It's sad that the NBA off-season is more exciting than the regular season, but that is the reality we are now in. Every summer we see plenty of big names move and with that in mind, here are some moves I could see going down before the 2024-25 season.
Paul George Stays In California, But Heads To The Bay Area:
The Golden Dynasty is over, and the Warriors now sit at a crossroads. At age 36, Stephen Curry is still one of the top 10 players in the league and it appears likely his Splash Brother Klay Thompson is on the verge of departing the only franchise he has ever known. If Thompson departs, the Warriors will need to re-tool once again if they want to continue to build around their franchise icon in Stephen Curry, and PG13 could be the perfect fit.
Paul George's contract situation not being finalized with the Clippers is weird as it likely should have been a no-brainer that they would re-sign him to a max deal.
With free agency less than a week away, the smoke has started that George might be ready to move on from the Clippers. Some teams linked to George have been the Philadelphia 76ers, Oklahoma City Thunder, Orlando Magic, and New York Knicks. However, it is tough for me to picture George wanting to leave his home state after forcing his way there in 2019. Therefore, that is where the Warriors come into play. George and the Warriors may need each other if Golden State wants to continue with Steph Curry, and if George wants to stay in California, perhaps he is open to a move to San Fran.
Golden State cannot outright sign George to a max deal if he gets to Free Agency so George would need to opt into his player option and work with the Clippers on a trade that sends him to the Warriors. Perhaps a package centered around; Chris Paul, Gary Payton II, and Jonathan Kuminga would be enough for the Clippers if George tells the franchise to trade him or lose him for nothing.
The Orlando Magic Bring in Major Offensive Help for Paolo Banchero
The Orlando Magic were one of the pleasant surprises in the association this past season finishing 47-35 and making the playoffs. Unfortunately, the Magic's stay in the post-season was not long, as they lost in the first round to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 7 games.
In round one, it was clear that the Magic could not rely on anyone else to score besides sophomore Paolo Banchero. With tons of cap space to work, the Magic bring in two scorers in DeMar DeRozan, and Klay Thompson, as they look to build on last season's success by putting talent around their young star.
The Hawks & Pelicans Swap All Stars
Brandon Ingram and Trae Young are two of the biggest names on the trade market who could need fresh starts elsewhere.
Trae Young and Dejounte Murray have not been a good fit together over their two years in Atlanta. In New Orleans, Brandon Ingram is up for a contract extension this summer, and after another season where dealt with injuries including a disappointing playoff series, perhaps a Young for Ingram package makes sense for both sides.
New Orleans gets to pair Trae Young with high flyer Zion Williamson, while the Hawks bring in Brandon Ingram to pair with Dejounte Murray and their number one overall pick coming into the fold before the 2024-25 season.
OG Anunoby Goes From The Big Apple to The City of Brotherly Love
After reuniting the 2016 Villanova Wildcats in New York with the Mikal Bridges trade, OG Anunoby may be a piece that the Knicks can no longer afford.
Anunoby should have plenty of suitors as he is one of the premier three-and-d players in the league. OG will command a lot of money, and the 76ers have plenty of cap space to deal with this summer. Including his connection with his former coach Nick Nurse, when they were together in Toronto, Anunoby stays on the East Coast and joins the 76ers on a 4-year pact.
Donovan Mitchell Signs With Cleveland; Darius Garland Gets Sent to San Antonio
In a somewhat shocking turn of events, according to Shams Charania, all signs are pointing to Donovan Mitchell signing an extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers. If this were to happen, there were rumblings that Darius Garland would prefer to be traded elsewhere.
If Garland does ask out, the young point guard will have plenty of interest across the league but no fit seems more perfect than Garland teaming up with Victor Wembanyama.
If Mitchell signs, San Antonio offers the house and gets a deal with the Cavs to form their dynamic duo for years to come.
Free Agency Predictions (Ranking From Fox Sports)
LeBron James- Los Angeles Lakers
Paul George- Golden State Warriors (Opts In, Then Traded)
Tyrese Maxey- Philadelphia 76ers
OG Anunoby- Philadelphia 76ers
DeMar DeRozan- Orlando Magic
James Harden- Los Angeles Clippers
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope- Chicago Bulls
Isaiah Hartenstein- Oklahoma City Thunder
Immanuel Quickley- Toronto Raptors
Klay Thompson- Orlando Magic
Nicolas Claxton- Brooklyn Nets
Bruce Brown- Los Angeles Lakers (Opts In, Then Traded)
D'Angelo Russell- Toronto Raptors
Tobias Harris- Detroit Pistons
Saddiq Bey- Atlanta Hawks
De'Anthony Melton- Philadelphia 76ers
Patrick Williams- Chicago Bulls
Chris Paul- Los Angeles Clippers (Contract Guaranteed, Then Traded)
Miles Bridges- Los Angeles Lakers
Isaac Okoro- Charlotte Hornets
Comments