[HitsterParticipant]

Looks like Pascal Siakam is signing $189 million 4 year deal with the Pacers. I don’t know if other teams could offer him more but they apart from say Philly would be unlikely to be a play off team/contender like the Pacers are. He did well with the Pacers both regular and full season and was a key part in them reaching their first conference season in a decade. Sure they were swept by Boston but they want to stay in contention as a winning team so the deal makes sense.as it fits in with Tyrese Haliburton’s deal.

The deal is a hefty one but it isn’t 5 years so seems fair and isn’t the max I think Siakam could have taken.

[NorrinRaddParticipant]

Boston dominated during the playoffs, but considering the Pacers sort of just assembled their roster how it is recently, they could be in contention sooner rather than later for sure. Good call and good seeing your here!

[HitsterParticipant]

If all teams have their rosters fit I’d say Pacers are 4th or 5th best team in the Eastern Conference. The Celtics, Bucks, 76ers and maybe Knicks I’d rank ahead of them. The Magic have upside and maybe the Cavs too. Miami can retool too. But to give Tyrese Haliburton’a quality running mate the Siakam deal made sense and the Pacers made the Conference final. They gave up this year’s two first rounders but the deep play off run made that worth it and the only other pick dues is a top 4 protected 2026 so there is little downside risk on that with Siakam and Tyrese still on the roster then.

[NorrinRaddParticipant]

Imo the Magic and the Cavs are both right there with your top teams… but PHI goes down a peg for just not even having a roster assembled. For PHI, it seems like Embiid… and then who knows – can’t quite put them at the top. Playoff team probably with Embiid alone, but there’s mystery. I think I’d go Eastern Conference atm Celtics – tier 1 then Knicks/Bucks/Magic/Cavs/Pacers all tier 2. Philly is probably the 7th or 8th team next year unless they get the best haul ever in free agency imo… but then again I got a whopping 3 points in playoff pick em, so what do I know? hahaha.

[NorrinRaddParticipant]

Not so much player movement, but the Lakers just signed JJ Redick as HC at 6 years for 70 million. Interesting match with LeBron.

[NorrinRaddParticipant]

Wow, Caruso for Giddey trade just happened too… Good trade for both teams imo.

[HitsterParticipant]

JJ has been huped as a HC for a few years since he retired. He was an outstanding college player but it wasn’t until he went to the Clippers and then Philly that he really blossomed as a player. Clearly has a great insight into the game and could have great coaching potential. Whether beginning at one of the biggest teams in the NBA is the right move and with never having done an assistant’s role it is a gamble.

I don’t worry about him being LBJ’s HC as at this stage of his career LBJ isn’t in a position to question or undermine and he doesn’t have major heat for doing this. It’s not like it was say peak Kobe when Phil retired or left for the first time.

Ny Times says JJ’s contract is $8 million per season over 4 years so not sure what right figure is.

I thought Giddey for Caruso was was lopsided in Chicago’s favour and did wonder whether those allegations against Giddey might have factored into this despite being unproven. But when you look at what OKC have already got on their roster and with Giddey being up for renewal it could be a bit of housekeeping to ensure cap flexability when the 2022 guys like Chet need their deals renewing. The Great Caruso gives OKC a lock down defender which is vital for deep play off runs and if they can extend him they have a great role player in situ.

Giddey will likely get the keys at the Bulls and potentially has Zach LaVine as his backcourt partner. Lonzo will come off the cap next summer so Giddey’s extension can easily kick in then. We don’t know if DeRozan will return so Bulls can offer him a very nice extension. I wasn’t a fan of the yrade at first but now I like it.

[NorrinRaddParticipant]

JJ and LeBron have done Youtube together before I’m pretty sure… I think it’s an interesting pairing, but can work for sure… Not sure what figure is right, ESPN was the source I got my info from, but now I look it up and it’s 8 million a year… go figure.

[HitsterParticipant]

JJ is a rich guy from his playing career and well remunerated from his media work. But will be one of the lower paid NBA Head Coaches. Dan Hurley’s offer was $72 million over 6 years and that was outside the top 5 highest paid NBA coaches so was in some ways considered a low ball offer if they really wanted him. The Lakers 2nd most successful franchise ever and one of the top 3 most highly valued. So it was seen reasonable they should have one of the top 3 of minimum top 5 best paid HCs in some people’s views.

Has there been any talk on what JJ’s staff will be, can he fully choose his own or maybe only bring in one or two assistants. He’d likely be expected and maybe wants him to have a former experienced HC as his deputy or a very experienced deputy.

[NorrinRaddParticipant]

Hasn’t been much talk on who his assistants are, other than opinions on ESPN that I’ve seen or heard. Those are only opinions though. I think most people agree it will probably be an experienced former HC.

