Tier 1 — Clear-Cut Championship Contenders
Juxtaposed to their Northwest Division rivals in Portland and Utah, the Nuggets had a relatively quiet summer. Why make any moves when you already have a team as young and talented as Denver’s? The Nuggets very well could have finished with the top seed last year without their end of the season strategic tank job, hopefully they’ve learned their lesson this time around. Picking up Jerami Grant should be a huge addition to the bench as the starting lineup will likely see some internal improvements without making any transactions. Stability is an advantage, not a failure.
Best move: Trading for Jerami Grant
Worst move: Dedicating two roster spots to broken players
When you have a player as transcendental as Giannis Antetokounmpo, you do everything in your power to keep him happy. Especially when your team plays in Milwaukee. That’s why giving Khris Middleton an obscene $177.5 million is justifiable, even if there’s no way he lives up to that money in any year of his deal. Giving Eric Bledsoe that early $70 million deal may come back to bite them now however, after he disappeared in the playoffs. Losing Malcolm Brogdon due to a strapped payroll may end up hurting than anyone expects.
Best move: Re-signing Brook Lopez (and his twin brother)
Worst move: Extending Bledsoe early and losing Brogdon because of it
As long as James Harden is alive and healthy, the Rockets will be a very good team. Chris Paul was intended to be the signature sidekick to the bearded Batman, but injuries at the worst of times deprived them of that opportunity. Now, it’s up to Russell Westbrook to be the offensive second option that puts Houston over the edge. A supporting cast of Eric Gordon, P.J. Tucker and Clint Capela is serviceable for a title team, this plan hinges upon Westbrook to adopt a team-first mindset and become a cohesive partner next to to Harden’s ball dominant presence.
Best move: Swapping Chris Paul for Russell Westbrook
Worst move: Signing Anthony Bennett and Ben McLemore
The 76ers recovered from the loss of a top 15 player in the league as well as anyone could. Instead of walking for nothing, Philadelphia converted him into the talented Josh Richardson to fill the hole at shooting guard left by J.J. Redick. They then went out and bought one of their rival’s best players in Al Horford. Coincidentally, Horford is one of the very few players that can effectively guard Joel Embiid. By bringing him over to Philly, the 76ers have paved the way to an expected Eastern Conference Finals showdown against the Bucks. The twin towers of Embiid and Horford may be just enough to prevent Giannis from taking over.
Best move: Signing Al Horford
Worst move: Giving Tobias Harris a max extension
Everyone had counted the Clippers out of the race for Kawhi Leonard, as they anxiously awaited his decision between the Raptors and Lakers. Media even began tracking his flights and movement via helicopter. The Clippers emerged from the depths and snatched the star up when everyone else counted them out. Tag teaming with Paul George, the pair stand a very real chance of winning a championship for one of the worst run franchises in sports history. Jerry West has been the savior the Clippers need. Was he the savior they deserved? That much remains to be seen.
Best move: Pulling off the heist for Kawhi Leonard and Paul George
Worst move: Potentially overpaying for George (doesn’t matter if they win title)