NBA Free Agents 2011: Los Angeles Clippers and Biggest Offseason Winners

The shortened NBA offseason was very exciting, and it resulted in some big winners and losers. Several teams made key additions, but some teams didn't do much at all, which will hurt them this season. 

It was a lot of fun to watch all the free-agent signings and trades unfold, and now we'll get to see which new-look teams will succeed the most. 

Expect the teams that kept their solid core to stay prominent this year, but those teams that made a big splash will surprise us all. 

With that said, here are three teams who won big this offseason. 

1. Los Angeles Clippers 

Usually known as the other Los Angeles team, the Clippers are definitely a team to watch this year. The trade for Chris Paul gave us the term, "Lob City," and it also made the Western Conference much more intriguing.

The pairing of Paul and Blake Griffin will ensure that the Clippers contend for a playoff spot this year, and if they do make it, they're a dangerous team that few should want to face. The depth is lacking a little bit, but the Clippers finally have a star to compete with the Lakers.

Adding Caron Butler and Chauncey Billups is also great for the team, especially if they can both stay healthy this year.

The Clippers are getting better, and the NBA needs to watch out. Of course, there's a running joke that the team is cursed, but now that they have multiple stars on the team, perhaps it is over.

Either way, if Paul ends up remaining a Clipper, the future of basketball in Los Angeles is going to be even better to watch.

2. New York Knicks 

While the Knicks didn't land their ultimate prize (Chris Paul), they still made excellent acquisitions that will help them in the long run.

Tyson Chandler gives the team an upgrade in the middle, as well as on defense, which was an area New York desperately needed help in.

The loss of Billups stings, but if Baron Davis steps it up and shines bright when he returns to full health, everything will be just fine. Plus, the Knicks added Mike Bibby, meaning the backcourt has experience that will be key in the postseason. 

The Knicks are a definite lock for the playoffs, and the offseason additions have allowed them to be a legitimate title contender. 

3. Dallas Mavericks 

Sure, the defending champs kept losing players left and right, but Mark Cuban and company made good moves to help the Mavericks remain a threat in the Western Conference. 

The Mavericks practically stole Lamar Odom, who will be extra motivated to have the best season of his career after the Lakers made it clear they were done with him. When a team tries to dump you for a big star, and ultimately ends up trading you for a draft pick, it's pretty much a slap in the face. 

Of course, the Lakers weren't allowed to trade him for Paul, but that didn't mean they had to trade him for just a draft pick. 

Dallas also picked up veteran forward Vince Carter, who is very hungry for a title. If he can stay healthy and give Dallas everything he has plus some, the Mavericks will be in a good position.

Defending the title won't be easy, but the Mavericks still have the talent to make a good run thanks to a savvy offseason.