After the shortest NBA offseason in history, games are already starting again today. Although the offseason was short, there were still plenty of big trades and contract extensions. Below I will highlight the biggest news that occurred during the offseason, and who are the favorites for this season.
Biggest Trades:
Holiday to Bucks: In November, the Pelican’s traded point guard and shooting guard Jrue Holiday to the Milwaukee Bucks. Holiday averaged 17.6 points per game, 4.2 rebounds, 6.8 assist, and 1.2 steals over the last seven seasons in New Orleans. Holiday helped the Pelicans on defense tremendously as well and will be an important part of trying to get Giannis a championship.
Westbrook to Wizards for Wall: The Houston Rockets and Washington Wizards made a trade between two star point guards. The Houston Rockets traded Russel Westbrook after just one year in Houston to the Washington Wizards in exchange for John Wall. Westbrook apparently requested a trade due to concerns over the Rockets casual culture and his desire to “just play his game”. John Wall has played in Washington for nine seasons after being selected by them with the first pick in the 2010 draft. Wall has not played in two years due to Achilles and knee injuries. The Rockets are hoping the acquisition of Wall will help keep James Harden in Houston.
Hayward to Charlotte: The Boston Celtics traded shooting guard and small forward Gordon Hayward to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for draft picks. Hayward is a veteran and has spent ten years in the league in which he averages 15.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists.
The major talk in Houston has been James Harden's lack of a trade. Harden apparently requested to be traded this offseason and showed up late to the preseason because he attended a rapper's birthday party in Las Vegas. The Rockets have not traded Harden yet, but the rumors continue to swirl about possible teams that are working on deals. Many people close to the Rockets say that Harden is used to always getting what he wants, and the fact that Houston has not traded him yet is not settling well.
Big Deals:
The Lakers made sure that their two star players will be playing together for at least two more seasons. Lebron James agreed to a two-year $85 million extension. James will be 38 by the time this is up and will have played 20 seasons in the NBA. Anthony Davis signed a five-year $190 million deal. Davis and James played great together in their championship run this year, and look hard to stop.
The leagues reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo decided to stay in Milwaukee last week. He signed a five-year, $228 million supermax contract with an opt out option after the fourth year. After the deal, Antetokounmpo tweeted: “This is my home, this is my city.. I’m blessed to be able to be a part of the Milwaukee Bucks for the next 5 years. Let’s make these years count. The show goes on, let’s get it”.
Best Odds to Win:
Lakers: The Lakers are returning most of the championship team, and are the current favorites in the West. If the Lakers can stay healthy, it will be very hard to beat them.
Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo, the MVP of the last two years, is returning along with some new additions. The Bucks have had the best regular season record the past two seasons, but have struggled in the playoffs. They will hope to change that narrative this season.
Clippers: The Clippers had a disappointing playoffs in the bubble, but stars Paul George and Kawhai Lenard will be returning this season under a new head coach. Paul George has famously struggled in the playoffs, but will look to avenge that this season.
Nets: The Nets have a new coach in Hall of Fame player Steve Nash and will have Kevin Durant back from his achilles injury. The Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving duo is expected to be a major threat.
Preseason MVP Favorites:
Luka Donovic, Mavericks
Anthony Davis, Lakers
Steph Curry, Warriors
Kevin Durant, Nets
Lebron James, Lakers
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