2025 NBA Season

[danherbias07]

Phoenix Suns new contender for championship?

Ayton - Booker - Durant - Paul

Which team has the biggest advantage after trades?

The Suns' starting lineup looks really impressive on paper after this deal. However, I think it's too early to call this team a contender for the championship because there are a lot of strong teams in the Western Conference. I mean, the way to the final series will be difficult for the Suns. Also, we still don't know whether Durant and Booker will be able to share the ball or not.

It's not just the sharing too. It's the holes that were left by Bridges and Johnson. First, Defense. Torrey Craig and Josh Okogie will need to step up their game one more notch. Bridges is known for his steals and sometimes a block because of his long arm span, and it's not just that but he has the speed to defend guards too.
CP3 and Booker will deal with a lot of switches especially when they are up against teams whose guards are their stars. i.e. Ja Morant, SGA, Mitchell, Luka, and more.
Phoenix Suns may look menacing on the offensive end but I want to see how they will perform defensively without Bridges anymore.
As of sharing the ball, there will always be a CP3 to handle that.

[cryptomaniac_xxx]

Phoenix Suns new contender for championship?

Ayton - Booker - Durant - Paul

Which team has the biggest advantage after trades?

The Suns' starting lineup looks really impressive on paper after this deal. However, I think it's too early to call this team a contender for the championship because there are a lot of strong teams in the Western Conference. I mean, the way to the final series will be difficult for the Suns. Also, we still don't know whether Durant and Booker will be able to share the ball or not.

It's not just the sharing too. It's the holes that were left by Bridges and Johnson. First, Defense. Torrey Craig and Josh Okogie will need to step up their game one more notch. Bridges is known for his steals and sometimes a block because of his long arm span, and it's not just that but he has the speed to defend guards too.
CP3 and Booker will deal with a lot of switches especially when they are up against teams whose guards are their stars. i.e. Ja Morant, SGA, Mitchell, Luka, and more.
Phoenix Suns may look menacing on the offensive end but I want to see how they will perform defensively without Bridges anymore.
As of sharing the ball, there will always be a CP3 to handle that.

Okogie or Damion Lee might be the one replacing the twins, Cam Johnson and Mikhail Bridges departure from the Suns roster. Even Ayton has hard time digesting the event leading up to acquiring Durant, but this is the brutal business of basketball everyone is dispensable.

So let's look at the lineup, Durant, Booker, CP3 and Ayton plus one. I think that is solid already and it can play defense too.

Unless they are really trying to go full defense, then maybe they are going to rotate more.

[Blitzboy]

The NBA went a really crazy trades in the last 48 hrs. The Lakers could've obtained Kyrie if the Nets did not demand too much for the trade. However, the Lakers have somehow upgraded their roster. I'm not sure how this will turn out for them but they've got shooters and rebounder. The most recent one they acquired was Mo Mamba, he's traded for Pat Bev.
On the other side, the Phoenix Suns immediately became the heave favorites to win the championship this year after acquiring KD. What a crazy big 4.

Man I love Pat Bev, he's such a sympathetic guy. Lakers made the right move though, sending a veteran to get a young Center looks like a good deal. Now this trade is understandable as they sent Thomas Bryant for almost nothing.
After this trade deadline I should check latest rosters to weigh positives and negatives as this is one of the busiest deadline days last years.

I couldn't agree with you more; Pat Bev is a fantastic athlete and a really kind person. Because of this, I understand why you adore him. Getting a young, talented center like Bamba was a smart decision by the Lakers. His potential is high, and I believe he will be a good match for the Lakers.

What happens at the trade deadline is usually a fascinating storyline. As you say, there were a number of major shifts on what was one of the busiest deadline days in recent memory. Given the little tools they had, the Lakers succeeded well. I believe that acquiring Beasley was one of the most undervalued decisions of the deadline and that he will have a major impact for them.

[inthelongrun]

The Lakers rearmed themselves and are making great deals. If they remain healthy, they seemed very serious about becoming a championship contender once again. As per Dallas, Suns, and Brooklyn trades, I wish KD was just sent to Dallas to team up with Luka. Kardashian bad luck is still on Booker and CP3. But actually, I really thought that Luka and KD make a great combo. Kyrie's dramatic skills should be in Phoenix.

And why is it that the Miami Heat aren't making any moves before the deadline? From keeping cap space in order to chase Giannis and then to KD to nothing.    

[Yogee]

....
And why is it that the Miami Heat aren't making any moves before the deadline? From keeping cap space in order to chase Giannis and then to KD to nothing.

It's not surprising anymore. I don't remember any big trades they have done since JB. There are still rumors about Westbrook contract buyout with the Jazz and one of the teams that's interested to get him is the Heat. He's probably better than Lowry right now so he could find a good place there.

