'25-26 NBA Thread

[GB Warrior]

Will OKC or SA go after Jaylen Brown?  I don't think the Spurs will part with Castle or Harper. 

SA should not part with their cost controller assets. And OKC is in financial hell themselves that I don't see a trade for JB that makes them better

[WhiteTrash]

SA should not part with their cost controller assets. And OKC is in financial hell themselves that I don't see a trade for JB that makes them better

The exceptional Bulls' management never will be in financial hell.

[MuggsyB]

SA should not part with their cost controller assets. And OKC is in financial hell themselves that I don't see a trade for JB that makes them better

SA should not part with their cost controller assets. And OKC is in financial hell themselves that I don't see a trade for JB that makes them better

Say what you want about Brown, but he's arguably a top 5-8 player.  Or at least he was last season.   And he's also consistently healthy.  That said I'm wondering what team has the package to get him and absorb his contract?

[wadesworld]

Say what you want about Brown, but he's arguably a top 5-8 player.  Or at least he was last season.   And he's also consistently healthy.  That said I'm wondering what team has the package to get him and absorb his contract?

He is not that.

[MuggsyB]

He is not that.

You don't think he's a top 10 player?  Top 20?  He was 3rd in MVP voting i think.  But I guess he did flame out in the playoffs. 

[MU82]

The Spurs don't need Brown, or any other expensive player currently outside their organization, to win the title next season.

They already are a great team, and they will be a year older and more experienced. I wouldn't mess with what they've got.

[MuggsyB]

The Spurs don't need Brown, or any other expensive player currently outside their organization, to win the title next season.

They already are a great team, and they will be a year older and more experienced. I wouldn't mess with what they've got.

I don't necessarily disagree but people seem to neglect the fact that Brown has won more games than any other player the past 5 seasons and has a Finals MVP.  He took a team no one thought would be competitive to 56 wins.  The guy is a heck of a player regardless of his silliness off the court.  And he's durable and plays both ends of the floor.

[cheebs09]

Giannis endorsing Trojan now. At least he used protection when he had us over a barrel.

[MU82]

I don't necessarily disagree but people seem to neglect the fact that Brown has won more games than any other player the past 5 seasons and has a Finals MVP.  He took a team no one thought would be competitive to 56 wins.  The guy is a heck of a player regardless of his silliness off the court.  And he's durable and plays both ends of the floor.

I have utmost respect for Brown's game, and my previous post neither said nor suggested otherwise.

The Spurs, as constituted, made it to the NBA Finals and then had a double-digit lead in every game of the Finals. They were young and didn't know how to close out games. Next season, they will be a year older and their great young players will be a year greater.

As a bonus, those players are still getting paid on their rookie contracts, giving the organization the kind of financial flexibility that's rare for a genuine championship contender. Blowing that up to make a splash move would be unnecessary and foolhardy IMHO.

[MU82]

Hornets trade Miles Bridges to Phoenix. Not that surprising in that Naz Reid and Bridges have similar games, and Bridges is scheduled to be a free agent after next season.

It's kinda funny that the Hornets are stockpiling 2033 first-round draft picks, though. They must be counting on BCHoopster's grandson being NBA-ready that year!

[Pakuni]

Ja Morant traded to the Blazers for not much of a return.

[Billy Hoyle]

Ja Morant traded to the Blazers for not much of a return.

Grant and his very reasonable contract are a solid return for them. Veteran leadership and maturity, two things Ja didn't have. