2024 NBA Season

[chaser15]

^Let's be honest guys, we are going to see some more veterans signing cheap contracts with both Nets and Lakers at the same time.

Who are these veterans that will possibly sign a cheap contract on Nets and Lakers? Can you share some from good articles or news sources even for those that are still rumors right now? What does the cheap contract mean to you?

If the offer is low then it might have some reason/s why it turned out like that.

[gagux123]

It was really good to see a different final and a different champion in the 20/21 season actually. But in this new season, I think that there are two big candidates for the title. They are Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets. As of Westbrook's joining Lakers, they will be even much more stronger than before. Nets are already very strong with KD - Irving - Harden trio. They just struggled with injuries many times in the last season.

I also agree with that, it was interesting to see different teams in the NBA finals (although I was cheering for Suns lol), but the Bucks victory was deserved, the team played very well, especially Antetokounmpo.

I believe if the Lakers or Nets don't have any of their best players injured, I think they are the favorites for the title.

[mirakal]

It was really good to see a different final and a different champion in the 20/21 season actually. But in this new season, I think that there are two big candidates for the title. They are Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets. As of Westbrook's joining Lakers, they will be even much more stronger than before. Nets are already very strong with KD - Irving - Harden trio. They just struggled with injuries many times in the last season.

I also agree with that, it was interesting to see different teams in the NBA finals (although I was cheering for Suns lol), but the Bucks victory was deserved, the team played very well, especially Antetokounmpo.

I believe if the Lakers or Nets don't have any of their best players injured, I think they are the favorites for the title.

They are favored before the playoffs, Lakers started as the top favorites but then they dropped second when Nets signed Harden. The injury really changed the playoffs scenario as weaker teams are excelling especially the Suns who are already in the verge of losing, but when Davis was down, the Lakers are not anymore a championship team and it's very obvious that the aging Lebron can't carry his team, in fact, he showed some frustrations when he walked out unable to watch the game when they are fully dominated by the Suns.

[harizen]

We AAAALLL want to see that Lakers versus Nets matchup in the finals with everyone 100% healthy at that point as well. If everyone is healthy and playing with 100% then we are going to be quite happy about the current situation and we are going to be basically watching the best finals overall talent in a long time.

Exclude me from that lol. I'm not hyped on both Lakers and Nets next season and even last season, even they stay healthy or not.

The reason I want all teams to be healthy is, if ever what team will able to take home the next season's Larry O' Brien trophy, no such thing as "What If" "What If" "What if". I don't like that to see some nasty comments that a certain team is just lucky that the opposing team is not healthy.

If possible, I also want to see new teams in the NBA Finals. I don't mind those people who will say Finals are boring.

Still biased for the Dallas Mavericks here. I hope they will be able to nail one next and fixed those internal issues within the organization.

[yazher]

Looks like LBJ has some last card that will turn the table in the next season, but let's not forget that the other teams have their own big threes too. looks like Thompson will be back playing for the Warriors this upcoming season and the Brooklyn Nets will also have their big threes healthy and ready to play.

As for LBJ, this will be his last Big 3 since there aren't enough years for him to play.

[OgNasty]

Chris Paul and Kawhi Leonard both declined their player options for the upcoming season. While Kawhi is likely to resign with the Clippers for more money, there is no way in hell Chris Paul will be able to get anywhere near his player option. That basically means he’s leaving probably $10 million plus on the table to leave the Suns. An odd move for a guy who was just in the Finals for the first time. I’m guessing he wants to pick where he plays next… Only destination I see him wanting to go to is the Lakers to play alongside his friends LeBron and possibly Carmelo.

[goinmerry]

Only destination I see him wanting to go to is the Lakers to play alongside his friends LeBron and possibly Carmelo.

I agree with that. I believed there will be no chemistry issues with Chris Paul especially with Westbrook as, before that trade, there are reports that WB really wanted to meet with LBJ and Davis to talk about the possible trade that's now happened. According to Westbrook, he will now change his usual game style that is more on isolation plays and handling the ball mostly per possession. He will let LBJ handle the works and will just follow what's best. If that's happened, then the Lakers are dangerous although it needs more games to work for the chemistry.

