5 Teams Currently Dominating And 5 Teams Who Are Failing Miserably In 2024 NBA Free Agency

As the NBA free agency period unfolds, some teams have made significant strides in bolstering their rosters, positioning themselves for a successful season. On the other hand, several franchises have struggled to make meaningful improvements, leaving fans questioning their approach. In this article, we'll break down which teams are dominating and which ones are failing miserably in free agency.

The Philadelphia 76ers, for example, have made a major move by signing Paul George to a max contract, adding a veteran presence to their young core. This move not only strengthens their roster but also sends a clear message about their championship aspirations. Similarly, the Dallas Mavericks have secured Klay Thompson , adding a lethal shooter to complement their star duo of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.

In contrast, the Los Angeles Clippers have lost Paul George without a significant replacement, leaving their future uncertain. The Golden State Warriors have also faced challenges, losing Klay Thompson and entering a potential transition phase. These contrasting performances highlight the importance of strategic moves in free agency and how they can shape a team's future. As the season approaches, it will be interesting to see how these teams fare and whether they can overcome their free agency struggles.

Teams Dominating

Philadelphia 76ers

Notable Arrivals: Paul George, Andre Drummond, Eric Gordon, Kelly Oubre

Notable Departures: Tobias Harris, Buddy Hield, Cameron Payne, Nicolas Batum

The Philadelphia 76ers have made a major move by signing Paul George to a max contract worth $212 million over four years. This move not only strengthens their roster but also sends a clear message about their championship aspirations. George, a nine-time All-Star, averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game this past season, leading the Los Angeles Clippers to the first round of the playoffs.

In addition to George, the Sixers acquired Andre Drummond on a two-year deal worth approximately $10 million. Drummond, a seasoned center known for his rebounding and defensive abilities, will provide much-needed depth to the Sixers' frontcourt. Furthermore, the Sixers signed Eric Gordon on a one-year deal worth $3.3 million, adding a veteran presence to their roster.

The Sixers also managed to retain some of their key players. They re-signed Tyrese Maxey to a five-year, $204 million contract, securing the future of their young guard. Additionally, they brought back Kelly Oubre Jr. on a two-year, $16.3 million deal, adding depth to their wing position.

These moves signal the Sixers' intent to compete at the highest level. With a mix of veteran experience and young talent, the Sixers are poised to make a strong push in the upcoming NBA season.

Related: Philadelphia 76ers Starting Lineup Looks Unbeatable After Signing Paul George

Oklahoma City Thunder

Notable Arrivals: Isaiah Hartenstein, Alex Caruso

Notable Departures: Josh Giddey, Gordon Hayward

The Thunder have made some significant moves this offseason, starting with the trade of Josh Giddey to the Bulls for Alex Caruso. Giddey was a key playmaker, but the Thunder wanted Caruso's defensive grit and veteran presence. Caruso, known for his hustle and defense, averaged 10.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists, with 1.7 steals per game last season.

In another major move, the Thunder signed Isaiah Hartenstein to a four-year, $87 million deal to pry him out of New York. Hartenstein brings a solid presence in the paint, averaging 7.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game while shooting 64.4% from the field last season. His defensive skills and efficient scoring around the rim make him a valuable addition to the team.

The Thunder also focused on retaining key players. Isaiah Joe agreed to a four-year, $48 million contract extension. Joe has been a reliable shooter, averaging 8.8 points per game with a .412 three-point shooting percentage. Additionally, Aaron Wiggins signed a five-year, $47 million deal, providing stability and depth to the roster.

These moves reflect the Thunder's strategy of combining veteran experience with young talent, setting them up for a promising season. With a blend of defensive prowess, scoring ability, and stability, the Thunder are positioning themselves to be competitive in the Western Conference for the second season straight and a major threat for a Finals run.

New York Knicks

Notable Arrivals: Mikal Bridges

Notable Departures: Isaiah Hartenstein

The Knicks are making waves this offseason by bringing in Mikal Bridges from the Nets. This trade is huge for the Knicks, reuniting Bridges with his Villanova buddies Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Donte DiVincenzo, forming what fans are calling the "Nova Knicks." Bridges had a stellar season, averaging 19.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game, and he's known for his top-tier defense. This move is set to boost the Knicks' defense and give them another reliable scorer alongside Jalen Brunson .

To get Bridges, the Knicks had to give up a lot. They sent Bojan Bogdanovic, four unprotected first-round picks (2025, 2027, 2029, 2031), a 2025 first-round pick from the Bucks (top-four protected), a 2028 unprotected pick swap, and a 2025 second-round pick to the Nets. It's a hefty price, but the Knicks are serious about building a contender with a strong, versatile lineup.