[NorrinRaddParticipant]

Pretty big trade just happened. Knicks are trying to win. They just picked up Mikal Bridges for Bogdanovic and a bunch of picks… 4 unprotected 1st round picks, a protected on via MIL and an unprotected pick swap and a second round pick… That’s a big haul for Bridges though…

[NorrinRaddParticipant]

Rumor of Brandon Ingram getting traded soon too.

[HitsterParticipant]

Insane amount of picks for Bridges who is a good player and a top level defender but not an All Star level player.Also he is pushing 28 so its not like Knicks have got a guy with a load of untapped upside who may be not far off his tookie deal.

[NorrinRaddParticipant]

Jalen Brunson, Donte DiVincenzo, Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges… Go Villanova!!!

[HitsterParticipant]

Bam Adebayo is going to sign a 3 year $166 million extension with the Heat when the FA market opens. He has two years left on his current deal so this extension will cover 26/27 to 28/29. That will take Bam up until he is nearly 32 and effectively ties him to the Heat for the majority of what should be his peak years.

Good deal for both teams IMO.

[HitsterParticipant]

With the package the Knicks have given up for Bridges you’d think it would be for a franchise level /top 20 NBA player. Bridges is good and I have a soft spot for him from his Phoenix days but on the Knicks he’ll only be 3rd or possibly 4th best player after Brunson and Randle depending on whether OG resigns and how we rate hom and Bridges.

[BothTeamsPlayedHard-Participant]

They are assembling a team that makes sense, especially if they keep OG. It is pricey, but the Knicks haven’t been so far as the conference finals since 2000. Take a chance. They aren’t lacking revenue to pay the tax, and they picks to worry about are 2029 and 2031. Still, if they can make themselves into something more than a laughingstock, they might be able to big market their way through their next rebuild five years from now. Plus, we do not know if the 2029 or 2031 drafts will have difference makers, or whether the at best 14% chance for a total bum comes through.

[HitsterParticipant]

The Knicks aren’t that far off and as you say BTPH the picks are a long way in the future. Also I agree the Knicks are a big market team so should be in mix for top FAs so if they keep the contracts of the key players on a similar timeline they don’t have to worry about the draft like some teams do.

But I still think the price is high but Sean Marks got a great deal almost Danny Ainge like.

[BothTeamsPlayedHard-Participant]

The Nets have draft picks, but is Sean Marks going to be around to make those picks? His big failing was the KD-Kyrie pairing, and just about anyone would have rolled the dice with Kyrie to get KD. It didn’t work out. I tend to believe his success building up the Nets sans picks from the Celtics trade means he is capable of doing well with these picks. It will be on the owner as to whether he looks at this team in ten or twenty months and decides someone’s head has to roll. Much like the risk of the unprotected picks for the Knicks down the line, no matter how bad the Nets are they will still have a 47.9% percent chance of ending up with the 5th pick or worse. Right now, Nets fans are dreaming of Cooper Flagg. A year from now, who knows.

[HitsterParticipant]

OG Anunoby getting 5 years $212.5 million deal with the Knicks. I guess that was likely to be his going rate something at $40 million or so per season. Brunson and Randle both have player options next summer and Brunson is likely super max and Randle at a level similar to OG minimum. Bridges will be a FA in 2026 and would command OG type money IMO so the Knicks could well be a top tier salary cap team.

They can afford it so not a major issue.

[NorrinRaddParticipant]

Avdija traded for Brogdon and 14 and a 2029 first…

[NorrinRaddParticipant]

The New Orleans Pelicans are adding Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray to their backcourt, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski on Friday.

The Pelicans are trading forwards Larry Nance Jr. and E.J. Liddell, guard Dyson Daniels, a 2025 first-round pick via the Los Angeles Lakers and the least favorable of a 2027 first-round pick from either the Milwaukee Bucks or their own to the Hawks for the 27-year-old Murray, who just completed his second season in Atlanta.

[HitsterParticipant]

Nice pick up by NOP and gives Zion a long term running mate if Ingram did move on as a FA next summer. The asking price wasn’t that steep and the hAwks get back picks to compensate what they gave up for Murray.

The Hawks still have Trae and have added the top pick in this week’s draft so have a team that can progress forward.

[NorrinRaddParticipant]

Yeah, I think the Pelicans won that trade too… we won’t truly see for a few years. I think they could have swapped another contract though. Interesting thing is, Atlanta might still trade Trae Young and the Pelicans might still trade Brandon Ingram.

