2013 NBA Free Agency: Top 5 Signings So Far

Top 5 NBA Free Agent Signing So Far

The 2012-13 NBA season has concluded and the Miami Heat are once again world champs, but that doesn't mean teams aren't making moves in order to bring down the star-studded Heat. The offseason has been a busy one thus far and teams are starting to take the shape of serious contenders.

There have been dozens of free agent signings so far this offseason, and although the free agency signing period technically just started a couple of days ago, some teams have made a laundry list of moves.

Whether it's the re-signing of key players, signing of players that could potentially turn a bottom-dweller into a division contender or signings that just flat-out cost too much money, the moves are endless and the speculation of what may happen next season has just begun.

The 2013 NBA Draft has also come and gone, and it's safe to say that many teams bolstered their roster if they had picks in the top-10. Other teams weren't so lucky as the draft was extremely top-heavy and there were very few steals past the lottery picks.

While many teams got who they wanted in free agency, some teams, like the Dallas Mavericks, weren't so lucky. Mark Cuban made it his mission to go after a big man this summer and after missing out on Dwight Howard, Andrew Bynum and Josh Smith, his opportunities to grab a post player are limited.

Other teams, like the Cleveland Cavaliers, are now looking like serious contenders after an otherwise rough 2012-13 season in which they missed the playoffs.

I'm going to take a look at the top-five free agent signings this offseason thus far. Let me know what you think, because my list might surprise you.

Connor Muldowney is a columnist for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Connormuldowney, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

5. Josh Smith, Detroit Pistons

As a nine-year NBA vet, 27-year-old Josh Smith was one of the more sought-after free agents this offseason. Everyone knew he would probably be overpaid, and that's the only reason he's not higher up on this list. Some people knock his hustle and drive, but 17.5 points, 8.4 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game a season ago is pretty solid for a power forward.

While the Detroit Pistons' lineup will be working through the kinks in order to make room for Smith, he will be a great fit with this team looking to make their first playoff appearance in a few years.

4. Andrew Bynum, Cleveland Cavaliers

Some believe that this could either be a huge signing or a potential bust. Andrew Bynum to the Cleveland Cavaliers has been the biggest story in the past few days. The 25-year-old big man has all the potential in the world to be the best center in the NBA, but hasn't realized that yet. Bynum didn't play a single game last season, but his 18.7 points and 11.8 rebounds from two seasons ago showed flashes of superstardom.

3. Dwight Howard, Houston Rockets

Dwight Howard's four-year deal worth $88 million opened some eyes this offseason. No, the money wasn't the surprising part, it was the team with whom he signed his deal -- the Houston Rockets. The Los Angeles Lakers saw Dwight come and go, but I'm sure many are happy about his antics out of the way in L.A. His career 18.3 and 12.9 rebounds make him a splash signing for the Rockets, who are also looking to add a third superstar to make yet another 'big three'.

2. Andre Iguodala, Golden State Warriors

Andre Iguodala comes in at No. 2 on my list for obvious reasons. A good team just became that much better as the Golden State Warriors added a veteran star to their already-potent squad. Iguodala has become one of the many free agents this offseason to skip out on the Mavericks and choose a team that has a better chance of making the postseason, if not an NBA title. The Warriors are one of the most exciting teams in the league and with A.I. now on the roster, they just became that much more exciting. His four-year deal worth $48 million isn't too bad, either.

1. Chris Paul, Los Angeles Clippers (Re-sign)

This was the only re-signed player on my list because of the significance of his choice. Chris Paul is the best point guard in the NBA. His five-year, $127 million deal is one of the most lucrative contracts in the league, but the veteran leader is worth every penny. Whether it has been turning the Los Angeles Clippers into a contender or just being a positive role model in his community, Paul is that kind of guy you want on your team for the long run. Great keep by the Clippers.