NBA Insider Stephen Kimball
The NBA offseason has commenced and is now in full swing, the NBA draft was predictable in the top half but saw big names like Bol Bol slide to the second round being selected 44th by the Heat but then was traded to the Denver Nuggets. With Zion Willamson being selected in New Orleans to team up with Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, and Jrue Holiday the Pelicans look like a young team on the rise. The Memphis Grizzlies are all in on youth as they traded away longtime franchise point guard Mike Conley to make way for his replacement number 2 pick Ja Morant. Ja Morant is an explosive point guard out of Murray State that made his mark in the NCAA season and tournament run making him the easy choice over number 3 pick R.J. Barrett. Speaking of which the Knicks took R.J. with the 3rd pick and look for him to resurrect the franchise alongside Dennis Smith Jr. Going along with the Duke roots talented shooting guard Cam Reddish dropped all the way to 10th as the Hawks traded back up to pair him with Trae Young. Cam had an underwhelming season at Duke which led to his slide on the draft boards. This year’s NBA draft has produced much excitement for teams looking for a fresh start and also to teams looking to bolster strong rosters the next step will be free agency.
Leading into the start of free agency on July 1st there is a lot of news going around with some of the biggest names. First off, Kevin Durant declined his player option with the Warriors looking for either the supermax or to move to a new team. Reports indicate that he may be on the move as he is unhappy with the Warriors either blaming them for his Achilles tear or just the rough season he had with the organization and team. His move could send shockwaves through the league even if he doesn’t play all of next season; his decision could go hand and hand with Kyrie Irving. As the two superstars have been rumored to be in communication about wanting to go the same team, that team could be the Brooklyn Nets as they have the cap space and would be willing to let Durant heal from his injury and not rush him back. However, before signing Kyrie, it has been reported that they want him and Durant, not one or the other. This means that without Durant the Nets may just go back and sign young budding star D’Angelo Russell, if they do sign Kyrie they will let Russell walk which could be huge for the Los Angelos Lakers as they are targeting a reunion with Russell.
Russell could be the perfect player to pair with Lebron and Anthony Davis as he can be an off the ball point guard that is a pure scorer when needed. He can create for himself like Irving could with James but can also play off ball and can just spot up for threes. The Lakers were rumored to be targeting Irving, but if the Nets sign him, they will put themselves in an excellent spot for Russell; who has indicated that a return would be welcomed. Continuing with Point Guards the next most prominent name is Kemba Walker, he has been a long time member of the Charlotte Hornets who may be looking for a new team to get himself into the playoffs. The Celtics are the front runner for Kemba Walkers services as they have no faith that Irving will return. Walker could be a good pairing for the Celtics as he adds elite scoring and not the same amount of attention that Irving brought to the team.
The other two biggest names in free agency is Kawhi Leonard and Jimmy Bulter; they are both talented two-way players. Some teams are looking to pair them up to make a fierce duo the leading team is the Los Angelos Clippers as they have put all focus onto Kawhi trying to bring him back to his home state. The Clippers have shifted focus from Kevin Durant and want another healthy big name to pair with Kawhi if he signs, the perfect match seems to be Jimmy Butler. Jimmy Butler and Kawhi Leonard are top defenders and are top scorers that can create a shot for themselves. If the Clippers can add both players, they would instantly put themselves among the top defensive teams in the league even better than they were last season. This all is dependent on if Kawhi Leonard decides to leave the now defending champion Toronto Raptors, as he did decline his player option, but it is to sign a long term deal with either the Raptors or another team. What Kawhi will do is unknown, but he is the biggest fish in free agency after his incredible season and playoff run where he took down the Golden State Warriors and their potential dynasty.
