2025 NBA Season

[danherbias07]

I guess the Knicks might not be interested on a Mitchell acquisition, they've already finalizing RJ Barrett four-year rookie extension that could be worth up to $120 million. So that's huge amount of money and not sure if they can still afford Mitchell then.

Your fast Yaunfitda, I just recently read this news. 
There's a catch here and thanks to our respected NBA analyst Adrian Wojnarowski, about explaining it clearly.
Here is the article.
RJ Barrett finalizing extension with New York Knicks, complicating pursuit of Utah Jazz's Donovan Mitchell

New York president of basketball operations Leon Rose set a Monday night deadline with Utah to reach an agreement on a trade for Mitchell or the Knicks would commit to the Barrett extension, sources said.

The Knicks did include Barrett in trade proposals for Mitchell, sources said, which is why the process to complete the extension lasted several additional weeks.

I don't know if it's Monday yesterday or next week Monday. We will know this week if ever RJ finalizes on signing the contract then the deal with the Jazz is off.

So probably the Jazz will have to shop around again and see what will be their options for Mitchell. Maybe some other teams are still interested on him, money wise + future trade picks.

Many will be interested in the Spider and I can see the Lakers tailing around joining the party to be able to let WB go.

[ChiBitCTy]

^ Speaking of age, we might as well compare with CP3 who is older. He played more games and was able to maintain his turnovers per game to just over 2 in the last decade.

Cp3 and Westbrook have 2 completely different games.  Westbrook crashes the paint where cp3 just sits outside and sets up his team.  Cp3 is probably the best pg in the league, it's unfair to compare the 2 because they play 2 separate types of games.  Cp3 also doesn't crash for rebounds or drives hard to the basket.  Apples and oranges.

I'm trying to say it's not just the lost speed which youth brings (as @yahoo implied) but also the skills at handling the ball, regardless of the style they play, as the reason for the high turnovers. You can see CP3 drive to the basket too but he can get out of traffic when the paint is well defended (zone).

That rebound comparison is irrelevant to this case.


It also brings us back to the point of @harizen

~
(I was surprised that he played as part of the starting lineup at all these games )

He's gotten slow but his ball handling skills hasn't really improved as evidenced by high TPG.

It's not irrelevant.  Cp3 doesn't crash the paint anywhere near Westbrook.  That's where russ can create and wreck havoc on games but it also gets him in bad position.  Just pointing out both have different styles you can't compare the 2.  And yeah of course he lost a step at his age but I'd bet on the side of west having an off year.  Think he comes back better this year.

Yeah they really are two different players for the most part, despite both playing the guard position. You bring up a good point though, I could see Westbrook having a really good off-season, rehoming his game, working with some of the best trainers and coming back with a decent year after he focuses on his weakest spots. I don’t think he’s quite done just yet. 

[wheelz1200]

So why not just trade Mitchell for Westbrook? isn't it possible?

I guess both are making at least $30 million per year, Westbrook probably has a higher salary than Mitchell, but Jazz are seeing Westbrook could bring the team to the championship, maybe they'll ask for the Lakers to trade Mitchell for him. I'm not so familiar with the trade rules, but is my thinking make sense?

I don't think the Jazz want just plain Westbrook on the offer. They are rebuilding and they want young players to be polished just like what they did with Gobert and Mitchell. If not young players that are in the league then future drafts will suffice, that's why a direct trade between Jazz and Lakers won't happen just like that.
They may split something from the Knicks that is why a three-way trade may happen. But these are all still rumors, we won't know what could happen until it's finalized although the Knicks do badly want Mitchell on their roster.

I guess so, it will not be a 1:1 trade that is gonna happen here. I'm happy if this trade will happen, at least these two players can again prove themselves in a new team. Mitchell going to the Knicks, it will give the team a big lift as he is really a superstar, it's just that in the playoffs he does not excel well to impact the team, hopefully with a new team he will.

Maybe yes or maybe he really a choke type of player, though the idea of being traded to Knicks is something that might give him a shot

in carrying the team to chase for the title, it's a good move for the Knicks if they are trying to bring this franchise to a winning or a title contender

team, Mitchell is a great addition. Just let Mitchell lead their offense and use all the help from his teammates in winning a game.

