As the dust settles and the hardwood heats up once more, the NBA landscape prepares for an electrifying season ahead in 2023. With offseason maneuvers that have left fans and analysts alike buzzing with excitement, the league’s top franchises have been busy orchestrating strategic moves, assembling formidable lineups, and securing marquee talent. From shocking trades that shook the foundations of the basketball world to daring free-agent signings that promise to redefine team dynamics, the stage is set for an epic showdown on the court. In this high-octane breakdown, here are five NBA teams that have made the most captivating and cunning offseason moves, igniting a fierce debate over which organization will reign supreme in the upcoming battles for hardwood supremacy.
5. Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers had a great comeback in the 2022-2023 season after surprisingly reaching the Conference Finals. Although they fell to the eventual champs (Denver Nuggets), the Lakers roster was already pretty good in the West. In the offseason, they made some good moves heading into the 2023-2024 NBA season.
The NEW LOOK Los Angeles Lakers 🔥 pic.twitter.com/JSsWjEttp2
— Basketball Forever (@bballforever_) July 4, 2023
Although they may have lost some valuable pieces like Dennis Schroeder and Malik Beasley, what they got in return maybe even better. The Lakers keep impactful role players like Austin Reaves, Jared Vanderbilt, and Rui Hachimura while also picking up the outstanding Miami Heat guard Gabe Vincent and the young forward Cam Reddish. Not only that, the Lakers also acquire Jaxson Hayes and Taurean Prince to add to their defensive lineup.
4. Dallas Mavericks
The Mavericks have been looking for players to complement their franchise player, Luka Doncic, for many seasons now. Dallas tried pairing Luka with star big men like Kristaps Porzingis and Christian Wood, unfortunately, it did not work pretty well. However, in the 2023 off-season, the Mavs did a pretty good job by taking in players that would be a better fit with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
Grant Williams' perfect role alongside Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving https://t.co/SIxgwJd6pK
The Dallas Mavericks paid a lot of money to bring Grant Williams to their squad. This came out to … pic.twitter.com/7gZwGA7aWN
— jhon salt (@2callmehasnat25) July 22, 2023
In the draft, the Mavericks took Derek Lively II in No.12 and then signed the Boston Celtics forward Grant Williams. Lively II, a defensive big man, is projected to be the team’s best defender and shot blocker and is also believed to be the guy to “do the dirty work”. On the other hand, Grant Williams will be an integral part of the Mavericks’ offense and defense, just like what he did in Boston. Overall, this was a huge boost to their roster after a disappointing 2022-2023 season.
3. Golden State Warriors
Keeping their core means that Golden State will be running it back next season. After re-signing Draymond Green for a $100 Million contract, the big three will be back at it again very soon. But, what’s even more exciting is the addition of the point God, Chris Paul. Wait, hear me out first.
The NEW LOOK Golden State Warriors 👀 pic.twitter.com/gYVHdXBnDH
— Basketball Forever (@bballforever_) June 22, 2023
Despite CP3’s old age, he is still a serviceable point guard who can put up 13 points and 8 assists per game, if healthy. Paul is also going to be considered to be the starting point guard for the Warriors while Steph Curry and Klay Thompson play off-ball. Although they lack size, they have already proven that small ball still wins games. They are still one of the best squads in the West, and with Chris Paul joining them, there’s a lot of potential here. Plus, they have an underrated pickup of Dario Saric, which sounds good enough.
2. San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs won the lottery big time after being granted the first overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft. Without hesitating, they picked the generational talent, Victor Wembanyama.
Victor Wembanyama vs Blazers
27 PTS
12 REB
3 BLK#Spurs pic.twitter.com/A56w3w5p1x— A Walking Highlight (@11AWH) July 20, 2023
That move alone already is a big W for the Spurs in the offseason. Aside from that, San Antonio slightly improves their roster by getting veteran players like Reggie Bullock, Cameron Payne, and Cedi Osman. It’s not the best roster so far, but with Wembanyama, it’s looking good in Texas.
1. Phoenix Suns
The absolute winner of this year’s offseason is without a doubt, the Phoenix Suns. First, they got rid of Chris Paul and acquired 3-time All-Star shooting guard Bradley Beal through a blockbuster trade. Beal is a superstar, but his performance has been on the decline recently.
The NEW LOOK Phoenix Suns 🔥 pic.twitter.com/dTYzsNTgZd
— Basketball Forever (@bballforever_) July 17, 2023
Regardless, Bradley Beal is still an exceptional addition to Phoenix Suns, a team that already has Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. Moreover, they increase their offensive firepower by adding Yuta Watanabe, Eric Gordon, Keita Bates-Diop, and Bol Bol.
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