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The 2019 offseason was one of the most hectic in recent history as a significant proportion of the NBA's best players hit free agency. Within days of free agency opening, more than half of the leagues All-Stars had switched teams, and several teams also executed trades as they attempted to take advantage of the now apparent demise of the Golden State Warriors.
With nearly a quarter of the 2019-20 season now behind us, new signings have had plenty of time to settle in and make an impact for their new teams - and here we will take a look at the 5 offseason moves that benefited teams.
#5 Aron Baynes - Phoenix Suns
Following two successful seasons with the Boston Celtics, Aron Baynes was traded to the Phoenix Suns in return for a future first-round pick. Due to their emphasis on developing young players, the Suns were expected to buy out Baynes' contract, although despite interest from the Los Angeles Lakers, the Suns opted to keep him - and the veteran has profited from Deandre Ayton's 25-game suspension.
While Baynes has missed Phoenix's last five games through injury, the 32-year-old has averaged 14.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in 24.0 minutes through 12 appearances. Baynes has also enjoyed big scoring nights against the Miami Heat and Lakers, and it is no coincidence that the Suns have won just one of their past five games without the veteran.
Ultimately, Phoenix didn't expect Baynes to have this kind of impact during the opening weeks of the season, although the Australian has taken full advantage of his starting opportunity, and is arguably the most underrated signing of the 2019 offseason.
#4 Kawhi Leonard - Los Angeles Clippers
After missing out on the likes of Kevin Durant, the LA Clippers were in danger of missing out on a superstar in free agency. However, the front office eventually convinced Kawhi Leonard to snub the Lakers - and Paul George also arrived in a blockbuster trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Leonard's performances have been excellent as expected in Los Angeles, and the two-time Finals MVP is currently averaging 25.8 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game. Due to load management, 28-year-old won't be in contention to take home his first regular-season MVP award, although his arrival has been enough to make the Clippers the favorites for the title this season.
#3 Kemba Walker - Boston Celtics
Following Kyrie Irving's decision to leave after just two seasons, Boston reacted quickly to complete the signing of Kemba Walker. After dominating the ball on a poor Charlotte Hornets team, there were doubts if Walker could make the same impact on a contender, although the point guard has been excellent over the past month.
Over 16 appearances for the Celtics, Walker has averaged 22.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.6 assists - while also shooting a career-high 40% from three-point range. The 29-year-old has also proved to be a better fit than his predecessor alongside Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown - and the point guard will continue to play a significant role as the Celtics attempt to advance from the East.
#2 Malcolm Brogdon - Indiana Pacers
After spending two seasons as a key part of Milwaukee's bench, Malcolm Brogdon established himself as a starter during the 2018-19 season. Following his transition to a starting role, Brogdon was among the breakout stars of the year as he averaged career highs in points (15.6) and rebounds (4.5). His performances were enough to convince the Indiana Pacers to sign him to a huge four-year, $85 million deal - and despite concerns that the Pacers had overpaid - the 26-year-old has excelled for his new team.
Over 14 appearances, Brogdon has contributed 19.0 points, 4.9 rebounds and 8.1 assists per game - and the guard is well on track to be named as an All-Star for the first time. Brogdon has also led the Pacers to an 11-6 start to the season, and with Victor Oladipo closing in on his return, the Pacers could soon possess one of the NBA's best court
#1 Anthony Davis - Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers had hoped to pair a second superstar with LeBron James in the months following his arrival last summer, although a second star never arrived as the Lakers missed out on the 2019 playoffs. Nevertheless, the Lakers wasted no time during the 2019 offseason, as Anthony Davis headed to Los Angeles in a blockbuster trade from the New Orleans Pelicans.
At 26, Davis is entering his prime, and the All-Star has struck up an immediate partnership with James. Other offseason signings such as Danny Green, Avery Bradley, and Dwight Howard have also played a role in the Lakers' 16-2 start to the season, although Davis' 26.1 points, 9.0 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 2.8 blocks per game have been the driving force behind the Lakers' resurgence this season.