Everything will be announced in case there're changes that may take place, still quiet about this trade and all are just rumors.

Winning a championship with Mitchell, that's a hard task IMO. Maybe the best thing that will happen to the Nets is they will improve and will be in the playoffs not experiencing a 1st round exit again. Also, Randle himself is a big choker as well, so that's another problem the team has to fixed.

I guess the Knicks might not be interested on a Mitchell acquisition, they've already finalizing RJ Barrett four-year rookie extension that could be worth up to $120 million. So that's huge amount of money and not sure if they can still afford Mitchell then.

So probably the Jazz will have to shop around again and see what will be their options for Mitchell. Maybe some other teams are still interested on him, money wise + future trade picks.

Rj was in the conversation but the Knicks gm Leon rose gave the Jazz until last night to get to a trade, but Danny ainge is too unrealistic in his demands.  Glad the Knicks cut bait and signed rj.  Rj will still be available to be in a trade but because of poison pill clauses the Knicks will also need someone to take on a contract like evan f as well to make the money work.  Ainge is asking for too many draft picks, don't see a deal happening and at this point just want the Knicks to move on from this.

[inthelongrun]

So probably the Jazz will have to shop around again and see what will be their options for Mitchell. Maybe some other teams are still interested on him, money wise + future trade picks.

Many will be interested in the Spider and I can see the Lakers tailing around joining the party to be able to let WB go.

One thing the Utah Jazz have at the moment is they are not in a hurry for a Mitchell trade. I was surprised they haven't accepted that offer from New York which for me was already good. Mitchell is still very young and his contract just started which makes the Jazz unpressured. And if the Jazz can take higher picks in the next draft then it may also persuade Mitchell to just stay provided management will start building around them.

I also find it hard for the Lakers to acquire Mitchell via the Westbrook trade since the earlier offer from New York is still better.

[Japinat]

Westbrook being at the end of his career is mostly just an assumption by me, but he is not a LeBron James dominate type player who can play 20 years. Look at how many trams were interested in him when the Lakers were looking to trade him. Not many at all. The guy Still thinks he is worth 30 million a year for whatever reason and that's just not the case. IMO he needs to play off thr bench if he wants to last another 3 years in the league.

Now I understand... I still believe he has a few seasons ahead.

Well, let's see how he will perform in the next seasons, because if he suffers any kind of serious injury, I have no doubt that he will be able to bring his retirement as soon as posible.

We couldn't really expect at all that these all-star players can still ball at any given age as long as they aren't 40 years old and for Westbrook's case, we didn't really expect that he will be in this type of situation at all. I really pity him but he cannot do anything about it as the NBA is a pure business industry and if you can't give them what they want then I guess that's the end of it.

That last rumor I read was that the Lakers are still not giving up on trying to trade Westbrook before the training camp starts, it's almost clear to say that Beverley is going to replace Westbrook's role that's why the Lakers acquired him.

[freedomgo]

I think that Westbrook will be able to play better if he can show a little more composer in his game.
He did not start the last season well if I recall correctly. But, towards the end of the season, he was coming back to form.
Well, he was not in a red hot form, to be honest. But he was certainly better compared to what he was doing at the start. There was a lot of criticism that he kept the ball too long to himself. Others said that he was not shooting as frequently as he should. I think if he can keep his composure and select the right passes, and also shoot with confidence, he will be able to play a lot better. Because that is what we expected from him. No one wants to see that much money just go to waste.

Westbrook had his worst season in the last few years. It seems to me that one of the main reasons is that he didn't worry about losing the ball on the court. If you check his stats, you'll see that it was normal for him to make 6-7 turnovers or even 10 turnovers per game. So I'm not sure if Westbrook has any motivation to play better right now. However, if he doesn't like everyone calling him Westbrick, then he should get a lot better in the upcoming season.

At this point, it actually feels like he is more of a burden for any team. Having him doesn't seem to be helping the team, nor is it helping that he fancies himself a world-class player. Since he is staying, I believe he will at least try to get along with the other players. He doesn't appear to have a very favorable relationship with the players, and I agree that he needs to become more productive. Otherwise, people are obviously going to call his names.

