Nuggets, Bulls, Clippers, Lakers Voted Worst NBA Offseason by Coaches, Execs, Scouts

Several Western Conference playoff teams received votes for the worst offseason in the league during a survey of 18 NBA coaches, scouts and executives.

According to ESPN's Tim Bontemps, the Denver Nuggets received the most votes with six. The Chicago Bulls accumulated five votes, while the Los Angeles Clippers received four. The Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, and Detroit Pistons recorded one vote each.

Following a disappointing second-round playoff exit, the Nuggets lost one of their key contributors alongside superstar Nikola Jokić after starting shooting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope joined the Orlando Magic in free agency.

Although Denver added Russell Westbrook on a two-year deal worth $6.8 million to fortify the team's bench unit, it didn't appear to be enough to change the minds of voters.

The Clippers also dealt with a major free-agent departure, as Paul George joined the Philadelphia 76ers on a four-year maximum contract. In the nine-time All-Star's absence, Los Angeles will lean on Kawhi Leonard and James Harden to carry the team's offense.

Following a 39-43 season, Chicago decided to move on from Alex Caruso and DeMar DeRozan. Caruso was dealt to the Oklahoma City Thunder, with DeRozan joining the Sacramento Kings as part of a sign-and-trade agreement. While both veterans are still effective in their respective roles, the Bulls were unable to receive a future first-round pick in either deal.

While the Lakers didn't lose any major rotation players in free agency, they also didn't make any blockbuster additions. Los Angeles brought back Max Christie on a four-year, $32 million deal and gave LeBron James a new two-year contract worth $101.3 million. The Lakers also replaced Darvin Ham with JJ Redick at head coach.

The Lakers, Nuggets, and Clippers will attempt to return to the postseason during the 2024-25 season while the Bulls will look to maximize their young talent surrounding Coby White.