Bridges is on a solid contract, earning $23.3 million in 2024-25 and $24.9 million in 2025-26 before he hits free agency. He's expected to add depth to the Knicks' wings, enhancing their defense and providing a dependable scoring option. Bridges was the runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year in 2021-22, and under Tom Thibodeau's coaching, he should shine even more.

Besides bringing in Bridges, the Knicks also made sure to lock down OG Anunoby. He's crucial for their defense, able to switch on multiple positions. Anunoby just agreed to a massive five-year, $212.5 million extension. Last season, he averaged 14.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game, along with 1.4 steals. Re-signing him ensures that the Knicks maintain their defensive depth and versatility, making them a formidable team in the Eastern Conference.

The Knicks did lose Isaiah Hartenstein to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Despite his departure, the Knicks still have strong assets in Julius Randle and Mitchell Robinson. These players allow them to make another big move, possibly bringing in a high-impact center to bolster their frontcourt if they explore potential trades for these players down the road.

These moves show that the Knicks are going all-in on building a championship-worthy team. They're blending veteran leadership with strong defense and versatile scoring. As the season approaches, the Knicks look set to be serious contenders, with a balanced roster capable of making a deep playoff run.

New Orleans Pelicans

Notable Arrivals: Dejounte Murray

Notable Departures: Dyson Daniels, Larry Nance Jr., Jonas Valanciunas

The New Orleans Pelicans made a major splash this offseason by acquiring Dejounte Murray from the Atlanta Hawks. This trade is set to significantly bolster their backcourt, providing the team with a dynamic guard who excels on both ends of the floor. In the deal, the Pelicans sent Dyson Daniels, Larry Nance Jr., and two first-round picks to the Hawks. The picks include a 2025 first-round pick via the Lakers and a 2027 first-round pick, the least favorable between the Bucks and Pelicans.

Dejounte Murray is coming off a strong season where he averaged 22.5 points, 6.4 assists, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game, with shooting splits of 45.9% from the field, 36.3% from three, and 79.4% from the free-throw line. His ability to contribute across the board makes him a valuable addition to the Pelicans, who have been looking for a steady presence in the backcourt. Murray signed a four-year, $120 million extension with the Hawks before the 2023-24 season, so he will be under contract with the Pelicans for the foreseeable future.

The departure of Dyson Daniels, Larry Nance Jr., and Jonas Valanciunas’ exit to the Wizards mark a significant change in the Pelicans' roster composition. Daniels, a young and promising wing, showed potential with his defensive abilities and playmaking skills. Larry Nance Jr. was a reliable veteran presence, contributing with his defense, rebounding, and versatility. Valanciunas, who has been a solid center for the Pelicans, provided valuable minutes in the paint with his scoring and rebounding.

Still, the Pelicans did what they needed as they ensured a lethal lineup with Murray, McCollum, Ingram, and Zion Williamson. There are different rumors about potential center targets for New Orleans, like Walker Kessler from the Jazz, but letting Valanciunas walk was a decision the franchise took before the offseason started.

Dallas Mavericks

Notable Arrivals: Klay Thompson, Naji Marshall, Quentin Grimes

Notable Departures: Josh Green, Tim Hardaway Jr., Derrick Jones Jr.

The Dallas Mavericks have made significant moves this offseason to bolster their roster. Notably, they have signed Klay Thompson to a three-year, $50 million deal and Naji Marshall to a three-year, $27 million deal. These additions are aimed at strengthening their team around star players Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, providing much-needed shooting and defensive depth.

Klay Thompson agreed to join the Mavericks on a three-year, $50 million sign-and-trade deal that saw Josh Green head to Charlotte. Thompson, a five-time NBA All-Star and one of the greatest shooters in NBA history brings a wealth of experience and championship pedigree to Dallas. Last season with the Golden State Warriors, Thompson averaged 17.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game, shooting 38.7% from three-point range. His ability to stretch the floor and his experience in high-pressure situations will be invaluable to the Mavericks as they aim to make a deep playoff run.

In addition to Thompson, the Mavericks also signed Naji Marshall to a three-year, $27 million deal. Marshall averaged 7.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game with the New Orleans Pelicans last season. His addition provides Dallas with a strong defensive presence and additional depth on the wing, as the Mavs lost Derrick Jones Jr. to the Los Angeles Clippers in the open market.

