As part of our insight into each division's offseason transactions, here is a look under the microscope at the Southeast Division.
Atlanta Hawks
Additions
2015 Draft Class: Marcus Eriksson, Dimitrios Agravanis
Free Agents: Paul Millsap, Justin Holliday, Lamar Patterson, Terran Petteway, Walter Tavares
Trade acquisitions: Tiago Splitter, Tim Hardaway Jr.
Subtractions
Free Agents: DeMarre Carroll, Pero Antic, John Jenkins
Trades:
Waived: Austin Daye
Current Free Agents: Elton Brand (unrestricted)
While the Hawks did not make a big splash in the 2015 NBA Draft, they were able to hold together their vital core group from 2014-2015. With the exception of DeMarre Carroll, who signed as a free agent with the Toronto Raptors, the majority of pieces that were key to a run to the Eastern Conference Finals remain in Atlanta. The biggest priority for newly promoted President, Mike Budenholzer, and his Hawks this offseason with the re-signing of Paul Millsap. Millsap led the team in points, rebounds, steals, and double-doubles in 2014-2015. The other highlight was a trade with the San Antonio Spurs, in which the Hawks acquired Tiago Splitter. The 30 year-old center will be crucial off the bench in relief of Millsap and Al Horford. Although the Hawks were unable to replace Carroll, they improved their frontcourt in one of the biggest trades of the offseason.
Charlotte Hornets
Additions
2015 Draft Class: Frank Kaminsky
Free Agents: Tyler Hansborough, Al Jefferson, Jeremy Lin, Elliot Williams
Trades: Nicolas Batum, Spencer Hawes, Jeremy Lamb
Subtractions
Free Agents: Bismack Biyombo, Mo Williams
Trades: Gerald Henderson, Lance Stephenson, Noah Vonleh, Luke Ridnour
Current Free Agents: Jason Maxiell (unrestricted), Jeff Taylor (restricted)
An under-the-radar team that made numerous offseason moves, the Hornets performed a team makeover with several trades. The trade of Lance Stephenson to the Los Angeles Clippers was just the start of a change to the makeup of the Hornets' backcourt that now includes Jeremy Lin and Jeremy Lamb alongside Kemba Walker. Then, in dealing Gerald Henderson and Noah Vonleh to the Portland Trail Blazers, the Hornets acquired Nicolas Batum, who will add scoring and solid defense. The biggest move, however, came in relatively uneventful fashion as Al Jefferson opted in to stay in Charlotte. That solidified the Hornets' frontcourt, which got deeper with the drafting of Frank Kaminsky along with the acquisition of Spencer Hawes and Tyler Hansborough. Strengthened depth will be the primary remedy for Michael Jordan's Hornets in the 2015-2016 season.
Miami Heat
Additions
2015 Draft Class: Justice Winslow, Josh Richardson
Free Agents: Dwyane Wade, Goran Dragic, Luol Deng, Gerald Green, Amar'e Stoudemire
Trades:
Subtractions
Free Agents:
Trades: Shabazz Napier, Zoran Dragic
Current Free Agents: Michael Beasley (unrestricted)
Pat Riley was busy this summer and had arguably the most effective offseason of any team. When it was once thought that Dwyane Wade was tempted to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers, the Heat re-signed their franchise guard to a one-year deal. But Wade was not the only free agent to re-sign with the team as Luol Deng and Goran Dragic also took deals to stay in Miami. The Heat truly did not lose any key players and strengthened their bench with the additions of Gerald Green and Amar'e Stoudemire. With the health of Chris Bosh a large determinant, the Heat appear poised to make a jump in the Eastern Conference standings and push for the Southeast Division Title.
Orlando Magic
Additions
2015 Draft Class: Mario Hezonja
Free Agents: Tobias Harris, C.J. Watson, Melvin Ejim
Trades: Shabazz Napier, Janis Timma
Subtractions
Free Agents:
Trades: Maurice Harkless, Kyle O'Quinn
Waived: Ben Gordon
Current Free Agents: Willie Green (unrestricted)
A team largely built around youth, the Magic had a relatively quiet offseason with the exception of their fifth overall draft selection in Mario Hezonja. The 6'8" Croatian will add to a youthful core that has a bright future, pending development under new head coach Scott Skiles. Tobias Harris, who is now the highest paid Magic player, had a great season in 2014-2015 and was the biggest signing of the offseason. The 23 year-old shooting forward is an integral part of the starting five for the Magic and will continue to mesh with the kids in 2015-2016.
Washington Wizards
Additions
2015 Draft Class: Aaron White, Kelly Oubre
Free Agents: Drew Gooden, Gary Neal, Alan Anderson
Trades: Jared Dudley
Subtractions
Free Agents: Paul Pierce, Kevin Seraphin
Trades:
Current Free Agents: Rasual Butler (unrestricted), Will Bynum (unrestricted), Garrett Temple (player option)
The Wizards began their offseason with a solid draft class, headlined by former Kansas Jayhawk Kelly Oubre. The 15th overall selection was acquired from the Hawks as part of a three-team trade. The next big additions included veteran Gary Neal, who has bounced around the league since his three-year tenure with the Spurs, and Jared Dudley, who will be an excellent complimentary player alongside John Wall and Bradley Beal. Dudley ultimately replaces newly-signed Clipper, Paul Pierce, and is a younger alternative who has received more and more hype over his past couple of seasons in the league.