Well, that is indeed true because Westbrook is more of a liability rather than being an asset to help the team win more games per season or at least enhances the team's chances to win every game. The whole Lakers management surely regretted the day they acquired Westbrook because that cost them millions of dollars and this year Westbrook is said to have his final salary in Lakers with almost $50 Millions dollars, now that's an expensive mistake.

[mirakal]

It's not irrelevant.  Cp3 doesn't crash the paint anywhere near Westbrook.  That's where russ can create and wreck havoc on games but it also gets him in bad position.  Just pointing out both have different styles you can't compare the 2.  And yeah of course he lost a step at his age but I'd bet on the side of west having an off year.  Think he comes back better this year.

Yes, I agree with you. Even though it's clear that CP3 is really much more effective in the team last season compare to what Westbrook is giving, we can't conclude right away that Westbrook is totally not useful. Westbrook is disciplined in his body that he didn't even experience major injuries even how athletic is. Usually, an athletic player is prone to injury but Westbrook is not.

He just needs to fully become mentally prepared to somehow return to his usual performance. Not the same during his prime but a Westbrook that can adjust his gameplay and be helpful to his teammates.

I'd say that he is still worth the chance to prove his capabilities this coming season and have the same faith that coach Darvin Ham gave to him. We never know, Westbrook might be more effective this time because he knew that this is his last chance to prove his worthiness in the league as this is his last season too before he lands in free agency.

[Baofeng]

It's not irrelevant.  Cp3 doesn't crash the paint anywhere near Westbrook.  That's where russ can create and wreck havoc on games but it also gets him in bad position.  Just pointing out both have different styles you can't compare the 2.  And yeah of course he lost a step at his age but I'd bet on the side of west having an off year.  Think he comes back better this year.

Yes, I agree with you. Even though it's clear that CP3 is really much more effective in the team last season compare to what Westbrook is giving, we can't conclude right away that Westbrook is totally not useful. Westbrook is disciplined in his body that he didn't even experience major injuries even how athletic is. Usually, an athletic player is prone to injury but Westbrook is not.

He just needs to fully become mentally prepared to somehow return to his usual performance. Not the same during his prime but a Westbrook that can adjust his gameplay and be helpful to his teammates.

I'd say that he is still worth the chance to prove his capabilities this coming season and have the same faith that coach Darvin Ham gave to him. We never know, Westbrook might be more effective this time because he knew that this is his last chance to prove his worthiness in the league as this is his last season too before he lands in free agency.

I agree, let's say we give Westbrook a chance this season, if he improve under coach Ham then good for the Lakers. If not, then for sure in the middle of the season we might see him get traded. And there are rumors that Ham wanted Pat and Russ play at the same time. So it will be an interesting combination to see them both in the floor. Two high octane players, gonna be fun.

Latest I see in the trade is that free agent Markieff Morris has agreed with the Nets,  it's a one year deal so for good him.

[dwyane36]

I'd say that he is still worth the chance to prove his capabilities this coming season and have the same faith that coach Darvin Ham gave to him. We never know, Westbrook might be more effective this time because he knew that this is his last chance to prove his worthiness in the league as this is his last season too before he lands in free agency.

Of course, Westbrook still has a chance to prove to all the haters and team management that he can still be effective throughout the season. However, it will be very hard for him both mentally and physically. To be honest, I'm leaning toward the fact that the upcoming season may be the last time in Westbrook's career that he gets such a huge paycheck.

[ultrloa]

I'd say that he is still worth the chance to prove his capabilities this coming season and have the same faith that coach Darvin Ham gave to him. We never know, Westbrook might be more effective this time because he knew that this is his last chance to prove his worthiness in the league as this is his last season too before he lands in free agency.

Of course, Westbrook still has a chance to prove to all the haters and team management that he can still be effective throughout the season. However, it will be very hard for him both mentally and physically. To be honest, I'm leaning toward the fact that the upcoming season may be the last time in Westbrook's career that he gets such a huge paycheck.

It's hard for Westbrook part last season because we know how emotionally hard for him to be part of Lakers especially all of the blame comes to him that's why his game change and he's totally affected by all of bashing. Next season he need to prove to his haters that his still a all star caliber and he's worth all the dime he receive thru his contract. It will be his last season to get huge payment if he cannot produce a good performance next season so he need to work hard on this.

