11 Winners and Losers From Day 1 NBA Free Agency

When the clock hit 6 p.m. ET yesterday, it was go time for many organizations looking to better their team for the present and/or the future. But sometimes a team tries to get too cute and ends up making a costly decision that will hurt the franchise for years. It's time to look at the winners and losers from the first day of Free Agency.

NBA Free Agency Day 1 Winners

1. Nikola Jokic, Devin Booker, Ja Morant, & Karl-Anthony Towns

The Nuggets signed Nikola Jokic to a five-year $270 million super-max deal, which is the largest deal in NBA history. Jokic can add a sixth year with a player option. Devin Booker accepted a four-year $224 million super-max deal with the Suns. Ja Morant signed a five-year deal for $193 million for the Grizzlies. Lastly, Karl-Anthony Towns got a four-year deal worth $224 million with the Timberwolves. The All-Stars got paid!

2. Wizards

A lot of people expected Bradley Beal to leave the Wizards and play for a contender. But the Wizards were able to sign Beal to a $251 million dollar extension. Beal has been loyal to the Wizards and hopefully, with Beal returning, the Wizards can build around him and at least give him a playoff contender. The Wizards also added Delon Wright and Anthony Gill to the backcourt. Plus, the Wizards traded for Will Barton and Monte Morris. Still, good job Wizards. You kept an all-star loyal and have added some nice pieces now.

3. Heat

I know the Miami Heat lost out on P.J. Tucker, but the Heat was able to retain Victor Oladipo. A full season of Oladipo could be huge for the Heat, who were the best team in the East last season record-wise. They also retained Dewayne Dedmon and now will be all-in on trying to lure Donovan Mitchell or Kevin Durant to come over and team up with Jimmy Butler. They're in great shape.

4. Blazers

The Blazers had to retain Anfernee Simons. And they did. Plus, the Blazers added Gary Payton II on a three-year deal. The Blazers are starting to rebuild around Dame Lillard and those two additions were crucial to start.

5. Bucks

I like what the Bucks did. The Bucks were able to bring back Bobby Portis on a four-year deal and also sign Joe Ingles on a one-year deal. He's recovering from an ACL injury but will be ready to play when it matters the most.

6. Lakers

If the Nets are forced to trade Kyrie Irving, the only team that wants him will be the Lakers. Irving can reunite with LeBron and look to win another title with Los Angeles. That would be something. Russell Westbrook would play in Brooklyn for a year and the Lakers wouldn't have to worry about him at all. Meanwhile, the Lakers also signed Lonnie Walker IV, Damian Jones, Troy Brown Jr., and Juan Toscano-Anderson to deals yesterday. They were actively looking to get younger. Last night was bold from the Lakers. I liked it.

7. Knicks

I know. Everyone's going to hate on the Knicks. But you have to realize that Jalen Brunson is the best point guard the Knicks have had since maybe Jeremy Lin. You can maybe throw in Raymond Felton or you can go all the way back to a guy like Chris Duhon. The Knicks haven't had a legitimate, young, high-potential point guard in so long. Brunson really wasn't an overpay and then the Knicks also added Isiah Hartenstein on a two-year deal. Many analysts were talking about how big of a sleeper he was a couple of days ago. The Knicks are actually moving on the right track.

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NBA Free Agency Day 1 Losers

8. Nuggets

I'm not upset about Nikola Jokic's extension. That was a must. But the Nuggets added Davon Reed and DeAndre Jordan last night. There were better options available in my opinion. If the Nuggets want to take the next step, they should be building to win now with Michael Porter Jr. and Jamaal Murray expected back next season. Instead, they're without Will Barton, Monte Morris, and now have Kentavious Caldwell Pope and Ish Smith. Not a fan.

9. Warriors

I mean it was kind of expected that the Warriors would lose their players in Free Agency. But it still stinks. Gary Payton II left for Portland and in a couple of days, Kevon Looney and Otto Porter Jr. will likely leave for a much bigger bag elsewhere too. That hurts. But the Warriors will be fine. Obviously.

10. 76ers

The 76ers will bring back James Harden on a more team-friendly deal. So now all is lost. But if you think P.J. Tucker is going to be the guy to help this 76ers roster get into the NBA Finals, you're out of your mind. Maybe the 76ers have something else up their sleeve, but I don't think Tucker is truly worth a three-year deal at 37 years of age. He'll bring the defense and toughness, but the 76ers need someone to score buckets when Joel Embiid isn't. Sigh.

11. Nets

The Nets were able to sign Nic Claxton and Patty Mills to new deals. But with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving demanding trades, the Nets can't be happy about what's going on right now. But this doesn't really count for Free Agency. So that's why they're 11th. They lost the day but didn't lose Free Agency if that makes any sense. Looking for the best sportsbook offers? Check out the free bets page