[HitsterParticipant]

Ingram only has a year left on his deal and with the deal OG got this week I’d feel that is the sort Brandon would want as a minimum. How NOP’s cap stacks up I don’t know. But if they feel he is likely to opt out I’d guess they’d look to cash in on him.

Trae is a higher level player and has 2 guaranteed years on his deal so would have a high asking price.

[NorrinRaddParticipant]

All true, I was just saying that they might get traded based on pre-draft rumors. It’s been rumored the Hawks would consider trading both Young and Murray. They traded Murray, time will tell if they trade Young too. Ingram had the same rumors, so I’m not sure whether they trade him or not. Imo Trae isn’t that much higher than Dejounte. I like them for different reasons. But when Dejounte has the keys to the offense he’s pretty good too. I’d like to see him in a better fitted group like the Pelicans trade allowed to happen.

[HitsterParticipant]

PG13 and LBJ both opted out of their deals. Paul George is going to visit Magic and Philly as well as have meetings with Clippers. He is looking for 4 year deal and cannot go beyond that because of 38 rule. Yet LBJ who is 39 can take a 3 year deal to take him up to 42 so explain that.

LBJ is going to give up some salary likely to give Lakers some extra room to add to the roster.

NOP not taking up the 17th pick via the Lakers this year might have helped them land Dejounte given the depth in next year’s draft even if the pick that comes across between 20 and 30.

[NorrinRaddParticipant]

I think Paul George in Philadelphia would be an interesting fit. Joel Embiid at full strength with Maxey would be nice and McCain’s added shooting could even in theory factor in. This is where I’m rooting for Paul George to go.
I hope he doesn’t land in Orlando. I like Banchero better and Wagner fits the timeline more and at this point in their careers, Wagner’s not that far off of Paul George other than scoring.
George could go back to the Clippers, although imo that experiment didn’t work.

As far as LeBron taking a salary cut, this really opens the door for his requested impact player to be added. I think they do get another impact player at the end of the day, along with possibly trading either D’Angelo Russell or Austin Reaves too. This would put them on the contention list in theory as well in the West. Lakers with one more impact player would have probably defeated Denver, and then who knows? As it is I consider the best teams a crapshoot right now. Best teams out West is kind of a big list of a debate in theory now. Dallas just made the finals and would be considered. Denver won season before last and have maybe the best player in the world, can’t consider them out. Minnesota should be considered to a degree. They just improved through the draft and already beat Denver in the playoffs. OKC had the best record in the West and their youth improves every year. Now New Orleans with Dejounte Murray makes them a little better in theory. Houston at full strength is very young, good and deep, although I wouldn’t consider them quite at the top. Memphis at full strength and Ja in the lineup can completely flip that teams winning luck. And now the Lakers get better too? Going to be an interesting 2025 season outcome.

[HitsterParticipant]

PG13 on a big contract until 38 doesn’t appeal to me for the Magic given their younger roster. Philly could roll the dice and they have Embeast to keep happy too/ If PG13 did leave the Clippers does Harden look elsewhere as both have their title window closing.?

The Clippers would then have FA room next summer and be in the mix as an attractive location for some players but hopes of a title would be fading.

Patrick Williams has signed a 5 year $90 million deal to remain with the Bulls. This deal is still given on upside but isn’t that large compared to most new deals so fair value for both sides.

[NorrinRaddParticipant]

Harden’s a tough call where he’ll land. Not sure there are many buyers either. Strangely enough, the Lakers could be suiters perhaps. Doubt it but you never know. He’s been the guy that can’t get the title, so I’m sure it would have to be a contender.

I like that Patrick Williams deal for both side too. And I think it might take a few years, but if Buzelis pans out, that could be a dangerous pair of forwards.

[HitsterParticipant]

P-Will is still only 22 so is younger than some guys drafted last week. He has had injury issues but hasn’t been overpaid but has got a very nice contract due to his upside and gives him career security.

Talking of Harden and veteran FA’s DeRozan could be an interesting guy to see where he lands. He was still a 24ppg player last season and averaged a career high 37.8mpg over 79 games so is still as effective and durable as ever but hasn’t been on a contender for a while.

How much money some guys might give up to try and get a ring would be interesting to see.

[HitsterParticipant]

Obi Toppin $60 million 4 year extension with the Pacers. Another good deal for both parties. Toppin proved to be an excellent bench option for the Pacers last season and contributed in the regular season and their run to the Conference Finals. He was a top 8 pick for the Knicks but only cost the Pacers a couple of 2nd rounders last year so has been a nice pick up by them.

[NorrinRaddParticipant]

Harden is back with the Clippers – 2 years 70 million.

[HitsterParticipant]

I like that deal for Harden and Clippers gives him another couple of years but doesn’t put a long term burden on their cap.