[OgNasty]

Latest I see in the trade is that free agent Markieff Morris has agreed with the Nets,  it's a one year deal so for good him.

That is a good pickup for the Nets.  He adds some much needed toughness out there with Ben, Kyrie, & KD.  I'd like to see the Nets pickup Dwight Howard too and I think they'd have a pretty solid unit.  Whiteside is another big man still without a home who I think has a lot left to give.  We'll probably see a few more free agent signings by the Nets over the next couple of weeks as we get ready to start the season.

[harizen]

I agree, let's say we give Westbrook a chance this season, if he improve under coach Ham then good for the Lakers. If not, then for sure in the middle of the season we might see him get traded. And there are rumors that Ham wanted Pat and Russ play at the same time. So it will be an interesting combination to see them both in the floor. Two high octane players, gonna be fun.

I think Los Angeles Lakers are always open to giving Westbrook a chance.

However, if things really not worked out and they see Westbrook is really struggling in his role or anything, it will be hard for the Lakers to trade him in the middle of the season as here in the off-season, they can't even find a good trade package from other teams. Maybe much more difficult during the off-season.

If they will decide to keep Westbrook, they should risk on him the whole season and just work on trading him the next off-season.

[TravelMug]

Latest I see in the trade is that free agent Markieff Morris has agreed with the Nets,  it's a one year deal so for good him.

That is a good pickup for the Nets.  He adds some much needed toughness out there with Ben, Kyrie, & KD.  I'd like to see the Nets pickup Dwight Howard too and I think they'd have a pretty solid unit.  Whiteside is another big man still without a home who I think has a lot left to give.  We'll probably see a few more free agent signings by the Nets over the next couple of weeks as we get ready to start the season.

Yes, maybe that's one reason why they added the veteran in Morris in their lineup. Claxton is still very young so he might not be as tough as Morris. But Markieff has the experienced already, he was with the Lakers when they won their last championship. So this is really a solid attention to the team. I'm not seeing Howard though, the Nets might go low with only Claxton as their center.

[LogitechMouse]

I guess the Knicks might not be interested on a Mitchell acquisition, they've already finalizing RJ Barrett four-year rookie extension that could be worth up to $120 million. So that's huge amount of money and not sure if they can still afford Mitchell then.

So probably the Jazz will have to shop around again and see what will be their options for Mitchell. Maybe some other teams are still interested on him, money wise + future trade picks.

I wonder which teams are interested in Mitchell's service. They've traded Gobert already and Coach Snyder has been fired (which is expected I guess). Maybe they are trying to trade Mitchell because the Jazz will undergo a rebuilding process.

Now with Barrett signing with the Knicks, they aren't interested in Mitchell anymore (maybe). I just hope that the trio of Randle, Brunson and Barrett will work out though I still don't consider them as a playoff contender.

I agree, let's say we give Westbrook a chance this season, if he improve under coach Ham then good for the Lakers. If not, then for sure in the middle of the season we might see him get traded. And there are rumors that Ham wanted Pat and Russ play at the same time. So it will be an interesting combination to see them both in the floor. Two high octane players, gonna be fun.

Latest I see in the trade is that free agent Markieff Morris has agreed with the Nets,  it's a one year deal so for good him.

I'm a bit curious on how Pat and Russ will be good teammates because of what happened to them in the past but maybe now is the time to move on and be good teammates like what Coach Ham wants.

With regards to Westbrook improving this season, there might be a chance since they already have a new coach so maybe we will see a different playstyle that fits to the whole Lakers roster. He isn't prone to injury as well which is a good thing, and he is athletic so if he will back to the old Westbrook that we know or at least near to that then it will be a huge boost for the Lakers but if he will still play like last season then just trade him. Giving him a chance might be a good option and good gamble for the Lakers.

[danherbias07]

One thing the Utah Jazz have at the moment is they are not in a hurry for a Mitchell trade. I was surprised they haven't accepted that offer from New York which for me was already good. Mitchell is still very young and his contract just started which makes the Jazz unpressured. And if the Jazz can take higher picks in the next draft then it may also persuade Mitchell to just stay provided management will start building around them.