Going back to Chris Paul, since he declined his player option then maybe he thinks that Phoenix Suns will not be the same as before next season. He's closing to retirement period now and the best thing to do is to aggressively join a Finals Contender team and the Lakers are the fit for that.

If formed, can this consider a Super team wherein 2 guys are now on veteran period, close to retirement, prone to injury than before, but still kicking with their respective stats?

[gagux123]

They are favored before the playoffs, Lakers started as the top favorites but then they dropped second when Nets signed Harden. The injury really changed the playoffs scenario as weaker teams are excelling especially the Suns who are already in the verge of losing, but when Davis was down, the Lakers are not anymore a championship team and it's very obvious that the aging Lebron can't carry his team, in fact, he showed some frustrations when he walked out unable to watch the game when they are fully dominated by the Suns.

Yes, this was one of the variables that practically no one was expecting, including me.

I believe the 20/21 season was one of the most injured in the regular season and playoffs.

Never in my life would I have imagined the Suns and Bucks could make a NBA Finals.

That made it very clear, it's no use having 3 or 4 allstar players if you don't have players in reserve to replace them

I still say again, if there are no injuries throughout the season, practically the NBA finals will be Lakers vs. Nets
Of course, we will have to analyze how the other teams will prepare for this new season!

[wheelz1200]

Kind of disappointed with the Knicks draft.  Had picks 19 and 21, liked Jalen Johnson at 19.  He dropped because he dipped out if the season at Duke but was shooting decent.  Would have made a nice wing.  Instead got a future protected 1st.  They need help now.  I do like the Quentin grimes pickup though.  Knockdown 3pt shooter and great on D.  He will fit thibs system.

They need shot creators, Grimes is exactly what they need. Buckets. I think the Knicks made a very good decision here. Remember at the playoffs, Randle is having a problem to make shots because he was defended too well. Even if he pass the ball, no Knicks player can shoot it.
DRose is not yet back on a high shooting mid-range percentage and Barrett is also not a good choice. Randle was forced to shoot it even with a bad look.
Grimes though can shoot face up because of the flotation device equipped in his feet.  He jumps so high and doesn't need a lot of separation.

Don't get me wrong I like the grimes pick honestly.  Great shooter great d.  I like those guys and they need guards.  But they got him by dropping from 21 to 25.  The 19th pick was disappointing.  They gave it up for a future protected first round pick.  Then they had the 2nd pick in the second round and dropped again without getting value back.  Knicks could have gotten grimes and another real good talent at 19.  They punted.  Probably because of all of their cap space but still.  Disappointing.

[harizen]

I still say again, if there are no injuries throughout the season, practically the NBA finals will be Lakers vs. Nets
Of course, we will have to analyze how the other teams will prepare for this new season!

You guys still can't move on that supposed Lakers vs. Nets last season if ever they are healthy.

Logically speaking, based on the whole roster power, those teams are the champions already. But in actual play, even for let's say they are 100% healthy, there will surely be an adjustment that will be made on their opposing teams in the playoffs.

Giannis is always on fire on all their playoffs losses. What's more, if his backup will do the same.

Anyways, this is just a product of my own view.

[Reid]

Still biased for the Dallas Mavericks here. I hope they will be able to nail one next and fixed those internal issues within the organization.

Just like how the Mavs with Nowitzki buried the All-Star Miami Heat. They cannot even make a reason behind their loss.
Mavs just got better and Dirk's concentration to bring the trophy to Dallas was higher than any player out there.
No "What If's".
I like how these teams will try and create a super team for a ring. That way, they will look more of a villain for me and my Denver Nuggets team. Sorry, I am also biased here.

[OgNasty]

OP should throw up a poll on who is the next likely big name to change teams.  I'm curious what people think, although it would probably need to be edited or something as people are actually traded.  A lot of big names on the trading block right now though.  Some of them off the top of my head...

Kyle Lowry
Demar Derozan
Mike Conley
Lonza Ball
Dwight Howard
Chris Paul
Kawhi Leonard
Rudy Gay
Kemba Walker
Victor Oladipo
Spencer Dinwiddie
Andre Iguodala
Carmelo Anthony
Jeff Green
Tim Hardaway Jr
Dennis Schroder

[gagux123]

I still say again, if there are no injuries throughout the season, practically the NBA finals will be Lakers vs. Nets
Of course, we will have to analyze how the other teams will prepare for this new season!

