NBA shakeup in full swing

Paul Pierce has signed a two-year deal to become a member of the Washington Wizards.  The Wizards are a team with a bright future that could use some veteran leadership.  Bradley Beal and John Wall have the potential to be the best back backcourt in the NBA for years to come.  Pierce is a solid replacement after the departure of Trevor Ariza.  Ariza signed a four-year deal to join the Houston Rockets.  The Wizards starting five has the potential to be as good as any in the Eastern Conference.


Houston failed to match the Dallas Mavericks three-year, 45$ Million dollar offer on Chandler Parsons.  Parsons is one of the best young forwards in the NBA.  Dallas most certainly overpaid for Parsons, but his upside and the opportunity to match him up alongside Dirk Nowitzki bodes well for the Mavericks future.  Houston replaced Parsons by signing Ariza to a four-year, $32 Million dollar contract.  The addition of Ariza at a cheaper rate is considered a victory for the Rockets organization.


The Miami Heat signed Luol Deng to a two-year, $20 Million dollar deal.  Deng is still one of the best two-way players in the NBA.  He should fit in well with his new teammates in Miami.  Deng has pestered Miami's forwards for years.  Now he and Chris Bosh can form a formidable tandem in Miami's frontcourt.  Eric Spoelstra will have to keep Deng's minutes in check.  He logged heavy minutes for years in Chicago.  Deng will turn 30 years old this upcoming season.


The Chicago Bulls have signed Pau Gasol to a three-year, $22 Million dollar deal.  Pau won two championships during his time with the Los Angeles Lakers.  The Bulls hope the Spaniard can help them get over the hump the same way he did after joining the Lakers.  Chicago is still considered a heavy favorite in the Eastern Conference.  If Derrick Rose can stay healthy, Chicago may be as good as the team that lead the NBA in wins three years ago.


NBA General Managers are currently working hard to improve their teams.  Playoff teams from a year ago are making significant strides at improving.