'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The 2021 NBA free agency window has been hugely exciting so far, with several teams improving their rosters in the hope of dethroning the Milwaukee Bucks next season.
In the West, the LA Lakers shook up their squad, while their 2020 NBA Finals opponents, the Miami Heat, have also made considerable moves to bounce back from their first-round exit in the playoffs this year.
For teams in the NBA to improve their rosters without forgoing considerable cap space, veteran minimum contracts are being signed as players have opted to boost their championship hopes over a bigger paycheque.
On that note, here's a look at the top five rosters so far after the first week of free agency:
#5 Phoenix Suns
All eyes were on the Phoenix Suns this summer to see how they would react to losing in the NBA Finals. Fortunately for their fanbase, they played it sensibly, bringing back their leader Chris Paul on a four-year deal and his backup Cameron Payne as well.
They also added some much-needed depth and experience at center in JaVale McGee, who has won three championships and is a decent rim protector. He will likely take up Dario Saric's role as the Croatian recovers from an ACL tear.
Elsewhere, they managed to secure Elfrid Payton as a third-choice point guard who played 63 games last season and averaged ten points per contest. They also acquired Landry Schamet in exchange for Javon Carter, which could prove key to their playoff hopes.
All of these deals, combined with the Phoenix Suns' strong starting five and role players like Cameron Johnson means they have one of the best rosters next season.
#4 Miami Heat
Pat Riley and the Miami Heat have arguably had the most successful NBA free agency so far. They have addressed several issues that bogged them in their last campaign, letting go the likes of Goran Dragic, Kendrick Nunn and Trevor Ariza.
Those headed to Florida bring with them experience of winning championships, and will suit the Heat's defensive ruggedness. Veteran point guard Kyle Lowry will form a big three with Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler, while PJ Tucker will add his competitive nature to the Miami Heat's starting lineup.
Not only was Tucker a steal in free agency, but Markieff Morris was also brought in on a veteran minimum contract.
Meanwhile, the Heat re-signed their free agents Duncan Robinson and Victor Oladipo, which gives them impressive depth in the backcourt, considering they haven't lost fellow sharpshooter Tyler Herro.
In effect, the Heat have kept their core stars together, and have added an edge on both sides of the ball that was missing in the 2020-21 season.
#3 Milwaukee Bucks
Although they haven't dominated the headlines in the 2021 NBA free agency window so far, the Milwaukee Bucks have a roster ready to compete for another chip. Furthermore, without much wiggle room in their salary cap and having lost PJ Tucker and Bryn Forbes, Milwaukee were still able to add experience to the roster.
The reigning champions brought back George Hill and signed Rodney Hood, both of whom have extensive postseason experience and could help in Donte DiVincenzo's recovery. They also re-signed free agent Bobby Portis, who became a fan favorite in the playoffs and provided efficient minutes off the bench in the Bucks' frontcourt.
Milwaukee still have one of the best lineups in the NBA, but have still added scoring depth to their bench, an area they struggled in last season. They are an experienced winning roster, which could prove key when the going gets tough.
#2 Brooklyn Nets
Despite ploughing so much of their salary cap on their big three, the Brooklyn Nets managed to put together a roster last season worthy of making it to the NBA Finals, had it not been for Kevin Durant's foot. Unable to make the kind of moves those with available salary cap have this summer, the Nets have started free agency with several shrewd moves.
Bringing in Patty Mills was an impressive coup, and is an example of the kind of trade that only happens when a team is among the favorites to win the NBA title. Mills had an incredible Tokyo Olympics 2020 campaign with Australia, scoring 40 points in their bronze-medal match.
Although they lost Spencer Dinwiddie, Mills should fit in perfectly alongside the Nets' stars and provide consistent scoring off the bench.
Elsewhere, they were able to retain Blake Griffin, whose defensive performances in the NBA playoffs, particularly against Giannis Antetokounmpo, were unexpectedly impressive. Bruce Brown also re-signed after shooting above 50% in the postseason and grabbing five boards per game off the bench.
Their problems may still reside at the five, though. The Nets kept DeAndre Jordan, despite widespread reports they would part ways with him. Instead, they may rely on the younger Nicolas Claxton, who impressed on occasion last season.
#1 LA Lakers
Although the LA Lakers' defense has taken a hit in the 2021 NBA free agency, they have expanded their options in offense.
Dennis Schroder has been replaced by former MVP Russell Westbrook, who will form a big three to rival that of Brooklyn. Westbrook wasn't the only close friend of LeBron James to move to LA in search of a ring. Carmelo Anthony will also team up with the four-time champion on a veteran minimum contract as he looks to win his first title.
Integral to their 2020 NBA-winning side was center Dwight Howard, who was brought back to the franchise on a similar deal to Anthony's, as was the returning Trevor Ariza.
A lot of the discussion has been around how this side will fit together and if they are too old. The Lakers also signed Kendrick Nunn, who posed a consistent threat to their backcourt in the bubble Finals, as well as wing scorers Malik Monk and Kent Bazemore. Moreover, they also re-signed Talen Horton-Tucker on a three-year, $32 million deal.
The LA Lakers roster is likely going to cause considerable headaches for NBA teams this season. Frank Vogel has a wealth of experience to draw from on his bench and some younger stars willing to make big shots when called upon.
