, the roster of available big names has dwindled. This is particularly evident with the Sacramento Kings’ acquisition of DeMar DeRozan from the Chicago Bulls through a sign-and-trade deal. As everyone’s eyes now focus on the rumors surrounding Lauri Markkanen, let’s evaluate the current offseason winners and losers based on the moves made thus far.
Winner: Sacramento Kings
Our analyst Sam Quinn initially gave the Kings a D- for the sign-and-trade that brought in DeRozan while trading away Harrison Barnes and a 2031 pick swap to the Spurs. Despite DeRozan being 35 and signed through his age-37 season at over $25M a year, alongside concerns about his fit with Sacramento’s offense and poor defense, there’s reason to view this trade optimistically.
The Kings have struggled with playoff appearances, missing them for 17 of the last 18 years. Just adding a player like DeRozan, who is better than Barnes, can be seen as a positive step. Despite concerns about DeRozan’s fit and age, his natural scoring ability can help Sacramento, especially when their star guard De’Aaron Fox is inactive. In the grand scheme, trading assets for a player like DeRozan can help maintain organizational momentum. As long as DeRozan adapts his game for the Kings’ system, this move presents a low-risk opportunity that can yield significant returns in the regular season.
Loser: Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers’ offseason efforts to acquire a “third star” have not gone according to plan. Despite LeBron James suggesting a willingness to take a pay cut, that opportunity was lost when he signed a two-year deal worth $101M. The Lakers’ major additions remain their new head coach and LeBron’s son. Dalton Knecht is a hopeful prospect but won’t likely swing their fortunes. As of now, the Lakers have failed to make significant improvements and have arguably regressed.
Winner: Philadelphia 76ers
The Sixers’ acquisition of Paul George places them in a strong position, aligning him with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. This signing positions the 76ers as strong title contenders. They’ve also bolstered their lineup with shooters like Eric Gordon and defensive backups such as Andre Drummond and Kelly Oubre.
Loser: Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers lost Paul George to the Sixers, failing to offer him a contract extension. Internal trade options, such as a deal with the Warriors, didn’t materialize. Now, the Clippers’ financial commitment to Kawhi Leonard and James Harden is costly and uncertain.
Winner: New York Knicks
The Knicks added Mikal Bridges, enhancing their defensive ability and offensive clarity. Despite losing Isaiah Hartenstein, they effectively traded for strategic draft picks and second-round flexibility, while maintaining a strong core team.
Winner: Oklahoma City Thunder
By acquiring Isaiah Hartenstein and Alex Caruso, the Thunder addressed their rebounding issues and strengthened their defense. These additions complement their current roster, potentially positioning them as contenders in the West.
Loser: Golden State Warriors
Losing Klay Thompson and failing to turn other assets into significant returns marks the Warriors’ inactive offseason. Yet, the acquisitions of De’Anthony Melton, Kyle Anderson, and Buddy Hield show promise for incremental improvements.
Winner: Cleveland Cavaliers
With Donovan Mitchell’s three-year, $150.3M extension, the Cavaliers secured their star’s future. While decisions remain on whether to trade Darius Garland, securing Mitchell marks a major win.
Winner: Boston Celtics
Following their championship win, Jason Tatum agreed to a record-breaking $315M contract over five years, solidifying the Celtics’ bright future.
Winner: Dallas Mavericks
The Mavericks upgraded their roster by adding Klay Thompson, Naji Marshall, and shedding lesser contributors. Thompson’s three-point shooting will benefit Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, augmenting their offensive capability.
Winner: Klay Thompson
Thompson secures a fresh start with the Mavericks and $50M over three years, a notable win considering his recent performance.
Winner: James Harden
Despite not securing the max deal he sought, Harden has still amassed over $100M in contracts, notably securing $70M from the Clippers.
Winner: New Orleans Pelicans
Adding Dejounte Murray greatly enhances New Orleans’ defense. Murray’s previous defensive prowess and potential offensive contributions make this a significant move.
Winner: Brooklyn Nets
Transforming Kevin Durant into nine first-round picks and other strategic assets provides the Nets with a blueprint for a rapid rebuild or long-term development.
Loser: Denver Nuggets
Losing key player Kentavious Caldwell-Pope due to salary restrictions weakens Denver’s defense and three-point shooting, issues they haven’t fully addressed.
Winner: San Antonio Spurs
Signing Chris Paul to mentor Victor Wembanyama and having a strong draft helps the Spurs strategically build their future team while adding valuable guidance for their young star.
Winner: Young Players
Cade Cunningham, Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley, and Tyrese Maxey secured lucrative contract extensions, ensuring financial security and affirming their roles as future stars.
Winner: Orlando Magic
Through smart signings like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and a financially strategic extension for Jonathan Isaac, the Magic improve both their immediate talent and future financial flexibility.
Loser: Atlanta Hawks
Despite a reasonable return for Dejounte Murray, the Hawks remain in a difficult position with limited draft assets until 2028 and a play-in team at best currently.
The NBA offseason continues evolving, and while circumstances might change, these evaluations reflect the current state of affairs in anticipation of the season ahead.