Editor's note: This is the fifth of a series in which PBN offers a detailed division-by-division look at the offseason. Today: Tony Mejia breaks down the Northwest. Also see: Atlantic, Southeast, Central and Southwest.

OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER

Makeover mandate: Thriftiness is next to godliness.

Smartest move: Seeing very few pieces they felt would greatly impact the franchise's future, the Thunder stood pat and maintained their massive allotment of cap space for 2010, where the first order of business will be locking up Kevin Durant to an extension come July 1. It helped make GM Sam Presti look good to see Durant become the talk of Las Vegas at the Team USA minicamp with his dominant play. Jeff Green, also eligible for an extension, has made nice strides, too.

Biggest setback: If you want to be picky, the Thunder would've certainly appreciated if their lottery combination had come up the winner in the Blake Griffin sweepstakes. Not only would he have added another young future superstar to the mix, he'd have done at a position of need. The boost in ticket sales given the OU connection would've also helped.

Feeling the draft: The No. 3 pick was a nice consolation prize, especially since the Thunder were able to nab another future cornerstone in Arizona State guard James Harden. They traded for the rights to No. 24 Byron Mullens, a center from Ohio State, surrendering pick No. 25 and a future second round pick. UAB shooter Robert Vaden, a second-rounder, was picked up for cash considerations.

Summer fun: The Thunder were the only team in the NBA to participate in both summer leagues, playing five games in Orlando before hopping on a plane and getting in a full week in Vegas. Russell Westbrook played almost exclusively in Orlando and was without doubt the class of the event. Harden stood out for the ease with which he operates, while 2008 pick Serge Ibaka also impressed, landing himself a contract. Mullens, Shaun Livingston, D.J. White, Kyle Weaver and DeVon Hardin also participated and fared well.

Sleeper move: Quietly removing the interim tag from Scott Brooks and signing him to a multi-year deal was one of the Thunder's best offseason moves. Not only does he offer continuity to a young roster, but he's got the right temperament to continue fostering development while preparing his team for their next step.

Biggest risk: While buying out Earl Watson was another no-brainer, saving money and giving an unhappy vet an opportunity to play elsewhere, it leaves the Thunder vulnerable behind Westbrook at the point. Chucky Atkins was moved alongside Damien Wilkins to Minnesota for backup center Etan Thomas. While Harden and Livingston will see minutes at the one, Oklahoma City might find itself looking for an upgrade on Kevin Ollie, who was signed to provide a savvy presence.

Vacancies: OKC is going to ride its young guys, so although there are areas that could use an upgrade, don't expect any major moves.

Overall grade: A-. Because of how well Presti has drafted since taking over, the Thunder are poised to improve without having spent unnecessarily to compromise their cap flexibility.

DENVER NUGGETS

Makeover mandate: Ramp up responsibly.

Smartest move: Buying back into the 2009 draft to acquire No. 18 pick Ty Lawson was as simple and beautiful a move as was made this summer. The Nuggets worked him out last year and were set to draft him, only to watch him head back to college to chase another title. With Minnesota putting the No. 18 pick up for sale, Denver swooped in and added a spark plug who doubles as a great apprentice at the point for Chauncey Billups.

Biggest setback: Losing Linas Kleiza would take this spot if he bolts, but for now, watching Dahntay Jones sign with Indiana qualifies. Even though they had no intention of giving the type of money Larry Bird offered (four years, $11 million), the Nuggets will miss his defense and athleticism on the perimeter. Acquiring Arron Afflalo softens the blow, but he's still got to prove he's capable of playing major minutes on a consistent basis.

Feeling the draft: Lawson's selection was an unexpected coup, even though they had to spend money to buy back into the first round. They got a little of it back by selling second-rounder Sergio Llull to Houston.

Summer fun: Lawson was impressive in leading the summer league squad to a 4-1 mark, averaging a team-high 17.2 points. Sonny Weems, who has since been traded to Milwaukee for Malik Allen, was the second-leading scorer. Forwards Cedric Simmons, C.J. Giles and Richard Hendrix tried to state their case for a roster spot, while Coby Karl played with poise and gave himself a shot.

Sleeper move: Dumping Steven Hunter on the Grizzlies will save over $7 million this season while also adding a trade exception of $3.67 million that the team could use to strengthen themselves down the line. They had to give up a lottery-protected first round pick that isn't likely to burn them significantly, but now have the flexibility to keep Kleiza or Carter, though still not likely both.

