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The 2019 offseason was among the most exciting in NBA history as an influx of the NBA's top talents switched teams. Free-agent superstars such as Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, and Kyrie Irving opted to seek out new challenges, while there were also blockbuster trades for Paul George, Russell Westbrook, and Anthony Davis.
Following a breathless summer, a new record was set for the most time passed between a trade - although activity picked up following the turn of the year, and several teams made big moves ahead of the trade deadline earlier this month. Sides have also utilized free agent signings, and here we will take a look at the five NBA teams that improved their rosters the most during the 2019-20 regular season.
#5 Minnesota Timberwolves
After missing out on last season's playoffs, the Minnesota Timberwolves intended to sign a new elite point-guard during the 2019 offseason. The Wolves identified D'Angelo Russell as their primary target, although the All-Star guard opted to move to the Golden State Warriors as part of the sign-and-trade deal that resulted in Kevin Durant heading to the Nets.
Predictably, the empty-handed Wolves quickly fell out of the race for the postseason, although with the Warriors also struggling - the front office was able to revisit a deal for Russell ahead of the trade deadline - and eventually completed an unlikely swoop for the 24-year-old. The Wolves had to send Andrew Wiggins to Golden State, although the addition of Russell alongside Karl-Anthony Towns provides the team with an extremely promising young core to build around.
The Wolves also completed several less notable deals in the buildup to the deadline - and while few will have a long-term impact on the future of the franchise, Malik Beasley has averaged 21.8 points and 6.0 rebounds over his first six appearances in Minnesota - and could turn out to be a huge gift.
#4 Utah Jazz
The Utah Jazz made a significant move last summer by replacing Ricky Rubio with Mike Conley and were understandably reluctant to make more changes ahead of the trade deadline earlier this month. However, the Jazz did make one major move back in late December, as they swapped the struggling Dante Exum for Jordan Clarkson.
Clarkson immediately provided Utah with a reliable scoring option from the bench - something that they have lacked over the past two seasons - and the 27-year-old is currently averaging 16.3 points on 49 percent shooting. The Jazz's decision to sign the guard could prove to be decisive in the playoffs, and Clarkson could eventually turn out to be one of the best signings of the season.
#3 Houston Rockets
Some Houston fans were not happy with the front office's decision to trade Clint Capela ahead of the deadline - although the Rockets have been excellent since fully embracing a small-ball approach. Daryl Morey also utilized Capela's trade value to upgrade other areas of the roster, and Robert Covington's 3-and-D skill set makes him a perfect fit for Mike D'Antoni's system.
Additionally, the Rockets were able to claim DeMarre Carroll as a free agent, which was somewhat of a coup considering his impact with the Brooklyn Nets during the 2018-19 season. Signing Jeff Green to a temporary deal has also given the Rockets an additional option at the five, and the front office will feel that the roster is now good enough to challenge in the playoffs.
#2 Atlanta Hawks
Following a promising start to the season, the Atlanta Hawks soon plummeted towards the bottom of the Eastern Conference despite the standout performances of Trae Young. Atlanta's low point came following a 130-118 home loss to the Brooklyn Nets back in December which led to an emotional locker room scene involving Young.
In the aftermath, the Hawks front office promised the emerging superstar that improvements to the roster would come, and Atlanta has since pulled off deals for Jeff Teague, Dewayne Dedmon, and most notably, Clint Capela. After appeasing Young, the Hawks can now focus on building chemistry and momentum for the remainder of the season, before pushing for a playoff spot next year.
#1 Los Angeles Clippers
The LA Clippers entered the season as the favorites to be crowned champions after pulling off a stunning double offseason move to sign Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. Nevertheless, an ambitious Clippers front office has stayed active throughout the season, and the team recently bolstered their prospects by completing a trade for Marcus Morris, before also adding Reggie Jackson following his buyout from the Detroit Pistons.
Morris averaged 19.8 points on 43.9 percent shooting from the beyond the arc over 43 appearances with the Knicks, while Jackson managed 14.9 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists for the Pistons. Admittedly, the Clippers are still underperforming (3rd in the West), although they now possess the undisputed best roster in the NBA, and are the favorites to lift the trophy in June.