CP3 has been waived by GSW. Which bench does he hop onto as a FA?

K-Love back for another two years with Miami.

[r377Participant]

Stupid Sixers just signed 34 yo Paul George for 4 years $212 mill.

Sixers just crippled themselves for the next 4 years

[HitsterParticipant]

Maxey will be there for the next 4 years and they have another 2 years guaranteed of Embeast but can they all stay sound. I’d have preferred PG13 on a 3 year deal like Kawhi took. But with the 76ers having been in play offs for 7 years and not got beyond 2nd round this is probably the time to roll the dice.

Eastern Conference has just got more stacked – Boston, Knicks, Pacers, 76ers, Bucks Cavs and Magic gives 7 teams staight off my head who should be strong play off contenders before you have to always keep an eye on the Heat

[NorrinRaddParticipant]

76ers to me are still incomplete and to be continued in the process here. They certainly have some good pieces on paper to help their chances of a title this year. With the right pieces and a promising outlook of Philadelphia being able to gel at the right time, Philadelphia in theory would have as good a chance as any to win the title. The issue with Philadelphia though, no matter how good the team may be constructed, they will have to gel and do so cohesively as a team with a bunch of players who haven’t played together for a year yet. So with that said, the Paul George window isn’t a very big one… he’s definitely a very good player that’s in his Twighlight years. But I would say this year Philadelphia is already equipped to make some noise at least and next year would be real top-notch contenders. But beyond that it will take more than the efforts of Paul George for sure. He will have aged a couple more seasons and the trajectory would be in theory on a downward spiral.

Overall, not a bad fit for the 76ers. It’s a risk to do 4 years. But probably worth it. I don’t think Paul George will be the same 4 years from now but he’ll still be serviceable and he’ll have 2 good years at least. Good fit for Paul George of course. He can be a great part of the reason perhaps if/when Philadelphia does win a title.

[NorrinRaddParticipant]

Hartenstein 3 years 87 million to OKC. Idk what to think of that tbh.

Tobias Harris 2 years 53 million to Detroit. Maybe he’ll retire after where he began.

[HitsterParticipant]

Maxey has resigned for $204 million over 5 years with Philly so limits the risk on PG13’s later years. The key for Philly will always be keep Embeast sound for 70 odd games in regular season and the play offs.

Harstein I think has been hugely overpaid and will OKC play him and Chet in tandem that much.

Harris gives Detroit a veteran presence and they need to fill up cap space. He can do 2 years there and then maybe have a couple of years as a ring chasing vet on minimum salary.

CP3 is going to the Spurs, having him creating for Wemby could be a masterstroke..

[HitsterParticipant]

Klay leaves GSW for Dallas on a 3 year $50 million deal. The Mavs won the Western Conference and adding a shooter of Klay’s ability gives them another option. If Klay saw the Mavs as a more likely title contender than the Warriors does it mean the Warriors have to start thinking about the rebuild.

KCP to the Magic for $66 million over 3 years gives their younger roster a proven Championship winner and veteran leadership. KCP is still only 31 years old so there is little risk on the deal and his defensive abilities will be a big gain for the Magic.

Boston Celtics owners looking to sell up in due course and make a huge profit on their initial investment. The franchise would become one of the biggest sporting sporting teams ever sold and would likely fetch more than $5 billion. Some sporting clubs like Real Madrid and Barca are fan owned so will never be sold so the Celtics being on the market is an even rarer chance for such a big team to be on the market.

[HitsterParticipant]

Donovan Mitchell has signed 3 year $150 million extension with the Cavs. There was talk he might not resign and become a FA next summer and could have been moved before then. But he has taken a mid length deal and put himself in prime position to get a huge super max in about 2027 as well as having the luxury of 4 more guaranteed years.

The Cavs have retained him for a min of 3 more seasons so they must be pleased with the deal even if they may have wanted him tied up for longer.

[BothTeamsPlayedHard-Participant]

Hartenstein went from openly wondering whether he would so much as get invited to play on the German Olympic team in January (because of Mo Wagner, Daniel Theis, Johannes Thiemann, and Johannes Voigtmann) to signing for $29 million per year. I hope he finds a nice framed photo of Jalen Brunson and Tom Thibodeau to be placed at the entrance of his new mansion. The NBA is just great!

I don’t know why Detroit signed Tobias Harris, nor do I know why he would want to go there other than the money. Do they think they can rent him until the February deadline and get a late 1st?

Paul George is just good enough ESPN will feel justified in continuing to pretend the Sixers are contenders in the East, but not so good at this point that they actually get past the 2nd round.

