New-Look Matchups We Can't Wait to See in the NBA

This summer's hectic free-agency period hasn't just improved the talent level on a number of teams, it has made a number of rivalries that much better.

Ray Allen's defection to Miami will undoubtedly make Heat-Celtics games must-see-TV, but there are a few other showdowns that will now be appointment viewing for even the most casual NBA fans.

So as the NBA offseason kicks into high gear, let's run down five matchups that will have a new look to them as we head into next year.

5) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Miami Heat

Fresh off of an intense five-game NBA Finals series, the best matchup in the Association became a bit more intriguing this offseason.

While the Oklahoma City Thunder haven't added much of note so far this summer (apologies to Perry Jones and Hasheem Thabeet), Miami's acquisition of Ray Allen adds a little extra spice to Thunder-Heat. 

Heading into next season, Miami matches up noticeably better on the perimeter with the Thunder—a team eager to exact revenge on its cross-conference rival. With the Heat bringing in additional firepower and the Thunder having a score to settle, Miami-Oklahoma City figures to be one of the league's best rivalries over the next few seasons.

4) Brooklyn Nets vs. New York Knicks

The Nets' move to Brooklyn's Barclays Center was enough to reinvigorate a stagnant "rivalry" with the New York Knicks, but then the Knicks upped the ante by signing Jason Kidd to a three-year deal. 

The 39-year-old point guard appeared willing to back up Deron Williams in Dallas, but with Williams staying in New York, Kidd chose to take his talents to Manhattan.

Brooklyn has undergone a complete roster overhaul this summer as the team moved quite a few pieces in order to land Joe Johnson. And even though Brooklyn has pulled out of the Dwight Howard sweepstakes, there's already more than enough juice in the Nets-Knicks matchup.

3) Los Angeles Clippers vs. Los Angeles Lakers

For obvious reasons, the recent Steve Nash trade has garnered most of the basketball-related headlines in Los Angeles. By acquiring Nash from the Phoenix Suns for a handful of picks, the Lakers have all but assured their status as a contender until Kobe Bryant decides to hang them up for good.

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Clippers—a team that has been far from silent this offseason—hasn't been on the radar of most NBA fans despite their machinations this summer. The addition of Lamar Odom and Jamal Crawford only serve to strengthen Vinny Del Negro's team, and with Chris Paul reaping the benefits of a full training camp (as well as regular in-season practices), the Clippers are poised to make a statement in the Western Conference for the second year in a row.

The two LA teams are set to square off four times this year, making the Staples Center one of Hollywood's most exclusive destinations.

2) Los Angeles Lakers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

One player—Steve Nash—changes the entire dynamic of the Los Angeles Lakers-Oklahoma City Thunder matchup.

The Thunder made short work of the Lakers in last year's playoffs: Point guards Ramon Sessions and Steve Blake simply couldn't keep pace with Russell Westbrook, who averaged 25.6 PPG during the five-game set.

And while Nash will also have a devil of a time covering Westbrook, his playmaking abilities will negate any of his shortcomings on the defensive end. The 38-year-old Nash won't completely shift the balance of power between the two teams, but Lakers-Thunder should be a lot more interesting this season.

1) Miami Heat vs. Boston Celtics

The cover of a recent edition of the Boston Herald tells you everything that you need to know about this year's biggest free-agent transfer.

Ray Allen took less money to head to South Beach, yet many Celtics' fans have chosen to refer to him as "Judas Shuttlesworth"—a play on the name of Allen's character in the movie He Got Game. But even with Allen's departure, Boston will be bringing most of the band back this year, and the team also added Jason Terry, who defected from the Dallas Mavericks. With a healthy Jeff Green back in the fold, Boston figures to make a run at the conference title again this season.

If the NBA doesn't have Miami and Boston playing each other either on opening night or on Christmas Day, then the league's schedule makers clearly aren't doing their jobs correctly.