[Smack That Ace]

The Lakers rearmed themselves and are making great deals. If they remain healthy, they seemed very serious about becoming a championship contender once again. As per Dallas, Suns, and Brooklyn trades, I wish KD was just sent to Dallas to team up with Luka. Kardashian bad luck is still on Booker and CP3. But actually, I really thought that Luka and KD make a great combo. Kyrie's dramatic skills should be in Phoenix.

And why is it that the Miami Heat aren't making any moves before the deadline? From keeping cap space in order to chase Giannis and then to KD to nothing.    

I am also hopeful about the Lakers. But the problem is they need to improve a lot. And they also have to be very consistent if they want to actually find success. The way they are playing right now, I do not know if they honestly will be able to become the championship contender once again.

Do not hear anything special from Miami Heat right now. I heard they were actually interested in Gordon. But I also have not heard anything about that recently as well.

Regards

Duke

[Jating]

....
And why is it that the Miami Heat aren't making any moves before the deadline? From keeping cap space in order to chase Giannis and then to KD to nothing.

It's not surprising anymore. I don't remember any big trades they have done since JB. There are still rumors about Westbrook contract buyout with the Jazz and one of the teams that's interested to get him is the Heat. He's probably better than Lowry right now so he could find a good place there.

Yeah, there is still chance for Miami to get Russ since they are somewhat interested on him. I think Lowry is way past his prime already, injury prone and no longer the same guard that we have seen him in Raptors uniform.

Bucks too get a good player in Jae Crowder, can play good defense and then score as well.

Lakers upgraded their roster, but might not be enough for this season to carry them to the playoffs.

[OgNasty]

Lakers upgraded their roster, but might not be enough for this season to carry them to the playoffs.

We'll see how well the new guys fit in.  I actually really like the idea of Mo Bamba and LeBron James on the floor together.  I think they will either be a terrifying matchup on the floor or will not work at all.  Similar to how I felt about Russ and Bron, which didn't work out.  DLo could be a big spark as well.  I don't consider him much of a spot up shooter, but I assume he's capable of it.  He's definitely going to be getting the most wide open shots of his career.  My question is when do we get to see them in action?  Saturday vs the Warriors on ABC maybe?

[Baofeng]

Lakers upgraded their roster, but might not be enough for this season to carry them to the playoffs.

We'll see how well the new guys fit in.  I actually really like the idea of Mo Bamba and LeBron James on the floor together.  I think they will either be a terrifying matchup on the floor or will not work at all.  Similar to how I felt about Russ and Bron, which didn't work out.  DLo could be a big spark as well.  I don't consider him much of a spot up shooter, but I assume he's capable of it.  He's definitely going to be getting the most wide open shots of his career.  My question is when do we get to see them in action?  Saturday vs the Warriors on ABC maybe?

Not really sure if they will be ready, I will assume that they will have to go to some test before playing? D'Lo might benefit from James though, we all know that Lebron loves to dribble penetrate and then pass outside, during their championship stint he has the luxury to it, with KCP, Caruso, Avery Bradley and Kuzma. So hopefully D'Lo can fill that role.

Of course the biggest winner in this year's trade is Suns and I would say that Lakers is second.

[terrific]

With all these trades, I am optimistic of what OKC is standing for. They're all having the first and second pick advantages that are about to come.
They'll for sure going to pick all of those great prospects during the draft and this is what they're focusing on.
While some teams are focusing on the current state of the team, there goes this team that are preparing themselves for the future.

[SquallLeonhart]

I am not sure what the Trail Blazers are trying to achieve. Future second-round picks? Dame is getting older, do it now! I bet that dude is frustrated again as this management is not giving him what he wants.

The Warriors might have seen how weak they are now on the defensive end especially against guards after the game yesterday versus the Blazers. Damian Lillard only made 1 field goal in long-distance shot and yet he made 33 points to win the game. That's not normal. It means he had been successfully attacking the paint in an easy path.

I think Blazers do not try to aim during the Dame era, but afterwards. It's obvious that they have failed to put a team around Dame, and I do not think that they can start doing that right now, it's too late for that or even if not, they won't be able to provided that they haven't already. However, they could get future second round picks turn into one first round pick, and a high one at that as well.

It means that they could have a season with 2 first round picks that are high, and could build a good team after Dame, or when Dame is older at least and that could help them a bit. Look at the past 10 years or so, Portland failed to make a good team and I am sure they will keep on failing at that.

[blockman]

Phoenix Suns new contender for championship?

Ayton - Booker - Durant - Paul

Which team has the biggest advantage after trades?