I hope CP3 has enough left in the tank to help make the Spurs look functional around Wemby. With as strong and deep the West is, it is hard to envision them being good. They could, however, be fun and exciting. I just wonder if he can get to 60 games. While I think Juan Nunez will be with Barca next season, a year learning under CP3 could really set him up as an heir at point.

Patrick Williams coming in under Dillon Brooks but only slightly higher than Obi Toppin is probably reflective of how much time he has missed. On one hand, the amount of time missed makes the fifth year dicey. On the other hand, it could age really well for the Bulls if the cap goes up by 10% a year as expected.

Once the Knicks cashed in their chips for Mikal Bridges and the Nets decided to clean up their books and rebuild, it makes sense Donovan Mitchell signed the extension.

It stinks that Klay and the Warriors parted ways with bad feelings. It will likely be a bit awkward for Steph and Draymond as the Warriors clean up their luxury tax situation and likely miss the play-in. It will be a big year for Kuminga, TJD, Moody, and Podziemski. They need growth.

[HitsterParticipant]

Wemby and CP3 will be fun to watch for “lob city” alone. CP3 will be a good mentor for the likes of Castle with his ball handling but how many wins they improve I don’t know.

Philly will live and die by Embeast’s durability. If he can stay sound they can go deep but can they get past a fully fit Boston team?

Hartenstein got an offer he couldn’t refuse and makes OKC a bigger more physical team. The West could be one of several teams challenging with rosters still to be filled out.

GSW own their first rounders going forward but is it worth mortgaging their future for a 36 year old Steph?

I do wonder if Steph will play out these couple of years on his deal and then just choose to retire in 2026 and he’d be 38 then. But if GSW did struggle next season they could well get a nice draft pick and do have some rebuilding pieces already in place.

[NorrinRaddParticipant]

GSW gpt Kyle Anderson for a bag of peanuts.

[HitsterParticipant]

Minny have signed Joe Ingles to replace Kyle.

Lot of talk that Markkanen will be moved by Utah lets see who Danny Ainge drains for more picks?

[NorrinRaddParticipant]

I like the direction of the Golden State Warriors right now. Klay Thompson was done on the Warriors and I think he’s lucky if he has once more average year in him. De’Anthony Melton was a sneaky good pickup for a backcourt that’s already good. This depth should give Curry some rest when needed. Anderson could play the Wiggins role probably better than Wiggins on the Warriors. Wiggins I think is likely getting moved. Don’t know if they end up with Markkanen or not, but if so that’s a big push for the here and now.

[HitsterParticipant]

Warriors have added Buddy Hield for pretty much what Dallas paid for Klay. Hield has always been an elite shooter so should be good for the guaranteed part of his deal and apart from Steph has been the best 3 point shooter in the NBA in the last 5 years statistically.

Good deal for both sides but I don’t see how GSW can now add Markkanen unless they did a swap involving Wiggins and an Ainge acceptable amount of picks.

[HitsterParticipant]

Talk that the Knicks might make a move for Walker Kessler of Utah and also that Detroit are seeing if there is any market for Isaiah Stewart. I did wonder if Kessler might have been in play on draft night but it would have depended on Utah getting in a position to draft Clingan or unless Memphis had used 9th pick for a trade. The same with Sochan and Eason were my two bigs who I thought might move.

The Knicks gave up a crazy amount of assets for Mikal Bridges so what assets they have left to get Kessler I’m not sure and we all know Danny Ainge drives a hard bargain.

[HitsterParticipant]

Franz Wagner signs max 5 year deal with Orlando for when his rookie deal needs next summer. The figures look big but the guy has good upside and the Magic will build long term around him and Banchero. The team won 47 games last season and have added KCP’s defence and title winning experience this summer so things are looking good there.

DeRozan looking to possibly get sign and trade to go to the Kings as he appears done in Chicago. Not sure who else could pay him a decent salary so could he take a lesser deal to get on a legit contender?

[NorrinRaddParticipant]

Spurs just traded Graham to Charlotte… good contract dump. I like what San Antonio’s doing.

[HitsterParticipant]

I thought the Spurs might have been able to do something with Graham’s deal as it was only lightly guaranteed but it makes sense to clear cap space if they can. I do wonder might DeRozan be tempted to ride the Wemby train?

I think CP3 is a great pick up as he can run the Spurs offence and help Castle to develop. I still feel they should have used the 8th pick especially with Pops age he cannot go on forever. But the Spurs have the next generational player in place and have won numerous titles under this coaching and front office group so I’ll trust the process.

[HitsterParticipant]

DeRozan to the Kings for $74 million over 3 years via S and T which includes Harrison Barnes to the Spurs and a future draft pick swap. Harrison is a very durable role playing starter who brings title winning experience to the Spurs on court as well as the huge amount they have already on the coaching staff. The role he has played across his career is perhaps similar to what Stephon Castle’s mid upside might be so again a great mentor.

