HarVeeGee13
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Rocco #45 to the Wolves.
The NBA Thread
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HarVeeGee13
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Proctor went to the Cavs and they say he'll be on the roster. Toohey to Golden State.
Looking forward to Free Agency with the draft in the rear window. Boston again making sure they are geared up for the 26-27 season through their draft moves.
The main two players talked about expecting to do an extension most recently are Austin Reaves and Devin Booker. Neither really surprising. This is already on top of Kyrie Irving and Fred Vanvleet who are already expected to stay at their respective teams.
List of 2025 Free Agents is here (you can filter out the type of FA or those that have player/team options) - https://www.spotrac.com/nba/free-agents
The main ones who have player options will be Lebron James, James Harden and Julius Randle, and the importance of what Naz Reid does as well for Wolves fans will be something to watch.
The Unrestricted Free Agents list isn't as impressive as it has been with some years (with the guys already expected to re-sign) and expected to re-sign after potentially opting out of player options but ones to look out for to be on the move will be Capela with the moves the Hawks have made, Myles Turner (no idea what they will do there), and the Wolves do have some interesting decisions to make with their players. Detroit have a few of their contributors and role players to consider too.
The Restricted FA list is the one where it’s interesting because teams can match any offer and where players are seeking a big pay day. Many are expected to stay with their respective teams but someone like Kuminga is an interesting one considering how he was used in the playoffs.
Considering the restraints in the cap I’m expecting maybe something more like a sign and trade for him.
The main two players talked about expecting to do an extension most recently are Austin Reaves and Devin Booker. Neither really surprising. This is already on top of Kyrie Irving and Fred Vanvleet who are already expected to stay at their respective teams.
List of 2025 Free Agents is here (you can filter out the type of FA or those that have player/team options) - https://www.spotrac.com/nba/free-agents
The main ones who have player options will be Lebron James, James Harden and Julius Randle, and the importance of what Naz Reid does as well for Wolves fans will be something to watch.
The Unrestricted Free Agents list isn't as impressive as it has been with some years (with the guys already expected to re-sign) and expected to re-sign after potentially opting out of player options but ones to look out for to be on the move will be Capela with the moves the Hawks have made, Myles Turner (no idea what they will do there), and the Wolves do have some interesting decisions to make with their players. Detroit have a few of their contributors and role players to consider too.
The Restricted FA list is the one where it’s interesting because teams can match any offer and where players are seeking a big pay day. Many are expected to stay with their respective teams but someone like Kuminga is an interesting one considering how he was used in the playoffs.
Considering the restraints in the cap I’m expecting maybe something more like a sign and trade for him.
HarVeeGee13
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Kyrie has extended with the Mavs already I think.
Timberwolves always feel like the hardest team to predict, they may have 4-5 different guys in their rotation vs 2024-25.
Timberwolves always feel like the hardest team to predict, they may have 4-5 different guys in their rotation vs 2024-25.
Yeah that literally had happened within the hours in comparison to a day or so ago when it was talked about. But all was expected.
Unsurprising moves from the biggest Free Agents going off the market, opting out/extending and Lebron opting in. Might be his last year? We'll see.
The Randle deal was good, the Naz deal was good. Wolves probably will lose NAW which will suck but hopefully the guys they've drafted fill in well. But even if you go with NAW/Reid over Randle someone has to play those minutes. Plus these deals keep them out of the second apron compared to if they kept Super Max Towns. So it's okay for the time being and they can run it back. Hope Edwards matures (heh).
Bulls did well to get Okoro. They were some trade talks about Lonzo trades before the deadline falling through which fell flat...so the extension made sense and was always going to be trade bait to the right team. Cavs shed salary and even if Lonzo gets injured again they can decline that 2027-28 team option. They will probably also lose Ty Jerome to FA as well.
That leaves us with the last eye opening deal, the Sexton and a second for Nurkic. Guess we'll find out on that one later...
Unsurprising moves from the biggest Free Agents going off the market, opting out/extending and Lebron opting in. Might be his last year? We'll see.
The Randle deal was good, the Naz deal was good. Wolves probably will lose NAW which will suck but hopefully the guys they've drafted fill in well. But even if you go with NAW/Reid over Randle someone has to play those minutes. Plus these deals keep them out of the second apron compared to if they kept Super Max Towns. So it's okay for the time being and they can run it back. Hope Edwards matures (heh).
Bulls did well to get Okoro. They were some trade talks about Lonzo trades before the deadline falling through which fell flat...so the extension made sense and was always going to be trade bait to the right team. Cavs shed salary and even if Lonzo gets injured again they can decline that 2027-28 team option. They will probably also lose Ty Jerome to FA as well.
That leaves us with the last eye opening deal, the Sexton and a second for Nurkic. Guess we'll find out on that one later...
