The biggest winners and losers of a wild NBA offseason
David J. Phillip/AP
The NBA truly has become a 12-month league.
Following an exciting, but somewhat disappointing NBA Finals rematch, the league did not slow down, as it launched into one of the wildest offseasons in recent memory.
This offseason saw big names like Paul George, Chris Paul, Kyrie Irving, Jimmy Butler, Gordon Hayward, Isaiah Thomas, and Paul Millsap change teams while other marquee players like Carmelo Anthony and Dwyane Wade are expected to be on the move soon.
Following such a wild offseason, here's our breakdown of who won and who lost the summer.
WINNER: Boston Celtics
Biggest additions: Gordon Hayward, Kyrie Irving, Jayson Tatum
Biggest losses: Isaiah Thomas, Avery Bradley, Jae Crowder, 2018 Nets draft pick
One thing to know: After finishing first in the East and making the Eastern Conference Finals, the Celtics made moves this offseason. That included signing Gordon Hayward, one of the best two-way wings in the NBA, then trading for Kyrie Irving. Losing Bradley and Crowder will hurt the Celtics' defense, but they added star power that should help them truly challenge the Cavaliers for the best team in the East.
WINNER: Oklahoma City Thunder
Biggest additions: Paul George, Patrick Patterson, Raymond Felton
Biggest losses: Victor Oladipo, Domantas Sabonis
One thing to know: The Thunder robbed the Pacers for Paul George to give Russell Westbrook a co-star just one year after losing Kevin Durant to the Warriors. There's risk, of course, that George leaves next summer and that Westbrook doesn't sign a long-term extension, but in the meantime, the Thunder should challenge for a top seed in the West once again.
LOSER: Indiana Pacers
Biggest additions: Victor Oladipo, Domantas Sabonis
Biggest losses: Paul George
One thing to know: The exact offers the Pacers turned down for Paul George are unknown, but many suspect they could have gotten a better deal for the All-Star forward. Oladipo is a 25-year-old combo guard on a bloated deal, Sabonis has potential as a future stretch four, but shot just 32% from three last year, and they didn't get a draft pick back. The return for George ranks low among what other teams have received for star players.
See the rest of the story at Business Insider
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