Harrison despite seeming to have been around for ages is still only 32 and has excellent durability so can easily give the Spurs two good years which are remaining on his contract and probably beyond that. He has a title so doesn’t need to chase one and can stay and be part of the process.

The Kings have gone older with DeRozan but he is still an excellent scorer and the rest of their star players are younger so worth rolling the dice to help the team remain a play off contender.

[NorrinRaddParticipant]

Yes, looks like this trade worked out for all 3 teams. While I’m not sold on CP3’s any in the tank to impact on the floor atm, his leadership with now Harrison Barnes should be fantastic at least in the locker room. Barnes has some left in the tank, as he’s still in the twilight of his career. And after Castle’s performance yesterday, it looks like he’ll have a fine future.

Kings are trying to win now and DeRozan will give them a better shot at the playoffs. Although he’s not the same as say 7 years ago, DeRozan will give the Kings some quality minutes.

If the Bulls are going to punt any season – well why not this one??? Duarte isn’t terrible, but he has an uphill battle for minutes on the Bulls. They got small assets back and should take another nose dive in the standings, giving them a good shot of a good pick in a loaded draft.

[HitsterParticipant]

CP3 may have lost a step but he still has his court vision and basketball IQ so to see him create and throw up the lobs for Wemby will be fun. If he is to go into coaching then he could move onto the Spurs staff in a year or two. If they get one of the guard prospects in the 2025 draft then CP3 will be a great mentor for them too.

DeRozan is still a quality player and will get shots around Fox and Sabonis so it keeps the Kings in contention.

I agree that Chicago might look to next year’s draft as they look like a lottery team to me. There is talk they want to move LaVine and the likes of Vucevic would have trade value given his contract isn’t the highest for his experience and quality.

[HitsterParticipant]

Paul George apparently wasn’t set on a 4 year deal with the Clippers, he says he would have taken the same deal that Kawhi Leonard took but he did want a no trade clause. I’m slightly surprised the Clippers didn’t agree to this, Kawhi hadn’t pushed or waited to try and get a NTC and James Harden wasn’t in a position to get one. So it wasn;’t like this was going to cause huge friction in the big 3.

When Boston put together their big 3 in the late 2000’s, KG got a NTC quietly on a new deal whilst Ray Allen and even Boston lifer Paul Pierce didn’t have one I recall.

If PG13 was only after a 3 year deal I would have thought an NTC wouldn’t have been a huge risk as his contract would have run alongside Kawhi’s.

[NorrinRaddParticipant]

Strange how PG13 wasn’t set on a 4 year deal… it’s not like he’s getting younger. I think he has maybe another couple of good years in him before he noticeably is on the decline. Sounds like he wanted to move on to me and didn’t want to go public about it…

[HitsterParticipant]

I could understand him liking to live in LA and if it was about destinations then Orlando might be considered a nicer place to live than Philly. Kawhi took a 3 year deal and Harden has only taken 2 years, are these guys really worried about contract length given the huge wealth they have already made. For Harden and PG13 it must be about getting that elusive title.

I can understand PG13 possibly feeling the Clippers won’t ever get over the line with this current team and maybe feels Maxey has good upside and if Embeast stays sound he is as good as any player in the NBA.

[BothTeamsPlayedHard-Participant]

I understand why if a player takes a discount, and that is a relative term in this instance, that he would want an assurance in the form of a no-trade that the organization doesn’t take advantage and flip him. If he is willing to take less to live and play in LA, then he shouldn’t wake up in February wondering if Woj tells him he is moving to Cleveland.

[HitsterParticipant]

Cade Cunningham has signed a potential max deal coming off his rookie deal with the Pistons. This is the same size of deal that Franz Wagner signed with the Magic. Although Detroit probably had their worst season ever Cade improved his stats across all his columns and was their leading scorer and creator plus he played a good number of games after having a serious injury in 22/23.

So Detroit really had to try and get their key rebuilding block tied down long term. If he hadn’t extended and had another good season then his new contract could have been higher. If he felt he had been ignored and not extended he could be an RFA next summer and look to force a move so Detroit’s hands were tied.

The Pistons got a top pick in Cade, they have Duren looking promising at C but other draft picks haven’t worked out or are still early in their development. So it looks like it will be another lottery pick next summer and they hope they land a good prospect in that much hyped 2025 draft class.

