Winners

Brooklyn Nets: The Brooklyn Nets could have easily been on the list of losers for this year’s free agency period. By trading for Joe Johnson despite his contract and not giving up much to get him, this was the move that gave Deron Williams confidence that this team is headed in the right direction. Acquiring Joe Johnson triggered Deron Williams to re-sign with the Nets which now makes them even more attractive to Dwight Howard. The Nets are in progress to complete a 4-team trade for Howard which would make their off-season the best in franchise history. Re-signing Gerald Wallace was the most underrated signing of the off-season.

Atlanta Hawks: How can the Nets be on the winners list by getting Joe Johnson from the Hawks and then the Hawks are on the same list as well? Easy, the Hawks got rid of Joe Johnson’s contract of 6 years $120 million which $90 million was still due. They lose a good player but he is not a max player talent wise. They also completed a trade that shipped Marvin Williams to the Jazz. Now the Hawks have put themselves in a situation to go after Dwight Howard and/or Chris Paul next year. Signing Lou Williams was an excellent move by new GM Danny Ferry.

Miami Heat: The Heat only signed one player but that one player being Ray Allen is huge. Not only did the Heat take away the premier shooter from its rival the Boston Celtics, but they got another weapon that teams will have to respect. The Heat’s formula is real simple: LeBron James and D-Wade are dangerous getting to the rim so defenses collapse which leaves shooters open. What better player to have as your shooting threat then the NBA’s 3-point leader of all time in Ray Allen.

Los Angeles Lakers: Getting Steve Nash, the Lakers have a point guard that can balance the floor out and facilitate to their big men. Kobe Bryant will also benefit by having a shooter in Steve Nash when he drives and kicks.

Losers

Orlando Magic: Dwight Howard put the Magic in a no win situation. Keep him through this season and Howard leaves as a free agent while you get nothing back or trade him and get some decent assets back but nothing of equal value. Trading Ryan Anderson, the Magic’s season most productive player last season is another reason why the Orlando Magic will be a rebuilding team for some years to come.

Dallas Mavericks: By losing Jason Kidd and Jason Terry, the Mavs are a shell of themselves from the 2011 NBA Championship Team. By gambling last off-season by saving cap room for players like Deron Williams and Dwight Howard, the Mavs will have to face the upcoming season potentially with Dirk as their only star.