NBA Free Agency 2018: Winners, losers, and shockers

MIAMI, FL - JUNE 20: LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat, sitting with the Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) trophy, is interviewed by NBA legend Magic Johnson following the Heat's victory against the San Antonio Spurs in Game Seven of the 2013 NBA Finals on June 20, 2013 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2013 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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CLEVELAND, OH – MAY 16: A huge mural of LeBron James takes up the side of a building just around the corner from the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland. Cleveland as it readies itself for the NBA Eastern Conference Finals hosting the Toronto Raptors. Toronto Star/Rick Madonik (Rick Madonik/Toronto Star via Getty Images) /

Loser: The City of Cleveland

I just imagine the entire city collectively walking around like this once the news about LeBron James broke.

The scholars say it’s better to have won a chip and lost than to never won a chip at all. While that may be true, losing the best player in the history of your franchise and considerable part of your economy surely doesn’t feel good either.

While their perennial Finals runs are behind them, it’s not all doom and gloom for the Cavaliers.

They still have Kevin Love (for now) to go along with their hopeful future star, Collin Sexton (roll tide), and cast of overpriced veterans. Plus, Cedi Osman — who remodeled his shot after Kyle Korver’s — is finally gonna get his chance to shine.

As they stand, the Cavaliers could still be a playoff team. They just don’t stand as tall as they used to.

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