No doubt that it's them. Yeah, they're now a contender for the championship but that doesn't mean it's a guarantee for them.
Mavs also got a good addition so, this would really means that too many teams now are too good to be considered as a top caliber for this season. Lakers as well.

[wheelz1200]

Phoenix Suns new contender for championship?

Ayton - Booker - Durant - Paul

Which team has the biggest advantage after trades?

No doubt that it's them. Yeah, they're now a contender for the championship but that doesn't mean it's a guarantee for them.
Mavs also got a good addition so, this would really means that too many teams now are too good to be considered as a top caliber for this season. Lakers as well.

I haven't looked yet but they have to have the highest odds.  This literally is the best situation for Durant.  He doesn't need to bring the ball up and is going to have cp setting the table for him lol.  If everyone stays healthy not a single team is going to want to deal with them.

[mirakal]

The NBA went a really crazy trades in the last 48 hrs. The Lakers could've obtained Kyrie if the Nets did not demand too much for the trade. However, the Lakers have somehow upgraded their roster. I'm not sure how this will turn out for them but they've got shooters and rebounder. The most recent one they acquired was Mo Mamba, he's traded for Pat Bev.
On the other side, the Phoenix Suns immediately became the heave favorites to win the championship this year after acquiring KD. What a crazy big 4.

Man I love Pat Bev, he's such a sympathetic guy. Lakers made the right move though, sending a veteran to get a young Center looks like a good deal. Now this trade is understandable as they sent Thomas Bryant for almost nothing.
After this trade deadline I should check latest rosters to weigh positives and negatives as this is one of the busiest deadline days last years.

Yes, Pat Bev will surely be missed wearing the yellow-purple jersey just like Russell Westbrook, but we should move-on as well like how the NBA moved-on after the all the trades happened just recently. So much surprising news every now and then about these trades, the Bucks as well is taking a move by taking Jae Crowder by sending some of their players with few 3rd round picks.

[Japinat]

CP3, Durant, Booker, and Ayton, yeah that will be scary.

Kyrie Irving reacts to Kevin Durant trade from Nets to Suns: 'I'm just glad that he got out of there'

Just as I thought it was Kyrie who will push KD to get out. #Brotherhood.
https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/kyrie-irving-reacts-to-kevin-durant-trade-from-nets-to-suns-im-just-glad-that-he-got-out-of-there/

I'm not sure how all of these will work out for the Brooklyn Nets, it looks like a tough situation to be in, but I'm really glad they let go of both KD and Kyrie together there's no point letting one go and keeping the other, and the Brooklyn Nets will be better off in a couple of years with this decision even if not immediately, because now they're having a younger squad with less ego.

As for the Suns, I smell trouble in paradise, but I hope I am actually wrong on this because, it's a different thing to look scary and to actually be scary, I'm sure we had a similar opinion of Brooklyn Nets with James Harden, Kyrie and Durant on the same roster, and I'd say that looked more scarier than this Phoenix Suns, but it might all ball down to the chemistry and relationship they are able to build at end the of the day though, but I guess we can only just imagine until it begins to happen, right?

It was just unfortunate for the Brooklyn Nets because they poured a big amount just to settle Kevin Durant's and Kyrie Irving's contract but in the end, this is what they got. Started with a Big Three and was replaced by another Big Three, now they are a star-less team once again. But that's okay, they aren't that unfortunate because they had a good package in-exchange for KD. It's time for them to rebuild the team again and yes, that will take some time.

For the Suns, I like their move because I just want as well that CP3 will earn his 1st ring before he retires. But after thinking about it, I guess it won't be an easy journey as they are now packed with players with histories. Let's see soon how would the Valley react about their new add-on.

[blockman]

Phoenix Suns new contender for championship?

Ayton - Booker - Durant - Paul

Which team has the biggest advantage after trades?

No doubt that it's them. Yeah, they're now a contender for the championship but that doesn't mean it's a guarantee for them.
Mavs also got a good addition so, this would really means that too many teams now are too good to be considered as a top caliber for this season. Lakers as well.

I haven't looked yet but they have to have the highest odds.  This literally is the best situation for Durant.  He doesn't need to bring the ball up and is going to have cp setting the table for him lol.  If everyone stays healthy not a single team is going to want to deal with them.

I agree with the latter part. It's always on how healthy everyone is going to survive the season until they reach their goal, which could be the playoffs, semis, and even the finals.
A team that does have healthy stars are likely the one to be landing the goal of every team and that's to be part of those that I have mentioned. KD surely can go everywhere and I just find it odd this time that the Nets was able to trade him quickly unlike the last time when they're also looking to trade him but no team has taken him.

[Pamadar]

Phoenix Suns new contender for championship?

Ayton - Booker - Durant - Paul

Which team has the biggest advantage after trades?