[NorrinRaddParticipant]

Pistons young players have talent. The issue with them was bad coaching and is no cohesiveness. Detroit has a bunch of mouths to feed and every mouth that needs to be fed wants to be the guy running the offense. Jaden Ivey I still believe in, however him and Cade haven’t established good play together yet due to injuries and both wanting the ball all the time. Both could use a little off-ball work to go with the on-ball game. I’m also still a Jalen Duren believer, but many others wouldn’t agree. I like what they have done this offseason to at least look competitive. Ron Holland isn’t the greatest fit at least yet, but in the long run he might work out. There’s not much consistency in shooting in Detroit and that’s what’s needed to win these days combined with good defense. Tobias Harris might help the shooting case in a little way and help with some veteran locker room presence too. I expect the Pistons to do better, as it’s hard to do worse. They will still be in the lottery though. They have a long ways to go. Cunningham’s signing was a good step forward barring he can stay healthy.

[HitsterParticipant]

Cooper Flagg would probably be the best guy for them to get via the draft next year but if they are only 20 to 25 wins it could be a case of BPA or they take the best shooter. Cade, Ivey, Duren, Ausar and now Holland are all early in their NBA careers. Killian Hayes didn’t work out neither did Doumbouya. The ended up with previously highly drafted Wiseman and Bagley III but neither really took their chances.

I feel they need a solid defensive based coach who will get the team set up right and make them as difficult to beat as they can be whilst the offence is allowed to run but they have to decide who is the main ball carrier in which rotation.

J.B Bickerstaff helped develop a young Cavs team and got them to the play offs so is probably a good HC choice for the Pistons.

[HitsterParticipant]

Jalen Brunson has agreed to a four-year, $156.5 million contract extension with the Knicks beginning in 25/26 season. The last year is a player option but he has left a lot of money on the table as he could have waited and taken $279 million over 5 years next summer for what will be his peak years.

He won’t be on as much money as OG but it does give the Knicks cap flexability especially as Mikal Bridges has 2 years left on a very cap friendly deal. The Knicks can afford luxury tax but Jalen’s new deal likely means they get more MLE and future draft pick trade options so fair play to him.

[NorrinRaddParticipant]

I like what the Wizards did tonight, and the Rockets killed the Lakers. Sheppard did what I thought he would too.

[BothTeamsPlayedHard-Participant]

Everybody is killing the Lakers summer league squad. They keep trotting out that Make-A-Billionaire’s-Wish-Kid who can’t hit a shot to save his life.

[NorrinRaddParticipant]

Yeah, how about that 0-8 performance from downtown? Pretty atrocious.

[NorrinRaddParticipant]

Reed Sheppard and Cam Whitmore both killing it this game for Houston…

[BothTeamsPlayedHard-Participant]

I would have sympathy for what he is going though, and will continue to go through, if not for the fact that what his father and Rich Paul did was despicable. Most of the league’s media is so scared of getting on their bad list that they are lying about Bronny’s abilities and potential. He is small, far from a good shooter, struggles to just handle the ball, and can get cooked defensively by Alondes Williams. Anyone can have a few bad games shooting, but this is no different from USC.

[HitsterParticipant]

Klutch Sports also represents Miles Bridges who has been convicted of domestic felony. I’ve not got an issue with Miles resuming his NBA career but surprised that Klutch didn’t cut ties with him.

Was LBJ going to leave the Lakers if they didn’t sign his kid?

I still wonder if LBJ and Rich Paul are going to invest in the Lakers when LBJ retires or even buy the team given the influence they seem to hold with the Lakers.

[NorrinRaddParticipant]

I wish LeBron and Bronny would go back to Cleveland… been feeling this way for 2 years tbh. Don’t know if LeBron was holding the Lakers hostage over Bronny, but imo I think the Lakers are very good at accommodating their players… I think it was just an understanding they’d draft him. Bad mistake.

[HitsterParticipant]

Lauri Markkanen has signed a five-year, $238 million with the Jazz and their cap space has meant his salary for next season will go from $18 million to $42 million. There had been talk that if he didn’t resign with the Jazz they would have looked to trade him. But now he remains the main part of their rebuild. This deal covers what should be his prime years so looks a good deal for the Jazz and a great one for Lauri.

[HitsterParticipant]

Jamal Murray has inked a 4 year $208 extension with the Nuggets and keeps him in Denver until 2029. Good deal for both sides, it keeps one of Jokic’s main running mates in situ for the remaining time currently on Jokic’s contract and beyond. It covers what should be Murray’s prime years too.

[HitsterParticipant]

Joel Embiid has agreed 3 year extension starting in 26-27 with the 76ers for just under $193 million. This effectively ties Embeast to Philly for most of or all the rest of his career as he’ll be 35 when the deal ends. There is a risk with his durability issues but he was a double scoring champion and an MVP before his latest injury setback last season. He returned to average 33ppg in the play offs and helped Team USA to the Olympic gold.

