Free agency has been an integral part of team building since its creation. The NBA’s open season has made a lot of headlines, so let’s take a look at some winners and losers.

WINNER: Philadelphia 76ers

Philadelphia has been a trash fire since Sam Hinkie took over as GM. Since putting together a team with duct tape and a prayer, the new regime is putting in money to see immediate improvements. Most notably, a veteran presence and the back court were the top two items on the to-do list.

The team has addressed both need simultaneously by singing Jerryd Bayless and Gerald Henderson. Both players have been around for some time, hence the veteran status, and have both been starters or bench players. If need be, they can fill both roles for the growing team. They might need to.

LOSER: Golden State Warriors

Now, hear me out. The most talented team ever signing the biggest free agent has to be unstoppable, right? Golden State has had its system and style of play the last two years. Steve Kerr has implemented the perfect style of play for the players on the roster.

Steph Curry was a good player before Kerr took over. He’s now considered the greatest player in the league. That’s also worrisome for Durant. There may have been trouble getting the ball to everyone in a Warrior’s jersey last season, and now they adding someone who didn’t like his point guard hogging the ball.

Also, salary cap projects for next season are starting to become more solidified. These projections are under what they initially were. Golden State’s roster may be tougher to stay together, especially considering Curry won’t sign another team friendly deal.

WINNER: Portland Trail Blazers

Portland surprised many last season by not only making the playoffs but winning a round before succumbing to the Warriors. The team won’t see much turnover, which is a very good sign for next season.

The small changes that the team is looking at so far is the likely subtraction of Allen Crabbe. Crabbe gave the team valuable bench minutes and scoring. However, the team inked former Celtic Evan Turner to a deal.

Turner is the highly coveted point forward, which fixes to needs for the Blazers. Crabbe’s role on the wing could even be upgraded with Turner, who is a more well-rounded player. Also, Portland doesn’t have many options to back up Damian Lillard at the point. Turner can do that too.

LOSER: Atlanta Hawks

There was a lot of good basketball in Atlanta the last two years. Mike Budenholzer has instilled a good team style of basketball that lacked a true superstar. However, Al Horford was the team’s star, and he wanted to be paid like one.

Atlanta was a bit cap strapped, so it had trouble singing the center right away. In the time it took for the Hawks to try and get their moves in order, Horford got paid like a star. And what was the move that Atlanta was trying to make? Pair Horford and Dwight Howard.

Dwight Howard?! Howard, if utilized properly, can be a very dominant player. Previous teams can testify that it’s very hard to use him effectively. Horford had the ability to stretch the floor, something Howard is infamous for being unable to do.

The Hawks will have to see how Paul Millsap and Howard click. For a team that made a living from deep, Howard will be a struggle from the get-go.