Yeah it's funny but realistically the only team that would have been able to afford his salary (or thereabouts) were the Nets. So he kind of doesn't have a choice (other then opting out and retiring) or by a trade (waiving no trade clause). Which is easier as teams would be less hamstrung by cap and roster restrictions in comparison.
That said, if he sticks out the year and is a Free Agent this time next year, more teams have more cap space.
The main decision the Lakers will have to make is whether to keep Dorian Finney-Smith (already opted out) or use their Non-Tax MLE on a center (I assume). Would still have a bit of room to make other roster moves that said.
They could also go with both timelines. Let Lebron finish on his own terms (2025-26) start the Luka era afterwards. He's still young.
The Lakers have always treated their drafted legends well and on their own terms (Magic, Kobe)...others that have come through FA they aren't as fussed about (Shaq/AD/Dwight). I imagine Lebron may be an exemption...But who knows what this new ownership group is thinking.
Also Pelinka quite literally said going forward they're going to do everything and build everything around Luka...so it's a bit of an about face if he's waiting another 12-18 months, and possible (though unlikely) more for that to happen. So for Lebron/Rich to say that it's kinda like 'dude were you paying attention'.
The Buss' would have likely let him finish on his own terms as a thank you for the bubble ring, but new owners, new rules? We'll see...
That said, if he sticks out the year and is a Free Agent this time next year, more teams have more cap space.
The main decision the Lakers will have to make is whether to keep Dorian Finney-Smith (already opted out) or use their Non-Tax MLE on a center (I assume). Would still have a bit of room to make other roster moves that said.
They could also go with both timelines. Let Lebron finish on his own terms (2025-26) start the Luka era afterwards. He's still young.
The Lakers have always treated their drafted legends well and on their own terms (Magic, Kobe)...others that have come through FA they aren't as fussed about (Shaq/AD/Dwight). I imagine Lebron may be an exemption...But who knows what this new ownership group is thinking.
Also Pelinka quite literally said going forward they're going to do everything and build everything around Luka...so it's a bit of an about face if he's waiting another 12-18 months, and possible (though unlikely) more for that to happen. So for Lebron/Rich to say that it's kinda like 'dude were you paying attention'.
The Buss' would have likely let him finish on his own terms as a thank you for the bubble ring, but new owners, new rules? We'll see...
HarVeeGee13
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
The thing which is funny to me is that the only team that can and arguably should make mutually beneficial trades with the Lakers is... the Dallas Mavericks.
Dallas' biggest need this season will be a lead ball handler & they now have a massive logjam in the front court - Davis, Gafford, Lively, Flagg & Washington is a lot of guys, maybe not enough minutes to go around.
Lakers need a big boost to the frontcourt & there's a bit of redundancy between Luka, LeBron & Reaves, and lineups with those guys are bad defensively.
It's almost like Dallas built a roster specifically around Luka Doncic or something.
But after all the bad PR they're probably not trading with the Lakers again.
Hard to say what other options there are to upgrade around LeBron. Maybe there's something that can be done with the Blazers?
They're in a weird spot and the only player I would under no circumstances countenance trading is Luka. Their only real trade assets in that case are LeBron & Reaves. Arguably Dalton Knecht but I thought he looked *** tbh.
Dallas' biggest need this season will be a lead ball handler & they now have a massive logjam in the front court - Davis, Gafford, Lively, Flagg & Washington is a lot of guys, maybe not enough minutes to go around.
Lakers need a big boost to the frontcourt & there's a bit of redundancy between Luka, LeBron & Reaves, and lineups with those guys are bad defensively.
It's almost like Dallas built a roster specifically around Luka Doncic or something.
But after all the bad PR they're probably not trading with the Lakers again.
Hard to say what other options there are to upgrade around LeBron. Maybe there's something that can be done with the Blazers?
They're in a weird spot and the only player I would under no circumstances countenance trading is Luka. Their only real trade assets in that case are LeBron & Reaves. Arguably Dalton Knecht but I thought he looked *** tbh.
Before the season finished but after they knew they had #1 I know a few Mavs fans who already want to admit defeat with Kyrie and AD and focus on building the team around Flagg lol. Get guys you don't need for Kyrie and trade AD while he's healthy. Probably not possible now with extending Kyrie.
And of course above all else no way Nico will trade AD any time soon. One of the factors of the trade going through was that AD was fine with playing in (and staying in) Dallas.
As for Gafford, he is trade eligible still. So we will see how that one pans out.
That failed Mark Williams physical really was the downfall of Knecht. Lakers would have been nicely set going forward. Just a totally different player since. I wasn't as high on him as others but for where he was drafted I thought he was fine. Let's see if he can regain some of that confidence.
Then he gets traded to the Suns and they have no issues with any injuries.
And of course above all else no way Nico will trade AD any time soon. One of the factors of the trade going through was that AD was fine with playing in (and staying in) Dallas.
As for Gafford, he is trade eligible still. So we will see how that one pans out.
