Best Moves of the 2019 NBA Offseason
The NBA summer 2019 free agency pool was filled with superstars and stars. Players left teams that they called home for years and other stars were traded. Here are my thoughts on the biggest moves of the summer so far:
Kemba Walker leaves Charlotte to join Boston: As a Hornets fan, this was a bitter sweet moment. I was glad to see Kemba go to a franchise that puts themselves in a position to compete every year while also getting max money. However, it hurts to see the Hornets greatest player walk away with nothing in return. Kemba was the only reason the Hornets were relevant and with him gone, bad contracts plus horrible management puts the Hornets in NBA Hell. This move proves Jordan is one of the worst executives in the NBA and should sell the team.
Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving team up in Brooklyn: It was pretty obvious Kevin Durant was leaving Golden State after clashes with Draymond and the way his injury was handled and we all knew Kyrie was gone after the first game of the season. However, speculations of the two teaming up started during the all star break and the rumors were true. The two stars decided to team up tp play for the Nets and not the Knicks like many people thought. I really liked this move because it puts another star duo in the league and gives KD a chance to prove he can win it elsewhere, although he has to wait a year.
Kawhi goes home to the Clippers and brings Paul George with him: Everyone was wondering why Kawhi took so long to choose his destination and we finally know why, he was giving Jerry West time to give him another star to play with in LA. Every analyst was wrong. Stories like “Clippers out, Lakers and Raptors are still in the race” came out and many thought Kawhi to the Lakers was a done deal. Jerry West was able to get Paul George out of OKC and pair him with Kawhi and I am glad that he didn’t end up with the Lakers. The duo will now battle with Lebron and AD every year and it should be fun. This trade also opens up many scenarios to get Russell Westbrook out of OKC but I’ll leave that for another time.
Lebron gets his wish and gets Anthony Davis: It took a long time but the Lakers and Pelicans finally got the Anthony Davis trade done. The Pelicans were able to acquire Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, and draft picks which turned into Jaxson Hayes all for Anthony Davis. Although they weren’t able to sway Kawhi, the duo of AD and Lebron still keeps them at Contenders for the title. This trade also makes the future of New Orleans very bright. Lonzo, Brandon, and Josh along with draft picks Zion Williamson and Jaxson Hayes makes this a very young, exciting core to watch in the near future.
Deangelo Russell to the Bay Area: Although it seemed like KD left GSW with bad blood, he did allow Brooklyn and Golden State to get a deal done that would send all star guard Deangelo Russell to the Bay. Many think they will use him as trade bait but he can’t be traded until December and he is a young talented player who will thrive with Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson is also out until February so why not keep him? He’d easily be the 2nd scorer and help keep a depleted Golden State alive.
Warriors retain Kevon Looney for cheap: The big man was due for a big pay day after his great post season performance. He showed the ability to switch onto guards, rebound, and finish in the 2018-2019 post season. Many thought he would end up signing elsewhere due to cap limitations in Golden State but he stayed for less than expected and will look to help return the Warriors to glory.
Malcolm Brogdon joins Victor in Indiana: The retirement of Darren Collinson shocked many but the Pacers were able to add former rookie of the year Malcolm Brogdon to pair with Victor Oladipo. This move brings defense to an already defensive loaded roster and could take the Pacers further than expected.
Jimmy Butler finds a home: This is Jimmy Butler’s 4th team but this time, he chose. Butler signed with the Miami Heat, leaving Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid. To me, this move was about lifestyle and playing style. He goes to a starless squad where he can be the man and also live In South Beach, sounds like the perfect life for a man like Jimmy Butler.
These were my “top moves” of the offseason so far and I am sure we aren’t done yet. This offseason has been more exciting than any NBA season in a while and the balancing of the league with stars going to different teams across the league does put a smile on my face.