These moves reflect the Mavericks' strategic efforts to build a more balanced and competitive team. With the additions of Thompson and Marshall, Dallas aims to enhance its perimeter shooting and defensive capabilities, providing stronger support for Luka and Kyrie Irving. As the Mavericks look forward to the upcoming season, the integration of these new talents will be crucial in their quest for success in the highly competitive Western Conference.

Related: Dallas Mavericks Roster After Signing Klay Thompson And Naji Marshall

Teams Failing

Los Angeles Clippers

Notable Arrivals: Derrick Jones Jr., Nicolas Batum, Kevin Porter Jr., Mo Bamba, Kris Dunn

Notable Departures: Paul George, Mason Plumlee

The Los Angeles Clippers have seen a busy offseason with notable arrivals and departures reshaping their roster. One of the most significant moves was Paul George signing a four-year, $212 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers. George leaves a significant void in the Clippers' lineup as he moves to Philadelphia.

In response to George's departure, the Clippers have made several key signings and re-signings to maintain their competitive edge. James Harden has decided to stay with the Clippers, signing a two-year, $70 million contract. Harden, a crucial playmaker, averaged 16.6 points, 8.5 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per game last season. His presence will be vital for the Clippers’ intent of staying relevant.

Russell Westbrook opted into his $4 million player option, and P.J. Tucker accepted his $11.5 million player option. Both decisions add veteran presence, but they also highlight the Clippers' reliance on aging players whose best years may be behind them.

Derrick Jones Jr. signed a three-year, $30 million deal, adding defensive depth but not addressing the primary scoring void left by George's exit. Nicolas Batum returns from the 76ers on a two-year, $10 million contract, and while his veteran experience is valuable, it does little to rejuvenate an aging roster.

Additionally, Kevin Porter Jr. rejoined the NBA with a two-year deal with the Clippers, and Mo Bamba signed a one-year contract. These moves add some potential but lack the star power needed to significantly impact the Clippers' standings.

Overall, the Clippers' offseason moves appear more like desperate attempts to patch holes rather than a strategic rebuild. The departure of Paul George, reliance on aging stars like Harden and Westbrook, and the addition of role players suggest that the Clippers are failing to make meaningful progress. Their approach raises serious doubts about their ability to compete at a high level in the fiercely competitive Western Conference. This offseason could mark the beginning of a downward spiral for the Clippers unless they find a way to bring in more impactful talent and better manage their roster.

Los Angeles Lakers

Notable Arrivals: -

Notable Departures: -

The Los Angeles Lakers are having a challenging offseason, with multiple key moves falling through and resulting in a disappointing situation. D'Angelo Russell exercised his player option for the 2024-25 season, guaranteeing him $18.7 million. Russell had a solid regular season, averaging 18.0 points, 6.3 assists, and 3.1 rebounds per game. However, his playoff performance dipped, averaging only 14.2 points, 4.2 assists, and 2.8 rebounds per game.

While LeBron James is expected to re-sign for 2 years and $104 million, the only contract extension finalized so far has been for Max Christie. This lack of new signings leaves the Lakers without the reinforcements they desperately need.

The Lakers aimed to bring in big names like Klay Thompson, James Harden, and Jonas Valanciunas to bolster their roster. However, these efforts have been unsuccessful. Klay Thompson chose to sign with the Dallas Mavericks on a three-year, $50 million deal, while James Harden opted to stay with the Clippers for two years at $70 million. Jonas Valanciunas also slipped through their fingers and ended up on the Washington Wizards.

These failures in the free agency market are a significant blow, and the situation could worsen if they fail to land DeMar DeRozan, the last major free agent still available. DeRozan is crucial for the Lakers to salvage their offseason, providing much-needed scoring and veteran presence.

This offseason's shortcomings highlight the Lakers' struggles to attract top talent despite having superstars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis. If they don't manage to secure DeRozan, it will be a major setback, leaving the team with few options to improve their roster significantly.

In summary, the Lakers' offseason has been marred by missed opportunities and an inability to bring in key players, resulting in a situation that could potentially undermine their aspirations for the upcoming season.

Golden State Warriors

Notable Arrivals: De’Anthony Melton, Buddy Hield, Kyle Anderson, Lindy Waters

Notable Departures: Klay Thompson, Chris Paul

The Golden State Warriors have undergone significant changes this offseason, with the most notable departure being Klay Thompson. Thompson, who has been a cornerstone of the Warriors' success over the past decade, signed a three-year, $50 million deal with the Dallas Mavericks. This move marks the end of an era for the Warriors and introduces a new chapter for Thompson.