You guys still can't move on that supposed Lakers vs. Nets last season if ever they are healthy.

Logically speaking, based on the whole roster power, those teams are the champions already. But in actual play, even for let's say they are 100% healthy, there will surely be an adjustment that will be made on their opposing teams in the playoffs.

Giannis is always on fire on all their playoffs losses. What's more, if his backup will do the same.

Anyways, this is just a product of my own view.

Oh come on... lol

The equation is simple, if any Lakers or Nets allstar is injured, their chances of being champions are probably minimal, if no allstar is injured there is a high chance of them being champions.

Yes, you reminded me of an interesting topic, there are several players who are likely to switch teams.
I don't know, but I don't doubt Antetokounmpo change teams, he has already fulfilled his promise for Bucks, maybe he will be able to go to another team, even stronger!

[Reid]

Kawhi just declined his player option.
https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1421948516260265989?s=20

Kawhi Leonard has declined his $36M player option for next season and becomes a free agent, per source. Now, the expectation is that Leonard will negotiate a new deal to stay with Clippers.
@ChrisBHaynes
 first on declining option.

What is his agent thinking? He ended the playoffs with an injury and yet they think Kawhi will get a better number?
He sure will not play for the Lakers because they will be in luxury tax if they take him. What team? How much? I thought he was home already.
Will he really leave PG13 after pulling him in Clippers? This gives more twist to what will happen to the trades.

[carlisle1]

Kawhi just declined his player option.
https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1421948516260265989?s=20

Kawhi Leonard has declined his $36M player option for next season and becomes a free agent, per source. Now, the expectation is that Leonard will negotiate a new deal to stay with Clippers.
@ChrisBHaynes
 first on declining option.

What is his agent thinking? He ended the playoffs with an injury and yet they think Kawhi will get a better number?
He sure will not play for the Lakers because they will be in luxury tax if they take him. What team? How much? I thought he was home already.
Will he really leave PG13 after pulling him in Clippers? This gives more twist to what will happen to the trades.

It won't be surprising if negotiations with GSW also take place, that might bring the season to another twist,

Adding Leonard with healthy Step and Klay something that fans would love to see after that WB trade to Lakers.

Expect more big names being added to big franchise who can acquire good amount of offers, and what about CP3's addition to Mavs?
what do you think his impact to young Luka? might have a perfect 1-2 punch same way with how he developed Booker and the Suns.

[Oasisman]

Kawhi just declined his player option.
https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1421948516260265989?s=20

Kawhi Leonard has declined his $36M player option for next season and becomes a free agent, per source. Now, the expectation is that Leonard will negotiate a new deal to stay with Clippers.
@ChrisBHaynes
 first on declining option.

What is his agent thinking? He ended the playoffs with an injury and yet they think Kawhi will get a better number?
He sure will not play for the Lakers because they will be in luxury tax if they take him. What team? How much? I thought he was home already.
Will he really leave PG13 after pulling him in Clippers? This gives more twist to what will happen to the trades.

Chances are, he's either trying to get the max contract and resign with the Clippers or he's looking to get another ring to a team that has potentials to get to the NBA finals. And we all know it's not going to be the Lakers or the Nets.
The Clippers wasn't able to advance in the finals since PG and Kawhi arrived in LA. There's a huge possiblity that Kawhi is sick of the Clippers system for not making to the finals in 2 straight years.
I'm not sure but that's just what I was thinking. I'm quite excited for Kawhi and CP3 decision.

I guess it would be fun If bookies put a betting lines about notable players team signing decisions during free agency lol.

[Fredomago]

Oh come on... lol

The equation is simple, if any Lakers or Nets allstar is injured, their chances of being champions are probably minimal, if no allstar is injured there is a high chance of them being champions.

Yes, you reminded me of an interesting topic, there are several players who are likely to switch teams.
I don't know, but I don't doubt Antetokounmpo change teams, he has already fulfilled his promise for Bucks, maybe he will be able to go to another team, even stronger!

Might have different opinion about Giannis, he already gained the title so why he should transfer to much stronger team?, why not ask or demand the franchise to bring him another star/s as they are the one who needs to defend the title.

