The power of an NBA player to choose a team to play when his current contract expires is apparent in today's era to boost their chances in the NBA championship odds. This decision by a superstar has worked wonders for the team that he selected but also comes with repercussions to the departed team, most likely a mediocre season coming.
We've seen this movement countless times throughout the history of the NBA, with DeMar DeRozan as the most recent example. DeRozan decided to sign with the Chicago Bulls in the 2021 offseason and fully rejuvenate the franchise to be a contender in the NBA odds. He signed a hefty $82 million contract for three years but has paid dividends to the team as they are on pace to make the playoffs for the first time since the 2016-17 season.
But there were far more significant offseason signings that we have witnessed, and here's the list.
Kevin Durant – Golden State Warriors – 2016
The Golden State Warriors may have fallen short of a title in their historic run in the 2015-16 season, but they ultimately won the next three seasons by acquiring Kevin Durant via free agency. The 2014 NBA MVP decided to join the 2015 NBA Champions to finally get his first title after failing to win in his nine-year run with the Oklahoma City Thunder.