NBA
PSO Rankings: Teams That Improved the Most in NBA Free Agency
Kawhi has yet to choose a squad for next season, but plenty of other teams are locked and loaded for a better 2019-20
AP Photo/Charles Krupa
The biggest fish in the ocean, Kawhi Leonard has still yet to announce his intentions this summer, which could single-handedly shift the landscape of the NBA (and these rankings). The team he chooses will likely be the title favorite entering next year whether he re-signs with the reigning champs or joins the Lakers in Los Angeles. Despite Leonard’s lack of decision, many of the moves made already will have major implications for the 2019-20 season and beyond. Let’s take a look at the five teams that have improved the most thus far.
These rankings are based on if teams only had the players currently under contract going next year, so any signings, re-signings, and trade acquisitions would lead to improvements.
Key Additions: F Kevin Durant (4y/$164M), PG Kyrie Irving (4y/$141M), C DeAndre Jordan (4y/$40M), & G Garrett Temple (2y/$10M)
A duo that long seemed destined to team up throughout this year, finally made that come to fruition, but with the team in the other NY borough. These two major additions transform the Brooklyn Nets from a team that was completely hopeless just a few years ago to arguably the most talented team (when KD comes back healthy) in the entire NBA. Adding DeAndre Jordan as a force down low and Garrett Temple as a quality bench guard are just the cherries on top.
Key Additions: Al Horford (4y/$109M), Josh Richardson (via trade), & re-sign Tobias Harris (5y/$180M)
With the possibility of Jimmy Butler and Tobias Harris both walking out of the door for nothing, just re-signing Harris is a huge win for Philadelphia. The additions of Al Horford and Josh Richardson would elevate 76ers to the very top of this list if it wasn’t for a certain other team adding two top-10 caliber players within minutes of the 6:00 PM opening bell on Sunday.
Key Additions: C Hassan Whiteside (via trade) & re-signed G/F Rodney Hood (2y/$16M)
Coming off the best season the franchise has had since 2000, GM Neil Olshey didn’t settle with their accomplishments last year, and went out to finally add the 3rd big piece to the Blazers roster. Jusuf Nurkic seemed to begin emerging as that productive Big that could gel with Dame & CJ to become a legit contender, but obviously, a gruesome leg injury tempered any of those expectations. The Blazers now have a top-10 big man to join one of the best backcourts in the NBA. With the Warriors no longer undisputed West favorites, Portland will be right in the thick of things next season.
Key Additions: PG Kemba Walker (4y/$141M), C Enes Kanter (2y/$10M), & re-signed C Daniel Theis (2y/$10M)
Assuming Kyrie Irving and Terry Rozier were walking this offseason, the addition of Kemba fills a HUGE need and provides Boston with the primary scorer they need alongside this young core. Kyrie’s departure could be addition by subtraction and Horford will certainly be missed, but Kanter can replace most of his offensive production. Walker hasn’t had much NBA postseason success or experience (11 games in 8-year career) and still has a sour taste in his mouth after a 9pt, 19% shooting performance in G7 against the Heat in 2016 (his last playoff game). His future opportunities of overcoming those previous turmoils will be the key for this offseason leaving a real positive impact on the Celtics.
Key Additions: PF Julius Randle (3y/$63M), C/F Bobby Portis (2y/$31M), PF Taj Gibson (2y/$20M), PG Elfrid Payton (2y/$16M), G/F Reggie Bullock (2y/$21M)
The Knicks’ offseason expectations were as high as they’ve ever been. While they struck out on the top free agents, they still landed a top-10 FA in Julius Randle. Instead of reserving cap space like they’ve been doing, they decided to add a quality combination of complimentary players to pair with their new best player and their recently acquired young core (RJ Barrett, Kevin Knox, Dennis Smith, Mitchell Robinson). Nobody will confuse the Knicks with a title contender now, but if all things go right, they could make a late push for the 8 seed in the East, and begin turning this franchise around.
