Across the NBA, players change teams all the time. Whether it is because of money, chasing championships or relationships with coaches and other players, no one is safe in the dynamic business of sports. These changes can be for the better or the worse. Recently there have been many off-season moves including players like Paul George, Klay Thompson, Mikal Bridges and Karl Anthony Towns, to name a few. These moves shifted power rankings and opinions on teams that previously were unpopular and even considered crazy.
Paul George is described as one of the smoothest “hoopers” out there. His game is tough to replicate, because he is one of the best two-way players of his generation (meaning he excels at both offense and defense). However, George has never been able to go all the way and win a championship in the postseason. The furthest he’s ever made it was the Conference Finals, one trip with the Clippers and two trips with the Pacers. George has bounced around the league throughout his career, starting on the Indiana Pacers after being drafted 10th overall in the 2010 NBA Draft, then traveling to the Oklahoma City Thunder. He then went to the Los Angeles Clippers before this summer when he was signed by the Philadelphia 76ers.
This move improved the 76ers’ chances at championship contention. They already have all-star guard Tyrese Maxey and former MVP Joel Embiid. George will undeniably help this team.
Sophomore Owen Mok agreed with this as he said, “PG will help compliment the 76ers team, bringing their chances closer to a championship in Philly.”
It certainly won’t be an easy pursuit, considering the Knicks, Celtics and Bucks are all title-hungry. The details of this signing include four years worth up to about $212 million. It is clear that the 76ers are making a large investment, and don’t plan on a short return.
One of the other noteworthy transactions of this off-season included a Splash Brother leaving the Bay. Klay Thompson was one of the most important pieces to the 2010s Warriors dynasty, as well as being one of the greatest shooters ever. Thompson has had some unbreakable records as a Warrior, such as scoring 37 points in a quarter (Jan. 24, 2015), scoring 60 points in just 29 minutes of playing time (Dec. 5, 2016), and making the most three-pointers (14) in a game of all time (Oct. 29, 2018)). After a down year with the Warriors, including his infamous “0-10 in an elimination game” performance against the Kings in the Play-In, Thompson thought it was time for a change of scenery, and joined the Dallas Mavericks on a sign and trade with the Warriors.
“[The Mavericks] have a great chance of making it back to the championship this season with the Klay Thompson Trade,” said sophomore Akshaj Yerrigudi. “I really think he fits well with Luka and Kyrie.” Klay now joins Luka and Kyrie with the intent to bring home the NBA Finals.
Among all the teams that made moves over the summer, the Knicks made a couple that gathered significant headlines. The moves are an attempt to bring the championship hardware back to New York for the first time since 1973. Trading for both Mikal Bridges and Karl Anthony-Towns, the Knicks have a chance to be the king of the hill once again. Bridges is considered a lockdown defender and is famous for his three point celebration.
Masuk security guard and Knicks fan Mike Festa said, “[Mikal] Bridges came over from the [Brooklyn] Nets. Great three point shooter, he stretches the floor, and he’s best friends with Josh Hart, and Jalen Brunson.”
The Knicks sent a total of five first round picks, a pick swap and a second rounder. They also traded Bojan Bogdanovic. This completed the tagline known as the Nova Knicks, a nickname stemming from the fact that Jalen Brunson (point guard for the Knicks), Josh Hart (forward for the Knicks), Donte DiVincenzo (ex-shooting guard for the Knicks) and Mikal Bridges all played college ball at Villanova, winning two NCAA championships together. However, the Nova Knicks were short lived, as DiVincenzo and Julius Randle (who did not attend Villanova) were traded for Karl Anthony Towns of the Minnesota Timberwolves. This trade included some draft picks moving, but the significant story is how the highly anticipated Nova Knicks did not even play one game together.
“This is a great thing for the NY Knicks, because chemistry is very important,” said Festa. “All three of these guys have played together, and I think they will complement the Knicks very well.”
Towns won the Rookie of the Year award in the 2015-2016 season, along with making two All-NBA 3rd Teams in the 2017-2018 season as well as the 2021-2022 season. He averages 22.9 points per game for his career, as well as 10.8 rebounds, and boasts a .398 shooting percentage from the three point distance, which puts him at 16th among all players in the league. This is very impressive, especially considering his large frame in comparison to smaller players who are usually the better shooters.
“Karl Anthony is one of the best shooting centers that’s ever [come] into the league,” Festa said. “I think this will be very great for the Knicks to space the [floor], and he’ll be a good addition to the team.”
There are always a couple of moves that add depth pieces to teams, so here are some of those changes that can have just enough of an impact to thread the needle (the list will not include draft picks, filler components, or amount of money earned):
- Josh Giddey acquired by the Chicago Bulls
- Alex Caruso acquired by the Oklahoma City Thunder
- Dejonte Murray acquired by the New Orleans Pelicans
- Demar Derozan acquired by the Sacramento Kings
The off-season is one of the most impactful events for an NBA team, and can turn a franchise in the opposite direction. Many players make small changes that can add up to put one organization over another in terms of success. Throughout all of the drama and money going in and out, examining the NBA off-season is a fun way to pass the time, anticipating how these same faces will alter their different places.
ALL STATS AND TRADE DATA CAME FROM BASKETBALL REFERENCE, ESPN, OR THE NBA WEBSITE.
Masuk Free Press 
Leave a comment