Kyle Lowry. (Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports)
The first day of 2021 NBA free agency included a flurry of activity as teams scrambled to set up their rosters for next season. Who won and lost the day?
Even when games aren’t being played, there are winners and losers in the NBA — especially in NBA free agency.
On Monday, free agency opened up and sent front offices into overdrive working out deals to keep their coveted players while working to pick up new blood.
Who made the best moves and which teams lost out?
Winners from Day 1 of 2021 NBA free agency
Miami Heat
The two biggest points of order for the Miami Heat came together perfectly. Jimmy Butler is all set to sign a four-year extension on Aug. 5 when the new league year begins. That’s an All-Star locked in.
Next up? Get Butler more help. Miami did that with a sign-and-trade for Toronto Raptors star Kyle Lowry.
The supporting cast got sorted out as well. Duncan Robinson agreed to a five-year extension. P.J. Tucker came over from the Milwaukee Bucks. And Dwayne Dedmon landed back with the team that first gave him a shot as an undrafted free agent.
Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns fell short in the NBA Finals, but they are setting up for another run at the title by hanging onto both Chris Paul and Cameron Payne.
Paul signed a sneakily savvy four-year deal worth $120 million, while Payne is coming back for three years at the low, low price of $19 million.
Picking up JaVale McGree as a veteran backup big was a cherry on top for a team that needed frontcourt depth behind Deandre Ayton.
Chicago Bulls
Zach LaVine should be a happy camper after watching his front office secure the services of Lonzo Ball and Alex Caruso.
Chicago got the improving Ball coming off his best season and took a chance on Caruso for four years at $37 million. The fact that Los Angeles Lakers fans are distraught over losing the guard says everything about his value.