With any NBA offseason, there are drastic changes. In the 2020 offseason, we saw many contenders make signings to cement their spot as being NBA title contenders. Here are the top 5 winners from the 2020 NBA free agency.

5. Oklahoma City Thunder

It was a surprise to many NBA fans that an established veteran in Danilo Gallinari was traded for a 2025 draft pick to the Atlanta Hawks. In hindsight, it was a great choice from Thunder GM Sam Presti, who is looking to rebuild his team around Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as Galinarri does not play to his strengths being ball dominant. What makes the Thunder real winners is their acquisition of star veteran center Al Horford. Horford gives the Thunder the floor spacing that they severely lacked in the playoffs, along with good trade value which should only go up.

4. Houston Rockets

Heading into the offseason, the Houston Rockets knew they needed to get rid of Russell Westbrook’s massive contract. They did exactly that, but many questioned what they would get from John Wall in return for Westbrook who is back from an injury that sidelined him for almost 2 years. Assuming he returns healthy, Wall provides James Harden with the proper ball movement and offensive scheme that he has needed for years. With the pair of guards, the Rockets expect to go on a deep run into the 2021 playoffs.

3. Golden State Warriors

Coming off a rather disappointing season, with stars Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry out for the season, the Golden State Warriors had tanked enough to be rewarded with the 2nd pick in the NBA draft. By selecting mesmerizing center James Wiseman and signing star talent Kelly Oubre, the Warriors are expected to make their redemption at NBA glory.

2. Charlotte Hornets

The Charlotte Hornets have been in the bottom of the league standings for most of their existence wasting many picks on poor talent. This offseason was different, however, as they used their pick on hyped prospect LaMelo Ball, who has been in the national spotlight since he was 13. The Hornets continued this hype, by trading future assets for all-star forward Gordon Hayward, who is expected to take on some offensive load from the team.

1. Los Angeles Lakers

Coming off their NBA title, the Lakers were not expected to get any better than they already were. However, Lakers GM Rob Pelinka was adamant to make their road to the finals easier by freeing cap space to sign Marc Gasol. After releasing Javale McGee, the Lakers were able to make enough room to sign two role players in Alfonzo McKie, and Jordan Bell. Going into the 2020-2021 NBA season the Lakers are given another great chance to win it all.