I also find it hard for the Lakers to acquire Mitchell via the Westbrook trade since the earlier offer from New York is still better.

Indeed that's true. They are not in a hurry, it's not like Mitchell is a burden to them. It almost looked like an experiment to see what options they could receive if ever they put him on the market. Now, they know he is still of so much value that other teams will absorb him and offer a good trade.

I'm a bit curious on how Pat and Russ will be good teammates because of what happened to them in the past but maybe now is the time to move on and be good teammates like what Coach Ham wants.

I am curious too. It's a rare event that one player who mostly trash talks them will be part of their team and on their way to building chemistry.

With regards to Westbrook improving this season, there might be a chance since they already have a new coach so maybe we will see a different playstyle that fits to the whole Lakers roster. He isn't prone to injury as well which is a good thing, and he is athletic so if he will back to the old Westbrook that we know or at least near to that then it will be a huge boost for the Lakers but if he will still play like last season then just trade him. Giving him a chance might be a good option and good gamble for the Lakers.

Yeah and even the Lakers owner said it.
Jeanie Buss calls Russell Westbrook Lakers' 'best player last year,' backs off claim: He was most 'consistent'

"All I can say is that, from my point of view, [Westbrook] was our best player last year. He played pretty much every single game, showed up, worked hard. You know, I would have loved to have seen what this team would have looked like if they stayed healthy. It's really tough to win when Anthony Davis isn't on the court. LeBron was hurt a lot of the season. But Russ showed up every game and played hard every night. And, you know, I just really appreciate him for who he is and what he brings to the team."

He can still keep himself healthy and play almost the whole season. 78 games were played.
His errors are more highlighted though because of that.

[FanEagle]

Everyone is once again waiting for Westbrook to have a change, but we all know what type of basketball player he is. It doesn't mean that he is a bad one, he just doesn't fit in with Lakers. I really hope that Lakers trade him, and gave whoever they have to. Because, one more star and 10 other bad players would be god enough to actually get them further.

I honestly do not think that they have to keep him to have a success chance, give him, some other players, some picks, and you can get one good player and if that player is a shooter then we are going to see Lakers go into playoffs at least. Not even making the playoffs sounds quite weird to me honestly.

[Pamadar]

Latest I see in the trade is that free agent Markieff Morris has agreed with the Nets,  it's a one year deal so for good him.

That is a good pickup for the Nets.  He adds some much needed toughness out there with Ben, Kyrie, & KD.  I'd like to see the Nets pickup Dwight Howard too and I think they'd have a pretty solid unit.  Whiteside is another big man still without a home who I think has a lot left to give.  We'll probably see a few more free agent signings by the Nets over the next couple of weeks as we get ready to start the season.

Yes, maybe that's one reason why they added the veteran in Morris in their lineup. Claxton is still very young so he might not be as tough as Morris. But Markieff has the experienced already, he was with the Lakers when they won their last championship. So this is really a solid attention to the team. I'm not seeing Howard though, the Nets might go low with only Claxton as their center.

Nets need to add a veteran legit center, either signing Howard or Whiteside, not a scorer, but both can bring

good numbers of rebounds and block shots, they can give good minutes of rest for Claxton so the team can maximize this
young star and avoid major injuries.

Nets do have capabilities to acquire either or both. They still have a good amount of sal to sign veterans..

[btc_angela]

Latest I see in the trade is that free agent Markieff Morris has agreed with the Nets,  it's a one year deal so for good him.

That is a good pickup for the Nets.  He adds some much needed toughness out there with Ben, Kyrie, & KD.  I'd like to see the Nets pickup Dwight Howard too and I think they'd have a pretty solid unit.  Whiteside is another big man still without a home who I think has a lot left to give.  We'll probably see a few more free agent signings by the Nets over the next couple of weeks as we get ready to start the season.

Yes, maybe that's one reason why they added the veteran in Morris in their lineup. Claxton is still very young so he might not be as tough as Morris. But Markieff has the experienced already, he was with the Lakers when they won their last championship. So this is really a solid attention to the team. I'm not seeing Howard though, the Nets might go low with only Claxton as their center.

