All eyes are on the NBA playoffs, but 14 franchises are already in the offseason. There is a lot of talk surrounding the 2024 postseason.
One of the Los Angeles Lakers' starters is likely to become a free agent. We probably know how the point guard-needy San Antonio Spurs feel about Trae Young and Chris Paul. Are the Charlotte Hornets really going to give JJ Redick the head coaching job? What does the future hold for Nic Claxton and the Brooklyn Nets?
It's time to buy and sell the latest rumors for the 2024 offseason.
Nic Claxton is probably the best center to hit the free agent market this summer.
The 25-year-old has had back-to-back strong seasons as Brooklyn's full-time starter and is one of the team'sPriority No.1According to general manager Sean Marks, “This offseason.
HoopsHype's Michael Scott reported, “Based on conversations with executives, I think he's staying around $20 million a year. I think $25 million is his ceiling at this point.”
Claxton does a few things to secure this kind of paycheck.
The 2024 center free agent class is not good. Other than Claxton, Jonas Valanciunas and Isaiah Hartenstein, there are no starting centers. After those three, the options are Andre Drummond, Moe Wagner, Goga Bitadze, and Precious Achiuwa.
Outside of the Brooklyn Nets, the New Orleans Pelicans, New York Knicks, Orlando Magic, Washington Wizards, Oklahoma City Thunder, Golden State Warriors, and Memphis Grizzlies could all use more frontcourt muscle. be. There are plenty of potential suitors, but some need to clear cap space first.
The Nets can't afford to lose Claxton either. Brooklyn's next four first-round draft picks are controlled by the Houston Rockets, so this team needs to be competitive. There is no point in rebuilding without a top draft pick at the end of the rainbow. That means the Nets, who are 32-50, need to bring back Claxton and look to add talent.
Although Claxton is limited offensively (he averages just 3.6 feet), he is an excellent defender who protects the rim, switches to the perimeter, and rebounds at a high level. He still has many years to go before he reaches his prime.
Jarrett Allen's five-year, $100 million contract signed in 2021 is a reasonable request from Claxton's agent.
Buy and sell: Get this much money on a multi-year contract and buy Claxton.
The Charlotte Hornets are in need of a new head coach as Steve Clifford assumes a role in the franchise's front office.
The Hornets have already interviewed a number of candidates, but perhaps the most notable is former NBA shooting guard JJ Redick.
athletic Shams Charania Redick is considered a “strong candidate” for the Hornets' vacancy, according to the report, and the former Duke star “may have another round of interviews in the near future.”
Redick will retire from the NBA in 2021 after 15 seasons. If you watched his game coverage or listened to his TV show on ESPN, old man and three people On the podcast, we know that Redick has a great basketball mind, one that is now joining forces with LeBron James. Be careful with the game.
Redick has shown the ability to break down X's and O's in an easy-to-understand manner and could be an effective head coach. He also played alongside some of the league's most famous stars over the past 20 years, including Joel Embiid, Luka Doncic, Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, Dwight Howard, Zion Williamson, Jalen Brunson, and Paul Pierce. ) and should know how to manage them. ego.
This would be a solid PR move for Charlotte, but it would be a loss for fans of Redick's media work.
Buy and sell: I'll admit that Redick is a serious candidate, but would he really give up a good media career for a demanding life as a coach?
The San Antonio Spurs are in need of a franchise point guard. Tre Jones and Jeremy Sochan took turns filling the position this season, but neither seemed like the answer next to Victor Wembaneyama.
The Spurs, who have 14 first-round draft picks and trade players available over the next seven years, could look to acquire a star point guard via trade, but Trae Young is in question.
According to Kurt Herrin of NBC Sports, “League officials have told NBC Sports not to bet on that happening because San Antonio doesn't believe Young will be a good fit for Wenbanyama going forward.” may be more interested in the Hawks' Dejounte Murray, if he is available. ”
The question here is that Young doesn't fit in with perhaps the greatest defensive talent in NBA history since Bill Russell. do Does he fit in?
Young and Wenbanyama will complement each other's games perfectly. Young is one of the NBA's best passers and will allow Wembaneyama to score with lobs and no-look cuts.
Meanwhile, the 7-foot-4 center already led the NBA in blocked shots per game (3.6) as a rookie and will likely cover Young's defensive deficiencies better than anyone. . Young's unlimited shooting range will make it more difficult for defensemen to double up on him. -Team Wenbanyama is getting stronger and stronger, adding strength to their offensive game.
The Spurs should at least have exploratory interest in Young's trade value.
Buy and sell: Sell the Spurs without deeming Young and Wembaneyama eligible. This will be an ideal combination for the next decade and beyond.
If the Spurs don't want 25-year-old Trae Young to be their next point guard, could they go the other way and consider signing 39-year-old Chris Paul?
NBA insider Marc Stein said it was a possibility, writing: “If Paul and the Warriors part ways, a potential team to keep an eye on is San Antonio. Among the early personnel rumors circulating, the Spurs could emerge as a suitor for Paul, offering likely Rookie of the Year Victor Wembaneyama more experienced help in his second year. In order to achieve this goal, we have decided to pursue the know-how of veterans on a short-term contract basis. ”
From Spurs' point of view, this makes sense if the price is right.
Having Paul close to Victor Wembaneyama and the young Spurs core will be huge for Spurs' development and increased knowledge of the game. The 12-time All-Star and future Hall of Famer started 18 games for the Golden State Warriors this season, averaging 11.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, 7.3 assists and shooting 44.2 percent from three. did.
From Paul's perspective, a move to San Antonio doesn't make sense.
Playing what could be his last season with a team that doesn't even look like it's ready for the playoffs will cost Paul his chance to win his first championship. There are also geographic concerns, as Paul's wife and children continue to reside in Los Angeles. Moving from California to South Texas will only make it more difficult to see family.
Buy and sell: Even if they were interested in him, let's sell Paul playing on a rebuilding Spurs team.
D'Angelo Russell and the Los Angeles Lakers could be headed for a breakup. Also.
ESPN's Brian Windhorst said: hoop collective He said on his podcast that he believes it is “likely” that Russell will decline his player option for next season and become a free agent.
Russell, 28, can choose to return to the Lakers next season for $18.7 million or test the market.
If Russell turns down this money, he must already be under contract somewhere or really want to leave Los Angeles.
His market won't be good, especially after another lackluster performance in the playoffs. The point/combo guard market is looking pretty strong this summer, with Tyrese Maxey, James Harden, Immanuel Quickley, Russell Westbrook, Malik Monk, Tyus Jones, and De'Anthony Melton all available. There is. It's hard to imagine Russell earning a mid-level exception worth more than $12.9 million anywhere.
The sad truth is that both Russell and the Lakers need each other. If he walks, Los Angeles doesn't have the cap space to replace him. If Russell quits, he will have to take a pay cut.
The best path forward would be for Russell to pick up his option and find a trade partner so the Lakers don't lose him for nothing.
Buy and sell: Buy this to be Russell's last stint with the Lakers and sell that he's still a free agent.
