4 Winners and losers from a surprising first day of 2024 NBA free agency

The first day of NBA free agency is officially in the books and there were several surprises involving several key players. It is something that the league has increasingly become known for, with the NBA often dominating sports news with big signings or trades in July and this year is no different.

There are likely plenty more big moves yet to come but let's take a look at 4 winners and losers from a surprising first day of 2024 NBA free agency.

Loser: Denver Nuggets

After a disappointing end to their 2023–24 season, the Denver Nuggets seemed limited heading into the off season. After all, they are close to the second-apron and it seemed to be a certainty that they would lose key player Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. They did, after he signed a 3-year deal with the Orlando Magic.

That leaves them without a starting shooting guard and not an immediate replacement, with KCP being one of their best perimeter defenders as well as one of their best shooters on their team. Both of those things will hurt the Nuggets, who ranked 8th in defensive rating and dead last in 3-point attempts per game.

On the other hand, the Nuggets have been a rumored landing spot for Russell Westbrook, who would be an odd fit given his lack of shooting and ball dominance. He would be an upgrade over Reggie Jackson and probably won't cost much to acquire since he is owed just $4 million next season and despite him opting into his player option, won't return to the Clippers next season.

The Nuggets might be able to land him with a second-round pick, though even if they do, it seems that Denver will continue to struggle with depth next season.