No doubt that it's them. Yeah, they're now a contender for the championship but that doesn't mean it's a guarantee for them.
Mavs also got a good addition so, this would really means that too many teams now are too good to be considered as a top caliber for this season. Lakers as well.

With this changes they can be considered as good contender  for this seasons title,  though I agree that it isn't a guarantee for them to win a title.

It will still depends from how they will utilize  KD and how they will adjust with the system that they will include KD from the rotation.

So many strong superteams now, it will nice to see great  competition as it will benefits the fans a lot.

[freedomgo]

Nets, Suns Agree On Kevin Durant Trade
The Suns will acquire Kevin Durant from the Nets in exchange for Mikal Bridges, Cameron Johnson, four first-round picks and more draft consideration, tweets Shams Charania of The Athletic.

https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2023/02/nets-suns-agree-on-kevin-durant-trade.html

I'm quite sure that the Lakers can't afford that kind of trade because they doesn't have that much luxury anymore to give four 1st-round picks and a swap pick, and then giving away 3 players. But at least, Durant was traded to his preferred team as that's what he said last season.

Well, this time the Suns has a great chance of winning a championship. They mess up their chance before, but with Durant now, I believe they will b a better team. They have a great point guard who can also shoot, so having Durant and Booker will make them a very dangerous team.

Yes, that indeed mean that the Suns won't be the same anymore and the team who used to choke in the playoffs even after having a good run. This time, it will be a lot different because a new Big 4 of the Suns has been formed and the point god will not be having a hard time anymore to use his mastery when it comes to laying the table for the team because they now have a new additional which happens to be a very reliable shooter.

[YuginKadoya]

Phoenix Suns new contender for championship?

Ayton - Booker - Durant - Paul

Which team has the biggest advantage after trades?

It pretty the Phoenix Suns got their upgrade, but right now Kevin Durant is out and injured when he returns that will be the worst case for the other teams and the teams that are not in the seed for the playoffs because when Chris Paul, Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton, and Kevin Durant are playing this could surely be a death lineup for the other teams, but regarding this team, I think the Los Angeles Lakers had a great upgrade aswell, from ejecting Russell WestBrick they have gotten an incredible upgrade, D'Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley, and Rui Hachimura, imagine this 3 with Lebron James and Anthony Davis this is a scary team for sure, but right now the Los Angeles Lakers have a lot of catching up to do because they were way below the standings, I was surely surprised they have got a chance in taking out WestBrick, and for me Utah Jazz just got a downgrade in getting WestBrick in the team, Sorry WestBrick fans but this is my opinion,

Yes, their is a huge tip on the balance, now the West is pretty much stack up, when KD and Kyrie move to Suns and Dallas respectively. As for the Nets, they got a good picks as well so it's time for them to rebuild anew. Lakers did move a lot of pieces, but the question, is the move too late for them to get at least to a playoff spot? They are in the 13th spot so there are a lot of winnings that they need in order to at least vie for a play-in this season. For now I wouldn't comment on the chemistry of KD and the Suns, too early to see what's going to happen.

Well, right now the Los Angeles Lakers are in a very difficult spot, but all they need to do is keep winning this, but can they keep on winning, right now it is really hard to say if they can make it to the playoffs, but after Lebron James break the all-time record he is starting to get hungry, and this time the championship he really wants to be champion this season, for what is this for but surely it will be a tough season for the Los Angeles Lakers for sure even though they have gotten Beasley, Hachimura and Russell (Not WestBrick),

[wheelz1200]

Phoenix Suns new contender for championship?

Ayton - Booker - Durant - Paul

Which team has the biggest advantage after trades?

No doubt that it's them. Yeah, they're now a contender for the championship but that doesn't mean it's a guarantee for them.
Mavs also got a good addition so, this would really means that too many teams now are too good to be considered as a top caliber for this season. Lakers as well.

I haven't looked yet but they have to have the highest odds.  This literally is the best situation for Durant.  He doesn't need to bring the ball up and is going to have cp setting the table for him lol.  If everyone stays healthy not a single team is going to want to deal with them.

I agree with the latter part. It's always on how healthy everyone is going to survive the season until they reach their goal, which could be the playoffs, semis, and even the finals.
A team that does have healthy stars are likely the one to be landing the goal of every team and that's to be part of those that I have mentioned. KD surely can go everywhere and I just find it odd this time that the Nets was able to trade him quickly unlike the last time when they're also looking to trade him but no team has taken him.

Between Durant and cp3 and book they've been out a decent amount this year.  Suns will probably "manage" minutes while competing for the top 4 slots in the west to assure 1st round home court.  At least kd and cp3 they are on the wrong side of time in terms of nba minutes.  Hope they all male a run in the playoffs they will be fun to watch.