But it's him to decide if the max and all the perks from Bucks ain't enough for him maybe we will see him leave and play for another team.

Players and scouts are now looking for good team to work with, the ball is on the team owners now to pick the right player to add
with their squad.

[LogitechMouse]

~
The equation is simple, if any Lakers or Nets allstar is injured, their chances of being champions are probably minimal, if no allstar is injured there is a high chance of them being champions.

Yes, you reminded me of an interesting topic, there are several players who are likely to switch teams.
I don't know, but I don't doubt Antetokounmpo change teams, he has already fulfilled his promise for Bucks, maybe he will be able to go to another team, even stronger!

You are basing what you are saying base on what happened this post-season where series are being determined by injuries (not all but most).

I agree though with what you said that a healthy big 3 of Lakers (LBJ, AD, Ninja Turtle Russ) and big 3 of Nets (KD, Beard, Kyrie with no ethics ) will most probably be the ones who will face into the NBA Finals. On the other hand though, its too early to predict at least because an injury from a superstar may change the performance of the whole team. Ohh I forgot lets not set aside the defending champs, Bucks who I think will not change that much in the core roster and I think that they will just be stronger coming into the next season and the Warriors who got Steph and a healthy Klay (hope he will not get injured again or else they will trade him).

On Giannis going to another team, I don't think that it will happen. He isn't like Kawhi where he got a champ on Raptors and he will find another team. I believe that he will create a super team around him. He will attract those superstars out there and he will not be the one to go to their team. At least this is what I believe.

[Ziskinberg]

Kawhi just declined his player option.
https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1421948516260265989?s=20

Kawhi Leonard has declined his $36M player option for next season and becomes a free agent, per source. Now, the expectation is that Leonard will negotiate a new deal to stay with Clippers.
@ChrisBHaynes
 first on declining option.

What is his agent thinking? He ended the playoffs with an injury and yet they think Kawhi will get a better number?
He sure will not play for the Lakers because they will be in luxury tax if they take him. What team? How much? I thought he was home already.
Will he really leave PG13 after pulling him in Clippers? This gives more twist to what will happen to the trades.

Chances are, he's either trying to get the max contract and resign with the Clippers or he's looking to get another ring to a team that has potentials to get to the NBA finals. And we all know it's not going to be the Lakers or the Nets.
The Clippers wasn't able to advance in the finals since PG and Kawhi arrived in LA. There's a huge possiblity that Kawhi is sick of the Clippers system for not making to the finals in 2 straight years.
I'm not sure but that's just what I was thinking. I'm quite excited for Kawhi and CP3 decision.

I guess it would be fun If bookies put a betting lines about notable players team signing decisions during free agency lol.

His agent probably knows what they are doing, Kawhi is one of the best players in the NBA, that injury he suffered was huge but he can be healthy next season and if the Clippers will let him go, other teams might be interested in him and give him a max contract. What if Utah Jazz will sign him, I think that would make the Jazz a good playoff contender and a championship contender as well.

[danherbias07]

Don't get me wrong I like the grimes pick honestly.  Great shooter great d.  I like those guys and they need guards.  But they got him by dropping from 21 to 25.  The 19th pick was disappointing.  They gave it up for a future protected first round pick.  Then they had the 2nd pick in the second round and dropped again without getting value back.  Knicks could have gotten grimes and another real good talent at 19.  They punted.  Probably because of all of their cap space but still.  Disappointing.

Yeah, I didn't get you wrong. I was disappointed about trading their pick too and even shared it here after the pick.

No news for New York Knicks (one of the teams that surprised us last season), they traded their high picks for future picks. The rebuilding was done last year and I think they will just preserve their young stars and let them grow experiencing playoff games.

But that's their decision and perhaps there is more into it than what we see. A plan. Maybe.

CP3 also to decline his player option after Kawhi Leonard did.^ He want a max contract, no doubt. That's the wisest move to do than chances of not getting to the Finals again and be avoided by teams next year. 3 years contract is what analysts are looking into with about $100 million+ offer. Humongous amount. Let's just say it's the bonus for putting the Suns back to the NBA map.
https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/chris-paul-to-decline-44-2-million-player-option-become-unrestricted-free-agent-per-report/
At least he will be making more than being put to a veteran contract.