Biggest risk: Hoping Chris Andersen will remain right mentally and physically for the next five years ($26 million) is a gamble. He was likely to get someone's mid-level and the team badly wanted to show their loyalty for the fan favorite, so the Nuggets hands were tied. Hopefully, it works out for all involved.

Vacancies: Mark Warkentein and Co. have been fortunate that no NBA team has made Kleiza an offer he can't refuse, although Greece's Olympiakos has offered an attractive alternative. His versatility and ability to stretch the floor is an underrated weapon the Nuggets wouldn't be able to easily fill. Another competent backup center would help, too.

Overall grade: B. Trying to keep the same exact team that emerged as the West's brightest surprise was impossible, but Denver has done a nice job keeping most of it together at an affordable price. Keeping Kleiza would bump this grade up.

UTAH JAZZ

Makeover mandate: See what dominoes fall where, then do something with them.

Smartest move: The Jazz wanted Mehmet Okur back, so they were pleased to see him exercise his player option for the coming season while also agreeing to a two-year, $21 million extension through 2012. Although he has bouts of inconsistency, 7-footers who can shoot the long ball as accurately as he does are too valuable a commodity to let walk.

Biggest setback: It's pretty clear management wasn't thrilled that Carlos Boozer decided not to opt to out, unwilling to turn his back on a $12.7 million payday. They've been unable to move him, and because they envision doing so, had to overpay to match Paul Millsap's offer sheet from Portland, putting them in a massive luxury tax bind for the foreseeable future.

Feeling the draft: In a draft heavy on point guards, the Jazz wound up with a quality backup to Deron Williams in VCU's Eric Maynor. A four-year starter with a flair for the dramatic, the mid-major superstar was a good value pick at No. 20. Ditto for Michigan State center Goran Suton, taken with the 50th pick. He'll likely play in Europe.

Summer fun: With the Rocky Mountain Revue canceled, the Jazz set sail for Orlando, but had to be disappointed with their showing. Kyrylo Fesenko passed on showing up, much to the displeasure of GM Kevin O'Connor, while Kosta Koufos was unable to participate after dislocating a finger. Maynor ran the team well, but shot poorly.

Sleeper move: Banking on Millsap was extensive, but necessary. Utah didn't match because of some obsession with power forwards from LaTech on the roster; it did so because in the time Boozer was injured last season, Millsap displayed what a force he can be. So long as he stays healthy, that won't change.

Biggest risk: Utah can negotiate an extension with Ronnie Brewer from now until Oct. 31 to keep him from becoming a headache next summer. Although it has spent a lot of money already, promising Brewer that bigger paydays will come starting next season is in the team's best interests. He's made steady strides the last two seasons and might be ready to truly break out in 2009-10.

Vacancies: Unless Utah feels confident that Koufos is ready to be the primary backup at center, another big could be useful. Matt Harpring's future is in doubt to health concerns, so the team could be in the market for an enforcer/energy type.

Overall grade: C+. Almost everyone will return, which wasn't necessarily what the Jazz wanted to see happen. It remains to see what happens with Boozer, but it's not terrible news that a team only a few years removed from a Western Conference finals appearance might stay intact for one more shot.

MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES

Makeover mandate: Full facelift.

Smartest move: Although Glen Taylor finally came to his senses and stripped Kevin McHale of power while the 2008-09 regular season was still going, replacement David Kahn put him out for good in declining to bring him back as head coach. In an offseason filled with uncertainty and massive turnover, Kahn cutting any ties to the team's past was a necessary move, freeing him to put his stamp on the team.

Biggest setback: Being unable to buy out Ricky Rubio isn't necessarily the worst thing in the world, but is the worst thing that's happened during Kahn's brief tenure thus far. Although his stock could go through the roof with another year or two of seasoning in Europe, he could also hit a wall, or worse, suffer a significant injury. It's not too taxing to pick a guy late in the first or second round to stash overseas, but when it's a lottery pick vital to the future of the organization, you want him right where you can monitor his every move.

Feeling the draft: Selecting Rubio and Jonny Flynn with back-to-back picks, then following that up with the choice of Lawson made for one of the more puzzling draft happenings in recent memory. It looks much more clear now, with Lawson having been traded and Flynn providing insurance with Rubio not on board, but it still made for an intriguing introduction to the Kahn era. Wayne Ellington, the other half of UNC's championship-winning backcourt alongside Lawson, was taken with pick No. 28. Dutch forward Henk Norel, Rubio's teammate at DKV Joventut, was the team's lone second round pick.

