Early winners and losers in the NBA : free agency, trades and draft picks

After a great 2009-2010 season, the NBA is going through a busy off-season. Team owners and management are trying their best to rebuild and solidify their teams to become contenders. Teams that missed the playoffs were given a chance at the lottery to have early picks at the Draft. Some cleared off salary-cap space for them to acquire superstar free agents. Some traded players to other teams and some just re-signed current players. Teams are all looking forward to make great deals through the off-season. Some might gain and some might lose. Here is a list of early winners and losers through the middle of the 2010 NBA off-season.

WINNERS

NEW YORK KNICKS
The Knicks had been clearing off salary-cap for the past 2 seasons. Unlike their neighbors the NewJersey Nets, losing their bid in acquiring Lebron James, the Knicks went on to do Plan B.

First they traded their best player in David Lee to the Golden State warriors for hard working role players Ronnie Turiaf, Kelenna Azubuike and Anthony Randolph.

They also acquired one of the best available free agents, Standing Tall And Talented, Amar'e Stoudemire.

Their rookie pick Landry Sanders and 2nd-year point guard Toney Douglas made a great impression in the Summer League .

Expect a new and improve New York Knicks for the next season.

WASHINGTON WIZARDS
From the stupid incident involving Gilbert Arenas that got him suspended for the remainder of the season to losing Deshawn Stevenson, Caron Butler and Brendan Haywood to trades, 2009-2010 must be the worst season for the Washington Wizards.

They were lucky this off-season by having the chance to pick the best player in the Draft in John Wall. He had been impressive in his young NCAA career and proved that he is the real deal by leading the Summer League in Points and Assists.

They acquired Kirk Hinrich from the Bulls. He will be a great backup for the already good backcourt of the Wizards. His high basketball IQ will help John Wall through his NBA start.

They also acquired, chinese superstar, Yi Jianlian to solidify their frontcourt. Nick Young and JaVale Mcgee showed lots of improvement in the Summer League.

LOS ANGELES LAKERS
Winning Back-to-Back Championship is not enough for Black Mamba and his gang. Their starting line up is still intact.

They acquired backup point guard Steve Blake, veterans Matt Barnes and Theo Ratliff. They also consider signing their late draft picks Derrick Caracter and Devin Ebanks who had a terrific Summer League.

Kobe Bryant and Andrew Bynum just had operations on their respective injuries but said that they are ready for the upcoming preseason games.

The only thing left now is for them to convince Phil Jackson to comeback and help them win their third straight title and Jackson's 4th three-peat!

MIAMI HEAT
The City of Miami is the sure winner this off-season. They cleared their salary cap for them to acquire 3 max players.

First, they re-signed their superstar Dwyane Wade then acquired perennial all-star Chris Bosh. The most awaited decision of this free agency season went to the Heat when the King, Lebron James, announced that he will be joining Wade and Bosh at Miami. This is arguably the best trio ever in the history of the NBA.

Re-signing role players Udonis haslem, Jamaal Magloire, Carlos Arroyo and Joel Anthony will give depth to their team.

They also acquired sharp shooter Mike Miller, veterans Zydrunas Ilgauskas and former 100million man Juwan Howard.

Other Notable Winners:

Chicago Bulls
Acquisitions- Carlos Boozer, Kyle Korver, Ronnie Brewer, C.J Watson and Kurt Thomas
Loss-Brad Miller, Hakim Warrick and Kirk Hinrich

Phoenix Suns
Acquisitions-Gani Lawal(rookie), Josh Childress, Hedo Turkuglo and Hakim Warrick
Loss- Amar'e Stoudemire.


LOSERS

NEW JERSEY NETS
Mikhail Prokhorov, the owner of the New Jersey Nets promised to rebuild the Nets when he bought the franchise. Yes, they had cleared their salary cap and chased for big names in the free agent market, but got nothing out of it.

Their 3rd overall pick these draft, Derrick Favors, was so inconsistent during their 5-game Summer League Appearance.

They traded Yi Jianlian and Chris Douglas-Roberts, two of their hardworking players.

All they acquired were Jordan Farmar, Anthony Morrow, Travis Outlaw, Johan Petro and Quinton Ross. They are good players but not as what New Jersey fans had been wishing for their team.

CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
The Biggest Loser of them all, Dan Gilbert (Cavs owner) and the City of Cleveland!

Lebron James' decision of living Cleveland made him "from hero to public enemy number one". After lebron, Zydrunas Ilgauskas also joined him at Miami.

The Cavs has been one of the best team in the NBA for the past 5 years. They have been one of the early favorites to win the championship. With the King gone, how could they retain their form as contenders in the East if not for the championship.

Other Notable Losers:

Toronto Raptors- lost Hedo Turkuglo and Chris Bosh

New Orleans Hornets- have not completed re-signing Peja Stojakovic and on the brink of losing Chris Paul.


They might be winners or losers but its just midway through the off-season. There is still time to secure some good acquisitions.

The real season have not even started.

This makes fans get hyped up for the upcoming season. questions and doubts will soon be answered.