That failed Mark Williams physical really was the downfall of Knecht. Lakers would have been nicely set going forward. Just a totally different player since. I wasn't as high on him as others but for where he was drafted I thought he was fine. Let's see if he can regain some of that confidence.
Then he gets traded to the Suns and they have no issues with any injuries.
HarVeeGee13
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
DOMINAYTON.
Maaaaan he's such a pussy Ayton, but if he goes to the Lakers, feasts on easy lobs from Luka & LeBron and puts up 18/10 again, someone will come along with another bag. He'll probably be motivated to put together one good season for them.
Maaaaan he's such a pussy Ayton, but if he goes to the Lakers, feasts on easy lobs from Luka & LeBron and puts up 18/10 again, someone will come along with another bag. He'll probably be motivated to put together one good season for them.
HarVeeGee13
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
I got into the Spurs specifically because my mate at school who was a Lakers fan complained about them all the time lol. And went on about what a boring nerd Tim Duncan is. Boring nerds? Sounds like my team.
Per the Stein, they’re expected to sign D’Angelo Russell to a two year, $12m deal when Free Agency begins.
Not going to be a factor in the playoffs but for the regular season fill in and whilst Kyrie is eased back in it’s fine. The ideal contract
Hopefully some juicy deals to digest in the AM overnight
I wonder if the Lakers will look at Ben Simmons? I do remember a story a while ago about LeBron being the one to fix Ben Simmons. Might be a Shibasaki-esq redemption arc.
Edit: Oh wow, I didn't realise Josh Giddey was an unrestricted free agent. But still reportedly in discussions with the Bulls on a multi-year $30m/yr deal.
Edit: Oh wow, I didn't realise Josh Giddey was an unrestricted free agent. But still reportedly in discussions with the Bulls on a multi-year $30m/yr deal.
HarVeeGee13
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Sweet, got Luke Kornet. Clear sign the Spurs are actually trying to make the playoffs with a good seeding rather than do another development year/soft tank. Finally the defence won't crater the moment Wemby sits (can probably play some double big lineups too). Good to get a guy in that spot who actually understands how to play.
Would love to get Guerschon Yabusele too, Sochan/Castle* still a bit theoretical as the Swiss Army Knife connectors/defensive enforcers/interior mismatch hunters/offensive rebounders/inverted P&R guys you want to partner with Wemby, Fox etc due to both being borderline non-shooters. Yabu is perfect for that stuff even if he can only really guard other 4's or burly ball handlers right now.
(I know Castle has said he wants to be a point guard, but the most optimistic outcome for him as a PG is a Jrue Holiday type who's more of a complementary guy who does a lot of different stuff and provides great intangibles but is at best mediocre as a high usage on-ball lead guard... and in interviews I've heard him talk about how he sees himself as that type of player, pundits who suggest trading for Fox & drafting Harper steps on his toes haven't really paid enough attention there. The Spurs just gave him a lot of on-ball reps as a rookie to allow him to improve his playmaking and court vision, as they did with Sochan)
Would love to get Guerschon Yabusele too, Sochan/Castle* still a bit theoretical as the Swiss Army Knife connectors/defensive enforcers/interior mismatch hunters/offensive rebounders/inverted P&R guys you want to partner with Wemby, Fox etc due to both being borderline non-shooters. Yabu is perfect for that stuff even if he can only really guard other 4's or burly ball handlers right now.
(I know Castle has said he wants to be a point guard, but the most optimistic outcome for him as a PG is a Jrue Holiday type who's more of a complementary guy who does a lot of different stuff and provides great intangibles but is at best mediocre as a high usage on-ball lead guard... and in interviews I've heard him talk about how he sees himself as that type of player, pundits who suggest trading for Fox & drafting Harper steps on his toes haven't really paid enough attention there. The Spurs just gave him a lot of on-ball reps as a rookie to allow him to improve his playmaking and court vision, as they did with Sochan)
Rockets unsurprisingly one of the most active teams. With their cap space. Just really going hard now while they can which is good. Don’t want to be one of those higher seeds that gets bounced early again.
Denver did a good job getting Michael Porter Jr off the books and getting Cam Johnson in return not losing much there. Dicey timeline to give up an unprotected first round pick but he won’t affect the Nets timeline with all those rookie deals.
And getting Bruce Brown back at the minimum.
To me even though there were always options to find ways to get off MPJ I think they do (and should) believe in Braun taking the next step as well. Some bench guys will need to also take step up but they were solid at times when asked so it’s a fine risk. Especially with the savings
Denver did a good job getting Michael Porter Jr off the books and getting Cam Johnson in return not losing much there. Dicey timeline to give up an unprotected first round pick but he won’t affect the Nets timeline with all those rookie deals.
And getting Bruce Brown back at the minimum.
To me even though there were always options to find ways to get off MPJ I think they do (and should) believe in Braun taking the next step as well. Some bench guys will need to also take step up but they were solid at times when asked so it’s a fine risk. Especially with the savings