It keeps him and Tyrese Maxey together until 2029 and PG13 can be there until 2028 so the big 3 are all in. It is a risk by Philly but they have a window and are looking to contend. It will probably all depend on how many games Embeast plays on whether they can get past the Conference SFs which they have never managed to do during Joel’s time despite being in the play offs for 7 successive seasons.

[NorrinRaddParticipant]

Embeast I think is going to have a monster season. Especially after the Team USA lack of minutes… he’ll probably play with a chip on his shoulder. Idk when DMO will put up the season predictions game, but Embeast could be a pick for MVP for some. (Tough though, I have 4 players tied for MVP chances). I think what happened at the Olympics sparked him to get mad and he’s going to do some dominating. Coming off that injury last year, this might be the perfect firestorm for Embiid to win the award. Philly is set to contend for a few years with this deal if they can all stay healthy and together as a unit. I don’t think they are there yet as far as winning the title, as this team will have to play together for probably a season first, but it’s a solid start for sure.

[NorrinRaddParticipant]

Wow, AJ Griffin is stepping away from the game of basketball at least for a bit after being bought out from the Rockets… young and promising talent too

[NorrinRaddParticipant]

Oh yeah, and nobody mentioned Woj retired from ESPN…

[HitsterParticipant]

Funny they say Woj has retired when he is actually going to be GM at his former college, it is more a career change unless this post is ceremonial in effect.

As regards MVP I’d say Jokic, Doncic, SGA, Embeast, Giannis look logical contenders. I think Tatum deserves to be far more in the reckoning he was All NBA first team and players on the best regular season team have won MVP awards with numbers less than he had last season. Anthony Edwards or Jalen Brunson would be next guys on my list but they might not quite put up the numbers the others do or need another year or so to get to the really top table.

Wemby will be a contender soon enough but the Spurs won’t be strong enough to help his case for a few years but he could be DPOY and make one of the main All NBA Teams.

[NorrinRaddParticipant]

Derrick Rose retired… is he a HOFer?

[HitsterParticipant]

I would say no but he was a MVP and doesn’t pretty much every MVP end in the HOF?

STAT, JO, Shawn Marion are guys who would have as good a claim as D-Rose apart from his MVP award.

Other injury hit guys like Grant Hill and Ralph Sampson had stellar college careers whilst D-Rose was good in college but was one and done.

My heart says yes but my head says no with D-Rose as regards HOF.

[NorrinRaddParticipant]

Donte DiVincenzo and Julius Randle traded to the TWolves for KAT!!! Wow, Villanova broken up for a Kentucky swap… should be theoretically a great trade both ways imo.

[HitsterParticipant]

Wouldn’t Randle for Gobert have made more sense for both sides given both are going to be potential free agents next summer?

Gobert would have been a perfect Thibs type player in my mind. Are the T-Wolves worried about their future cap level possibly?

I love the deal for NY Brunson, KAT and OG are all under long term deals. They have Bridges under a very cap friendly deal for the next two years too.

[HitsterParticipant]

A fair bit of talk Jimmy Butler might be traded as he couldn’t agree on an extension with the Heat this past summer. Jimmy is 35 now but is still playing well but would a team give up significant assets for a player of his age. Plus he has indicated he will opt out next summer as I guess he will be looking for a 3 year deal to take him up to 38. He is due over $52 million next season so is going to be looking for a minimum of $150 million over the next 3 years.

He might get more takers if he opted in for next season as I think teams would be more interested in an 18 month window than a 3 year plus window.

Miami aren’t going to want to take back long term salary commitments unless it is for the right sort of players and Jimmy has his “preferred” list of destinations but with him wanting to be on a “win now” team few of these have major tradable assets or draft pick/picks Miami would want. Throw in the loaded draft next year and teams may be keen to keep hold of picks outside the draft lottery.

Brooklyn has cap space and picks from Phoenix and Knicks due but they are in rebuild. The Spurs have assets to play with but might be building via the draft but Jimmy is the sort of player Pops and co would like and playing with Wemby would surely interest Jimmy.

[NorrinRaddParticipant]

In recent memory of trades, imo Butler’s value won’t be that great. I think Miami trades him but doesn’t get as much picks as say Phoenix got for Mikal Bridges. I could be wrong but a trade with Butler I think will be less fleecing. We’ll see though. It’s possible he brings a contender to the promise land though.

[HitsterParticipant]

The Nets got the picks for Bridges we gave up 4 to them plus him for KD!.

I never saw why Bridges was worth 4 picks for maybe a guy who is 3rd best player on the Knicks team.

[Author]

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