Biggest Winners and Losers of NBA Free Agency Thus Far

NBA free agency has lived up to the hype thus far. Paul George fled east to join the Philadelphia 76ers, Klay Thompson left the only team he’s ever known to team up with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving on the defending Western Conference champions, and Mikal Bridges was sent to New York in a blockbuster deal.

More news: Clippers Trade Russell Westbrook to West Squad in Sign-And-Trade

Those are just three of the many moves that came together this offseason, and there’s still plenty of time for more.

More news: Warriors’ Trade Offer for Jazz All-Star Lauri Markkanen Revealed

With a majority of the top free agents signed, Newsweek Sports came up with the biggest winners and losers of the NBA offseason thus far.

Biggest Winners of 2024 NBA Offseason

Winner No. 1: Philadelphia 76ers

The 76ers signed the best free agent that changed teams this cycle in former Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul George. George, Joel Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey immediately make up one of the league’s best and most versatile “Big Threes” — but the 76ers didn’t stop there.

They also added Caleb Martin, Eric Gordon, and Andre Drummond, while bringing back Kelly Oubre Jr., Kyle Lowry, and KJ Martin. Before any of that, they landed Jared McCain in the first round of the NBA Draft. Talk about a loaded roster.

Winner No. 2: New York Knicks

The Knicks built a superteam of Villanova alumni this year, adding Mikal Bridges to roster that included Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Donte DiVincenzo

Read more: Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, Jalen Brunson, Donte DiVincenzo React to ‘Villanova Knicks’ in New York

They also got Brunson to take a massive discount to re-sign in New York, while re-signing OG Anunoby on a massive five-year deal. The Knicks and 76ers both have loaded rosters heading into next season as they look to dethrone the Boston Celtics.

Winner No. 3: Victor Wembanyama

San Antonio Spurs big man Victor Wembanyama put together one of the greatest rookie seasons ever. Now, he has one of the greatest point guards ever throwing him passes.

The Spurs signed future Hall of Famer Chris Paul to a one-year deal, and he’ll teach Wembanyama and the rest of the young Spurs everything he knows about the game of basketball. He’ll also rack up tons of assists to Wembanyama, who will receive passes unlike any he’s ever received before.

Biggest Losers of 2024 NBA Offseason

Loser No. 1: Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers entered the offseason with high hopes of landing a third star alongside the aging LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Up until this point, they’ve been unsuccessful.

After losing in the first round of the playoffs last year, the Lakers have made no additions to their squad outside of rookies. So, as of now, they’re relying on rookies Dalton Knecht and Bronny James to turn their first-round exit into a championship-caliber roster. Oh, and they’re relying on first-time head coach JJ Redick after their failed pursuit of University of Connecticut head coach Dan Hurley.

More news: Celtics’ Jaylen Brown Addresses Controversial Video On Lakers’ Bronny James

Loser No. 2: Los Angeles Clippers

The Clippers reportedly rejected sign-and-trade offers for George from Western Conference rivals, including the Golden State Warriors and Denver Nuggets. Then they lost him for nothing, and replaced him with a handful of role players.

The Clippers were able to bring back James Harden, but after losing in the first round this past year, they got worse. And the health of Kawhi Leonard, removed from Team USA due to knee issues, continues to be a huge concern.

Not exactly the best offseason heading into their new $2 billion stadium.

More news: Clippers GM Claps Back At USA Basketball’s Dismissal of Kawhi Leonard