The lead-up to Thompson's departure was fraught with drama and uncertainty. Reports indicated a lack of substantial communication between Thompson and the Warriors' management as his free agency approached. According to sources, the Warriors had not made a formal contract offer to Thompson since the exclusive negotiating window opened after the NBA Finals.

Thompson was reportedly unhappy with how the Warriors handled his contract situation. He felt that the team's interest in retaining him was not genuine, leading to a buildup of friction over the past few seasons. Additionally, there were strong rumors of mutual interest between Thompson and the Dallas Mavericks, which ultimately culminated in his move to Dallas.

To fill the void left by Thompson, the Warriors signed De’Anthony Melton to a one-year, $12.8 million contract using the non-taxpayer mid-level exception. Melton, known for his defensive prowess and versatility, brings fresh energy to the Warriors' backcourt. Also, they are reportedly in serious talks to finalize a deal with the Philadelphia 76ers for Buddy Hield, who will end up as Steph’s new partner in the backcourt.

The departure of Klay Thompson marks a significant loss for the Warriors, both on and off the court. The team missed out on a potential sign-and-trade deal for Paul George with the Clippers, which would have brought a high-caliber star to complement Stephen Curry. As it stands, Curry is now left without a second star, raising serious concerns about the Warriors' competitiveness. With the loss of Thompson and the failure to secure another star player, the Warriors are facing a grim outlook for the upcoming season. They risk missing the playoffs for the second consecutive year, leaving their championship aspirations in doubt.

Miami Heat

Notable Arrivals: -

Notable Departures: -

The Miami Heat have had a relatively quiet offseason so far. They managed to re-sign Kevin Love to a two-year, $8-plus million deal, ensuring that the veteran power forward remains with the team. However, this move is one of the few actions taken by the Heat during this period.

The Heat ended their 2023-24 season with a first-round playoff exit, losing to the top-seeded Boston Celtics. This disappointing finish has not been followed by significant roster changes or notable free-agent signings. Instead, the team has mostly stood pat, which raises concerns among fans about their competitiveness for the upcoming season.

One of the major storylines surrounding the Heat involves Jimmy Butler. Butler has made it clear that he does not plan to sign a contract extension with the Heat this offseason. Despite his preference to stay in Miami, he is seeking a maximum two-year extension worth approximately $113 million. The Heat, however, have shown reluctance to commit to this deal, particularly given Butler’s age and injury history.

There have been numerous rumors and speculations about Butler’s future with the team. Some reports suggest that Butler might explore a trade if the Heat do not meet his contract demands. The Philadelphia 76ers and Golden State Warriors are among the teams that have been linked to potential trade discussions involving Butler. These rumors highlight the uncertainty and potential for significant changes in Miami’s roster dynamics.

Overall, the Heat’s offseason has been marked by missed opportunities and ongoing uncertainties. Failing to make significant moves in free agency and the unresolved situation with Butler have left the team in a precarious position. If they cannot secure Butler or make impactful additions, they risk another disappointing season.

Phoenix Suns

Notable Arrivals: Monte Morris, Mason Plumlee

Notable Departures: Eric Gordon, Drew Eubanks

Royce O’Neale re-signed with the Suns on a two-year, $10 million deal. O’Neale is known for his defensive versatility and three-point shooting, making him a valuable asset to the team. His re-signing helps maintain the Suns' defensive strength and adds depth to their wing positions. Bol Bol also re-signed with the Suns, agreeing to a two-year, $4.2 million deal. Bol brings unique skills with his ability to block shots and stretch the floor, providing the Suns with additional flexibility in their frontcourt.

In a significant move to address their need for a point guard, the Suns signed Monte Morris to a veteran deal. Morris is expected to bring stability and playmaking skills to the Suns' backcourt, complementing the talents of Devin Booker and Kevin Durant. His addition is crucial in filling the gap the Suns had at the point guard position.

Eric Gordon signed with the Philadelphia 76ers, leaving the Suns after his stint as a crucial bench player. His departure creates a gap in the Suns' bench, where his scoring and veteran presence were highly valued. Drew Eubanks signed with the Utah Jazz, marking another significant departure for the Suns, as they signed Mason Plumlee in his place.

Despite the addition of Monte Morris, the Suns still need to ensure their overall depth and balance across the roster. While the re-signings of Royce O’Neale and Bol Bol are positive steps, the departures of Eric Gordon and Drew Eubanks have left gaps that need to be filled. The Suns must continue to focus on enhancing their bench strength to support their core players, Devin Booker and Kevin Durant, and maintain their competitiveness in the upcoming season.

Related: Lakers Perfect Plan: 3-Team Blockbuster Trade And Signing DeMar DeRozan