NBA Free Agent Signings: Conference-Contending Teams That Remain Elite

Consistently being in the conference title discussion is often the result of signing a big free agent.

Take LeBron James and the Miami Heat for example.

The Heat were a solid team in 2008-09 and 2009-10 before James came aboard. Two years later, Miami has won two straight Eastern Conference titles and the 2012 NBA title. As for this offseason, the Heat are just one team that has improved from free agency.

So, let's see some other conference contenders that have become or have remained elite.

New York Knicks

The Knicks may not be elite like Miami, but New York is back on the upswing after making two consecutive playoff appearances. Prior to the 2010-11 NBA season, the Knicks had made just one postseason (2003-04) dating back to the 2001-02 campaign.

Currently, New York has superstars Carmelo Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire to work with and one of the better centers around in Tyson Chandler. Furthermore, the Knicks made some impressive signings to increase expectations for the 2012-13 season.

According to Jared Zwerling of ESPN New York, the Knicks have landed Marcus Camby, and according to Nate Taylor of the New York Times, J.R. Smith is back.

Camby is a big addition to the frontcourt rotation, and Smith is a great marksman to present a more explosive offense. Against the tough defensive teams of the Atlantic Division like Miami, Boston and Atlanta, New York's ability to push the pace will pay great dividends late in the season.

Los Angeles Lakers

Regardless of what happens with Andrew Bynum, the Los Angeles Lakers now have Steve Nash to run the point. According to ESPN, Nash to L.A. was finalized on Wednesday.

Paired with Kobe Bryant, Nash's assists will simply skyrocket, as will Kobe's production. And despite his age, Nash still possesses the quickness, court awareness and ball-handling skill set to be a consistent starter.

Move to the frontcourt and the Lakers picked up Bynum's option back in June for the 2012-13 season, according to the Associated Press via NBA.com. This was an interesting move for L.A. at the time because having Bynum does provide trading leverage.

That said, if Bynum remains in L.A. for the start of the 2012-13 season, it's reasonable to believe his numbers will get inflated because of Nash. With so much defensive attention from opponents needing to focus on Bryant and Nash, Bynum will have many scoring opportunities to dominate inside.

The era of the big three has engulfed pro basketball, and if Bynum remains a Laker then L.A. will be boasting their own big three. 

Miami Heat

The Miami Heat just keep adding supreme talent across the board, and according to Brian Windhorst of ESPN, Miami added Rashard Lewis after Ray Allen.

And if the Heat were not already expected to repeat in 2013, that seems like a foregone conclusion right now. Allen and Lewis may be two players who have passed their prime forms, but neither will have to put in 30-plus minutes per game to be successful either.

With James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh carrying the bulk, Allen will be expected to nail his typical jumper from anywhere on the floor. Lewis can anticipate a similar role because Miami's defense is already one of the best around.

Offensively is where the Heat can occasionally hit a lull, so Allen and Lewis will just prevent that from happening.

Before, Miami had excellent talent and a strong bench. Now, the Heat are even better and are prepared to fend off any NBA title challengers.

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