Boston Celtics – big winner
Not cashing in on the Evan Fournier trade exception last season may have cost them the title, but this year ownership appears ready to finally pay the tax. The Malcolm Brogdon trade was a home run at the cost of one pick likely to be in the late 20s next summer, and the signing of the still offensively-potent Danillo Gallinari shortly after was, too.
Even if Gallinari is no longer a playoff rotation-caliber player, he will sop up valuable regular-season minutes to keep the team’s better wings fresh for April and beyond.
LA Clippers – big winner
Retaining Robert Covington and Nic Batum while signing John Wall leaves the Clippers literally three-deep at every position except center, with plenty of options for future consolidation trades, if necessary. Who knows if John Wall is still a playoff rotation-caliber player, but frankly, the Clippers can win a title in the next two years even if he isn’t.
Kudos to owner Steve Ballmer, for not sacrificing potential greatness to skirt luxury tax penalties, the way the Bucks, Nuggets, Celtics, and other contenders have in the recent past.