Wednesday was the first day that NBA teams could officially announce the signings of their free agents. And with free agency comes winners and losers. So let’s break down some of the winners and losers so far through the NBA free agent signing period:

Winners:

1) Philadelphia 76er's - Philadelphia is the clear winner on this first day of free agent signings. The signing of Elton Brand pushes the Sixers from a good young team to a contender in the East. The Sixers still have to go through the defending champion Celtics, but for the next 3-5 years the Sixers will be right there battling for the Eastern Conference Title. I won’t be shocked in the coming years to see a Philadelphia vs. Portland NBA Finals.

2) Golden St. Warriors – The Warriors bounced back nicely from losing Baron Davis when they signed Corey Maggette away from the Clippers.  Maggette average 22 points last season and that number should figure to hold as I believe that Maggette will thrive in the Nellie Ball system.  Losing Baron Davis won’t hurt as much as you would think since before last season, Davis hadn’t played a full season since 2001-2002. Turning the team over to Monta Ellis should keep the Warriors as the most exciting team in the NBA.

3) Washington Wizards – Keeping Gilbert Arenas will keep the Wizards in the national spotlight and help in the box office. The Wizards did seem to play better while Arenas was out but there is no denying that he is a tremendous talent. The signing of Antawn Jamison was key. Jamison had one of his best seasons last year. If Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison can continue to assert themselves and not always defer to Agent 0 and the Wizards don’t have to play the Cavs in the first round of the playoffs, this team could be very dangerous.


Losers:

1) Los Angeles Clippers – The Clippers have been losers for a long time. The signing of Baron Davis was a step in the right direction but the Clippers took two steps back when they were unable to resign Elton Brand and Corey Maggette. The Clippers could have had their own “Big 3” but instead they have basically became the Warriors but with less talent. The Clippers can redeem themselves if they are able to lure Josh Smith to LA, but for now the Clippers are just being the Clippers.

2) Dallas Mavericks – The Mavericks aren’t losers because they did get younger with the signings of DeSagana Diop & Gerald Green. Both of those signings will help the Mavericks, but what puts them in the losers section is the fact that they used their entire mid-level exception on Diop. Now I know a good center is hard to find, but a center with career averages of 2 points and 4 rebounds hardly seems like 5-year deal material. But what I do know, I'm just a fan and not a GM.

3) Detroit Pistons and San Antonio Spurs – You might be wondering “What are these two teams doing here? They didn’t do anything this offseason”. Exactly. They didn’t do anything this offseason. I know neither team had much cap room but their lack of getting younger in other ways than the draft will really hurt both squads this upcoming season.

Some of the bigger unrestricted free agents that are still out there that will make an impact this upcoming season are:

James Posey – Proven winner and was key in the Celtics championship run. The Celtics and Hornets are the teams in the running for Posey.

Kurt Thomas - Played big minutes for the Spurs in the playoffs. Great defender but age is a factor. Will more than likely resign with the Spurs

Ricky Davis – While Davis might not be the best teammate, he can light it up on the scoreboard. If Davis wants to play for a winner but take less money, Houston, Dallas, or Toronto would be place I could see him going.

Shaun Livingston – Livingston has been injured for most of his career, but he's still only 22 and was ready to make the leap right before he completely destroyed his knee. Any team needing a solid PG should be looking at the oft injured, but very talented Livingston.