You know it’s going to be a hot summer when two of the top 20 players in the NBA league are already dealt and plenty more will start meeting with their suitors after the clock strikes midnight. Fans always dream about the offseasons with plenty of action, so you can sense the excitement in everybody’s voice when talking about the trades and the signings in the NBA. At this point, everything is unofficial, but thanks to some diligent NBA insiders, plenty of such news have leaked and are practically confirmed by people involved, so it’s not as if we are going to deal with the rumors here. Well, not for the most part.
Jimmy Butler to Minnesota deal
I’ve already written about this trade, so I’ll keep it short. Butler and Thibs reunited in one of the most talented young teams. They still need to be active to acquire good bench, but look out NBA.
On the other side, Chicago is shopping Rondo around and will look to waive him if they fail to find an interested trade partner. His contract is only partially guaranteed ($3 mil) and it won’t hurt them either way. Wade’s situation is slightly more complicated (read: expensive), but they’d like to start with a clean sheet as soon as possible.
Paul George situation
George has informed the Pacers that he’ll leave after the NBA season, forcing their hand. They are in a though situation as the bidders won’t pay the full asking price, and they have just seated a new GM. The more they wait, the lower the return it will be, so expect a trade.
Gordon Hayward situation
Gordon Hayward waited for the last possible moment to inform the Jazz that he’ll decline his player option and become unrestricted free agent, but was very quick to let the media know that he’ll meet with the Miami Heat, the Boston Celtics and with the Jazz to discuss his new contract. The Jazz have the upper hand if Hayward will look for a longer deal, but can offer only $3 million more if he’d like a three-year contract to maximize his next deal. It looks like he’s leaving if you ask me.
Chris Paul to Houston deal
As soon as the Spurs announced that they are interested in getting Chris Paul from the Clippers, the Rockets jumped in. In-state rivalry thing. They managed to structure a deal so the Clippers get a couple of decent players and didn’t give all that much. But their motivation behind the move is questionable at best. Paul is a ball dominant NBA point guard that likes to play at a slower pace and is a vocal leader. Harden also needs the ball and has shown how much he likes to be an alpha dog during the short Howard stay in Houston. Terrible choice that will make them worse.
The Suns emerge as a player
Losing Paul has hit the Clippers, but a true implosion would be if Griffin walks too. Reportedly, he likes the Suns and will come over to see what they can offer. It’s quite possible that he’s using them as a negotiation leverage due to concerns that his frequent injuries might cost him the max. However, Millsap is interested in Suns cap space as well, so the Suns seemingly do intend to rectify the 2016 NBA draft blunders of picking two inadequate power forwards.
The Hawks made it clear that they won’t give Millsap the max, so he’s attracting as many as 8 potential suitors. This may take a while until it’s settled.
The Sixers methodic madness continues
It turns out that the Process isn’t finished and that Bryan Colangelo doesn’t intend to use all that accumulated cap space. Oh, to make it clear, his plan is not to use all of the cap space, but not to use it at all. The Sixers have informed NBA agents throughout the league that they’ll only be making one year contract offer this summer, with intent to preserve cap space for the next summer.
There’s some sense to it, as they probably know that they are not going to be great this year yet, and they understand that the premier free agents also see it, so they might be looking to showcase their potential first and attract big names in 2018. However, I doubt that this is their plan. They understand that Embiid, Simmons and Fultz aren’t going to stay on the rookie scale contracts forever, so they are probably designating the money for that cause already. While it’s a good business for the owner, it’s really sad that they are going to blow a great opportunity to build a team for the ages.
Will the Knicks enter a new era?
So, Jackson and Dolan mutually agreed that it’s not working. Wonder how much a bad draft pick in Ntilikina had played role in the ‘mutual’ decision, but the Knicks should rejoice as they are finally out of the shackles of triangle. Ex-Cavs general manager David Griffin is reportedly the top candidate to replace the Zen Master, which is probably an improvement by itself.
Those of you who instantly recalled to count how many head coaches and team executives Carmelo Anthony played a role in firing, will probably be surprised to learn that the veteran scorer might also be booted. He’s connected with the Cavaliers (in case the Knicks would waive him, which I doubt they do) and the new fancy location in southern Texas, but the truth is that very few teams look at Anthony as a star player anymore.
A perennial loser who wants to be treated as a superstar, past his prime as an efficient scorer, out of shape and a character many offices clashed with, the Knicks will have trouble finding a team Anthony likes. It may hold them back, but they have multiple issues to solve anyways, so entering the new Knicks era might have to wait the next summer. The most important thing is not to make stupid signings right now (Rose should find another home).
Will Cavaliers trade Kyrie Irving or Kevin Love, or stay put?
Every general manager likes to have his players on the team, so with Griffin gone, it’s reasonable question to ask. Irving and Love are the Cavs best resources, so if they are looking to join the sweepstakes, they would probably have to part ways with one of them. Rumors of sending Irving to the Jazz for Hayward and Hill died off quickly, mostly because it’s a deal that neither side would like. Irving is young, established and meshed well with James, so it would take an incredulous offer to let him go. He’s not untradeable, but he’s less tradeable than Love.
If the Cavs have an idea to use him to add George (via Denver), it makes little sense. Apart from derailing Boston plans, they would gain too little for just a one year services of the Pacers star. It is an instant improvement in terms of sheer value, but Love’s two-way playing inside and outside means more to the Cavaliers style of basketball. I don’t see it happening at this point, unless they can somehow land Manimal in the three way deal.
So there you have it, the most recent trade news and rumors served to your platter and with the Free agency just around the corner, that platter will only grow bigger and bigger. Therefore, stay tuned with Get More Sports for more NBA news and interesting stories!!!
