The NBA does the off-season better than perhaps any other major sports league.
From the draft to free agency, June and July set up wild months where teams gamble in the draft, make trades to improve their teams, and chase the biggest free agents.
This summer delivered with some teams hitting home runs in free agency, while others had their hearts broken as they were spurned.
Here's a look at the biggest winners and losers of the off-season.
WINNER: Los Angeles Clippers
Players added: Josh Smith, Paul Pierce, Lance Stephenson, Cole Aldrich
Players lost: Matt Barnes, Spencer Hawes
One thing to know: Defense and cohesiveness might be problems, but the Clippers bolstered their depth and their offense should be elite again. GM Doc Rivers has redeemed himself.
WINNER: San Antonio Spurs
Players added: LaMarcus Aldridge, David West
Players lost: Tiago Splitter, Cory Joseph, Aron Baynes
One thing to know: The Spurs sacrificed some depth to add LaMarcus Aldridge, the biggest free agent of the summer. Aldridge and Kawhi Leonard's maximum contracts will be bargains when the cap jumps, saying nothing of the bargain contracts they got in Danny Green, Tim Duncan, and David West to sign. The Spurs are ridiculous.
WINNER: Pat Riley
One thing to know: The Miami Heat GM saw Justise Winslow, a top-seven prospect, fall to the Heat at No. 10 in the draft. He re-signed point guard Goran Dragic to a contract less than what he wanted, and gave Dwyane Wade a one-year, $20 million contract as a gift, allowing the Heat to negotiate a pay cut for Wade next summer when they hope to add Kevin Durant. He also got a meeting with LaMarcus Aldridge, simply because he's Pat Riley.
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