NBA Free Agency: Curry, Griffin, Warriors early winners; Pacers, Spurs on losing end

OKC makes a huge trade, Steph cashes in like no one ever before and Blake gets what he wants

NBA free agency got off to a bang Friday, but the biggest move wasn't even a signing, but a trade as OKC nabbed Paul George. Meanwhile, the largest contract in NBA history was handed out, and the Wolves rearranged their point guard situation. Here are the wins and losses from the first few hours of the 2017 NBA free agency period. 

WINNERS

Oklahoma City Thunder

OKC traded for a All-Star out of nowhere and didn't even have to surrender a pick to acquire him. The Thunder were cap-strapped and looked like they might be locked into the team they had last year, and instead walked away Friday with the best player available for a team to acquire. Adding George gives them an All-Star weapon that fits next to Russell Westbrook, and could help convince Westbrook to sign a multi-year extension. 

For years, Curry was one of the most underpaid players, thanks to his extension signed before his rise to MVP-level, and back when he had ankle injuries. But now, Curry literally makes the most of any player, ever (five years, $201 million). He's set with his superteam, and didn't have to sacrifice a dime. You walk out of the day with $200 million and you're a winner. 

Golden State Warriors

The Warriors not only locked up their two-time MVP to a five-year deal, but they managed to secure Shaun Livingston for a discount. the prospect of Andre Iguodala leaving is higher than ever, and he's reportedly set to meet with the Spurs, but Golden State managed to keep their star franchise icon and some bench depth.

Los Angeles Clippers

Retained their remaining franchise star, giving them a direction in the wake of the Chris Paul trade. They gave up the fifth year to Griffin (five years, $173 million), but when the choice is between that fifth year and a disastrous turn that would force a rebuild, they can be grateful they managed to bring back Griffin. 

Griffin got the fifth year fully guaranteed on his deal with the Clippers. He's the face of the franchise and the expectations for the Clippers are lower now without Chris Paul. Not bad for Griffin, who avoided the drama of switching teams, and made the most money possible. 

Milwaukee Bucks

Managed to bring back Tony Snell on a reported four-year, $46 million deal. Snell showed last year he can be both a shooter and quality wing defender, one of the most important elements in the league right now. It's good value to get him for less than $12 million per year. 

LOSERS

Indiana Pacers

Dealt their best player, and didn't get a single draft pick back. There was also no rush. With the draft over the Pacers weren't going to lose significant return leverage on the George trade between now and the start of training camp. That would have given more time to draw some of the Celtics' endless pile of assets out, which would have been a better deal. Their return on George isn't just bad, it comes at a high price for Victor Oladipo's contract. They face-planted on this deal. 

San Antonio Spurs

They didn't get Chris Paul this week, then went out and re-signed Patty Mills (four-years, $50 million) which impacts their cap space enough to take them out of the running for Kyle Lowry. Mills is good, but still just a reserve. There were big hopes for the Spurs to land a major player this summer and it just doesn't look like that's going to happen. Meanwhile, Jonathan Simmons is reportedly meeting with several teams. Losing him would be a big blow to San Antonio's wing versatility.

Minnesota Timberwolves

The Wolves have been looking to trade Ricky Rubio for years. They managed to get Jeff Teague on a three-year, $57 million deal with a third-year team option, which is better than what was expected, a four-year, fully guaranteed deal for more money, and a draft pick in exchange for Rubio. But Teague is a downgrade from Rubio in terms of both playmaking and defense, and are committed to Teague for at least two years. It's not a big loss, but a slight one. 

Rose lost a potential landing spot with his old coach in Minnesota, and reportedly the Knicks are moving on as well. Could the market for Rose be worse than we originally thought?