Summer fun: Despite a 1-4 finish in Vegas, there were plenty of bright spots. Flynn was a little dynamo and wound up winning the Rookie of the Month award -- first time I've realized they gave these out in the summer -- by averaging 15 points, 7.4 assists and shooting 58 percent from 3-point range. Corey Brewer came back from knee surgery in December and had a few nice moments. Oleksiy Pecherov and Ellington fared well in major roles.

Sleeper move: Randy Foye has been injury-prone, so trading him and the expiring Mike Miller for a high lottery pick was a nice splash for Kahn, but he could wind up looking really good if Pecherov develops. Darius Songaila should contribute the next two seasons, but it's the 23-year old Ukrainian who is the potential x-factor in the deal, capable of blossoming as a 7-footer with intriguing skills.

Biggest risk: It was impossible not to take Rubio at No. 5, but it's nonetheless risky. There doesn't seem to be a consensus as to how his game and growth process will translate to the NBA, but Kahn is one of the believers, touting him as a future star.

Vacancies: Well, there is that head coaching gig that's been out there since June 17. The search was thorough and scheduled around a lot of other necessities, but it looks to be close to a conclusion. On the floor, the Wolves could still add Rodney Carney, but lessened the need to sign him with the acquisitions of Quentin Richardson and Damien Wilkins. Ryan Hollins was a nice late pickup, too, shoring up the frontcourt.

Overall grade: C+. Not being able to bring Rubio over so we can all poke at him affects the early sizzle, but overall, Kahn got a lot accomplished in laying the groundwork.

PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS

Makeover mandate: Add the piece that makes title talk realistic.

Smartest move: Wrapping up Brandon Roy for another five years, even at the cost of $82 million, is the hit of the summer. Portland hasn't had a star of his magnitude since Clyde Drexler, and in this day and age, players of his caliber are difficult for the smaller market to keep.

Biggest setback: Hedo Turkoglu ending up in Toronto stung. If there was one guy perfectly suited to boost the Blazers into a team that could legitimately dethrone the Lakers, it was Turk. Never got the Millsap fascination, and it wouldn't be surprising if they just put out the offer sheet to screw Utah. No one shed a tear when the Jazz matched. Turkoglu is the one that got away.

Feeling the draft: After schooling the rest of the NBA with Kevin Pritchard's brilliant choices and owner Paul Allen making it rain to buy picks and prospects, the 2009 version seemed tame. Victor Claver will remain in Spain, but the No. 22 pick was considered a potential lottery pick before a major injury tempered enthusiasm about him. Second-round pickups Dante Cunningham and Jeff Pendergraph were very successful in high profile leagues in college.

Summer fun: Jerryd Bayless was the focal point of the Blazers' Vegas entry and looked unstoppable at times, but sprained his left wrist and missed the finale, a loss to the D-League Select team. Cunningham and Pendergraph both showed up and battled, giving them confidence that they may be able to contribute sooner than later.

Sleeper move: Although there were lots of knocks on him as teams play down his value, Andre Miller is someone who will help the Blazers cause. He'll take pressure off Roy as a playmaker and allow Steve Blake to be more effective by playing backup minutes. Miller is smart, fits in well and should arrive with a chip on his shoulder. For being Portland's third choice behind Turkoglu and Millsap, he still offers an upgrade.

Biggest risk: Sergio Rodriguez openly campaigned for a greater role, but never was able to carve out a consistent niche. Although the Blazers had decided they were going to let him go, dealing him along with a second round pick for the right to move up to pick No. 31 doesn't seem like enough. It's up to Rodriguez to prove Portland wrong, and he'll have an opportunity to do so in Sacramento.

Vacancies: Unless they change their tune about Travis Outlaw, the need for the prototypical small forward they covet remains. Nicolas Batum has the potential to be special, but he'll need a few more years. It would be wise to try and add another forward/center type as insurance for Greg Oden and to keep Cunningham and Pendergraph from being counted on immediately.

Overall grade: D+. Maybe it's because everything Pritchard and Co. have done has spoiled us, but this offseason just hasn't gone according to plan. Locking up Roy saves it from being a total dud, while Miller has a chance to prove a lot of people wrong.

Tony Mejia is senior writer of Pro Basketball News. He can be reached at mejia@probasketballnews.com.

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