Last summer was without a doubt one of the most interesting free-agent markets in NBA history as there was no doubt more talented big-name players available than any other free-agent market in recent memory. With big-name players like Carlos Boozer, Amare Stoudemire, Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade and LeBron James available, all the teams around the league tried to clear cap space and land at least one of these big-name free agents.

Unfortunately, only one team last summer was really able to call their off-season the success as the Miami Heat were able to sign three of these big-name free agents. Not only did GM Pat Riley convince Dwyane Wade to stay in South Beach, but he also was able to lure in Chris Bosh and the biggest free agent last summer in LeBron James.

This was the story to say the least as no team in recent memory has been able to lock up three legitimate superstars like this and have them all take less money as a result. The only motivation was winning, and GM Pat Riley definitely knows about that.

Other GM of the Year candidates:

John Paxson, Chicago Bulls

Even though the Chicago Bulls were not able to get their hands on hometown hero Dwyane Wade, they were able to sign forward Carlos Boozer and that was enough to turn this team into arguably the best team in the Eastern Conference.

Mitch Kupchak, Los Angeles Lakers

Not since he made the biggest trade of the century by acquiring perennial All-Star Pau Gasol for next to nothing has Los Angeles Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak really made a significant deal. Despite not making many trades since acquiring Pau Gasol, Kupchak has made some considerable moves to upgrade the bench by signing Matt Barnes, Shannon Brown (trade for and re-sign) and Steve Blake.

Related News

• Is Chris Bosh done in Toronto?
• Carlos Boozer signs with the Chicago Bulls
• Cleveland Cavaliers GM Danny Ferry resigns
• Bulls trade Hinrich and 17th pick in the NBA Draft to Wizards
• Dwyane Wade, Joe Johnson and LeBron James to discuss free agency