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The 2021 NBA offseason has been quite an exciting one, with many teams improving their rosters ahead of the new season.
It did not take long for teams to start making moves on NBA draft day and in free agency. Fans have been on their toes, and are now eager to see what happens when the 2021-22 NBA campaign kicks off on October 19th.
A plethora of teams were already set up, but needed minor changes. So not every franchise was very active during the 2021 NBA offseason. The ones that were made sure they made a lot of noise in the market and brace themselves to better take on superior opposition.
On that note, here is a look at the five NBA teams that have improved the most during the 2021 offseason.
#5 Washington Wizards
An ESPN offseason survey suggested that the Washington Wizards made one of the best offseason moves when they traded Russell Westbrook to the LA Lakers. They managed to acquire three quality players - Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Montrezl Harrell -in return. All three players fill some key roster needs for the Wizards.
Kuzma and Caldwell-Pope would provide the outside shooting and defense the Wizards missed last season, while former Sixth Man of the Year, Harrell, would bring a much-needed scoring punch off the bench. The Wizards also signed Spencer Dinwiddie in the same deal, as the Russell Westbrook trade turned out to be a five-team transaction.
Dinwiddie is coming off an injury-plagued campaign, but had a breakout year, averaging almost 20 points and six assists last season. The overall look of the Wizards is much better than what it was last season, as they aim to make a push for the playoffs once again.
#4 Charlotte Hornets
The Charlotte Hornets surprised everyone with their performances in the 2020-21 NBA season. The youthful squad highlighted by the likes of LaMelo Ball and Terry Rozier lacked depth last year, which was one of the key reasons behind their failure to reach the postseason.
They have made the necessary additions to their roster this offseason, and are now looking well poised to make things interesting in the Eastern Conference next season.
The Hornets were in the market for bigs, and managed to sign a veteran like Mason Plumlee to kickstart their offseason. They followed that up with the additions of draft prospects James Bouknight and Kai Jones. The former will give the team a great scoring punch off the bench, while Jones can slot into the rotation as Plumlee's backup.
The Charlotte Hornets' biggest acquisition in free agency was swingman Kelly Oubre Jr. The 25-year-old fits the timeline of the squad, and brings both offense and defense to the table, thanks to his 3-and-D skills. His fit alongside Ball will be a joy to watch for NBA fans next season.
There is a great chance for the Hornets to make a push for the playoffs next season because of the squad they have at their disposal now.
#3 LA Lakers
The LA Lakers have changed almost their entire squad in a bid to get back into championship contention next season. They started their offseason by adding former MVP Russell Westbrook to their ranks. He joins LeBron James and Anthony Davis to form one of the latest big-threes in the NBA, which means the Lakers are now one of the hot favorites to land the 2021-22 Larry O'Brien trophy.
The Lakers followed that blockbuster trade with a slew of signings in free agency. Veterans Dwight Howard, Carmelo Anthony, Kent Bazemore, Trevor Ariza, Malik Monk and Wayne Ellington all signed veterans' minimum contracts to join LA . The Lakers' most expensive signing was Kendrick Nunn, who was signed using the taxpayer mid-level exception, on a two-year $10.25 million deal.
The LA Lakers desperately needed shooters and scorers, which they have managed to acquire this offseason. Most of their new signings shot over 40% from beyond the arc last season.
A lot of mixed opinions have been generated about the Lakers' roster age (31.2 years). But experience continues to be an invaluable aspect in their quest for a record 18th title next summer.
#2 Miami Heat
The Miami Heat did not fail to capitalize on their resources, and made sure they had a highly successful offseason. They went after big names that would improve their roster. The Heat have made acquisitions based on their fit with their current roster, and many believe they have been spot on with that.
The biggest signing was Kyle Lowry. The Heat chose to do a sign-and-trade with the Toronto Raptors instead of using their cap space to sign the point guard. Lowry is exactly the kind of floor general the Heat needed to play alongside Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. His shooting, scoring, playmaking and perimeter defense are what Miami need to become a team to be feared in a stacked Eastern Conference.
Their other need was to add a stretch four, someone who can guard the best player in the opposition team, come playoff time. To fill that need, they signed veteran PJ Tucker, who is coming off a championship win with the Milwaukee Bucks. Tucker played a key role in the Bucks' triumphant campaign.
He guarded players like Kevin Durant to make sure the team's other stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday could work their magic. Tucker also adds an invaluable locker room presence as someone who can be a vocal leader in the team.
The Heat also signed veterans like Markieff Morris and Victor Oladipo on minimum contracts. Their impact off the bench could make a big difference for the Heat next season, as they faced issues with their lack of depth last campaign.
#1 Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls seem to have gone for the kill in the offseason, with their free agency acquisitions so far. Signing the likes of Lonzo Ball, DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso, all in one offseason, was a masterstroke by the Bulls. All three players, considered coveted prospects, have now joined the six-time NBA champions.
The Bulls now have three All-Stars in their team - Demar DeRozan, Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic - and a potential future All-Star - Lonzo Ball. Their defense looks solid, and their three-point shooting has only gotten better. The Bulls finally have the roster that has convinced Zach LaVine to stay with the franchise for an extended period.
The Bulls are now one of the favorites to make it to the postseason. Recent reports suggest they have also managed to acquire Derrick Jones Jr. from the Portland Trail Blazers. The three-team trade deal saw the Bulls' own free agent join the Cleveland Cavaliers and Larry Nance Jr. join the Trail Blazers.
Derrick Jones adds much-needed wing depth, and is also a solid player at both ends of the ball. The Bulls have a fairly young roster that can create something great together if they can find their rhythm early on.