Nets need to add a veteran legit center, either signing Howard or Whiteside, not a scorer, but both can bring

good numbers of rebounds and block shots, they can give good minutes of rest for Claxton so the team can maximize this
young star and avoid major injuries.

Nets do have capabilities to acquire either or both. They still have a good amount of sal to sign veterans..

Any of them will be a good addition to the Nets, Howard still has the bounce and play good defense and rebound the ball so he will be a good addition. However, it seems that the Nets are not interested, they already sign Morris and then Royce from Utah. And then they have settled already with the Durant and Kyrie issues. So it seems that they already build their team in the coming season. Joe Harris might be back in the line up, so Seth Curry and him will be a deadly combination if they play both at at the same time for Nash.

[Yaunfitda]

So why not just trade Mitchell for Westbrook? isn't it possible?

I guess both are making at least $30 million per year, Westbrook probably has a higher salary than Mitchell, but Jazz are seeing Westbrook could bring the team to the championship, maybe they'll ask for the Lakers to trade Mitchell for him. I'm not so familiar with the trade rules, but is my thinking make sense?

I don't think the Jazz want just plain Westbrook on the offer. They are rebuilding and they want young players to be polished just like what they did with Gobert and Mitchell. If not young players that are in the league then future drafts will suffice, that's why a direct trade between Jazz and Lakers won't happen just like that.
They may split something from the Knicks that is why a three-way trade may happen. But these are all still rumors, we won't know what could happen until it's finalized although the Knicks do badly want Mitchell on their roster.

I guess so, it will not be a 1:1 trade that is gonna happen here. I'm happy if this trade will happen, at least these two players can again prove themselves in a new team. Mitchell going to the Knicks, it will give the team a big lift as he is really a superstar, it's just that in the playoffs he does not excel well to impact the team, hopefully with a new team he will.

Maybe yes or maybe he really a choke type of player, though the idea of being traded to Knicks is something that might give him a shot

in carrying the team to chase for the title, it's a good move for the Knicks if they are trying to bring this franchise to a winning or a title contender

team, Mitchell is a great addition. Just let Mitchell lead their offense and use all the help from his teammates in winning a game.

Everything will be announced in case there're changes that may take place, still quiet about this trade and all are just rumors.

Winning a championship with Mitchell, that's a hard task IMO. Maybe the best thing that will happen to the Nets is they will improve and will be in the playoffs not experiencing a 1st round exit again. Also, Randle himself is a big choker as well, so that's another problem the team has to fixed.

And that is why the Jazz are willing to trade Mitchell to the next and maybe Knicks is willing to accept because they need improvement. However, RJ has been sign to an extension and perhaps they need another team to make the trade and acquire Mitchell. Maybe it will be the Lakers, but who will it be? Westbrook has a huge contract as well so not sure if them are willing because by this time he should be dealt already. Randle will have to improved, he should played like 2 season ago wherein he carry the team to the playoffs but they choke against Atlanta. And then we see him game going down last season.

[inthelongrun]

One thing the Utah Jazz have at the moment is they are not in a hurry for a Mitchell trade. I was surprised they haven't accepted that offer from New York which for me was already good. Mitchell is still very young and his contract just started which makes the Jazz unpressured. And if the Jazz can take higher picks in the next draft then it may also persuade Mitchell to just stay provided management will start building around them.

I also find it hard for the Lakers to acquire Mitchell via the Westbrook trade since the earlier offer from New York is still better.

Indeed that's true. They are not in a hurry, it's not like Mitchell is a burden to them. It almost looked like an experiment to see what options they could receive if ever they put him on the market. Now, they know he is still of so much value that other teams will absorb him and offer a good trade.

Mitchell wants out of Utah though. Like most of the current NBA players' mentality, nobody wants to waste time playing in a rebuilding team. Good point though, especially if you're a star player with high potential. Gone are the old days when most players were loyal to their teams.

So this reminded me of what could have happened if Lebron remained at Cleveland. I believe it was Brandon Haywood signing with another team that sealed the fate. Lebron's leaving since Cleveland doesn't have a reliable center for the next season anymore. Provided Lebron stayed. Will he be able to take 4 rings? Can he bring the Cavaliers to 10 championship finals?