Our writers weigh in on the biggest winners of the NBA offseason so far.
Steve Aschburner
The Philadelphia 76ers. Philly is winning the NBA offseason not only by adding significant pieces but also by avoiding a potential disaster. With ample cap space, failing to make big moves in free agency could have alienated the fan base and franchise player Joel Embiid.
President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey came through, acquiring All-Star wing Paul George as the marquee addition of the offseason, snatching Caleb Martin from rival Miami, signing veterans Eric Gordon and Andre Drummond, re-signing the energetic Tyrese Maxey, and reinvigorating Embiid.
It wasn’t without setbacks—De’Anthony Melton and Paul Reed will be missed, and it’s still unclear why Buddy Hield didn’t fit in Philly. But Morey and coach Nick Nurse now have a core that fits, positioning the team to challenge New York and contend with the Celtics. Runner-up: OKC’s surgical additions (Alex Caruso, Isaiah Hartenstein).
Brian Martin
The Philadelphia 76ers. While OKC’s additions of Hartenstein to bolster its frontline and Caruso to enhance its defense are noteworthy, the 76ers have won the summer with their acquisitions. After last summer’s public breakup with James Harden, Daryl Morey has rebounded by adding Paul George, Caleb Martin, Andre Drummond, and Eric Gordon, and re-signing Tyrese Maxey and Kelly Oubre Jr., positioning Philly to compete with Boston and New York in the East.
Additionally, the number of Villanova alumni mentions during Knicks games will skyrocket with the addition of Mikal Bridges, completing the college teammate quartet. New York re-signed OG Anunoby and added Bridges but at a high cost in both Draft capital (five future first-round picks) and losing Isaiah Hartenstein in free agency.
Shaun Powell
The Philadelphia 76ers. Oklahoma City deserves recognition for doing the most with the least, adding Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein without losing a key piece. The Mavericks also made notable moves, acquiring Klay Thompson, Naji Marshall, and Quentin Grimes while only losing Derrick Jones Jr.
However, the winner is the team that did the most with the most: Philly. With ample cap space, the Sixers added Paul George, Andre Drummond, Eric Gordon, and Caleb Martin, and re-signed Kelly Oubre, putting the Celtics and Knicks on notice in the East.
John Schuhmann
The Oklahoma City Thunder. Ranking in the top five on both ends of the floor last season, the Thunder have a young, talented roster that will only improve. Their additions of Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein are perfect fits alongside their core, and they have the flexibility to make further upgrades using mid-size contracts and extra Draft picks. As it stands, they should be favorites to win the Western Conference in 2024-25.
Michael C. Wright
The San Antonio Spurs. In the new second-apron NBA world, Spurs GM Brian Wright has planned for sustainable success. By adding experienced veterans Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes, the Spurs have surrounded Victor Wembanyama with talent and veteran leadership. They also acquired valuable Draft capital, positioning the Spurs for flexibility in adding future talent well into Wembanyama’s prime. With first-round pick swaps in 2026, 2028, two in 2030, and another in 2031, along with a stash of future first-round picks, the Spurs are set for long-term success.
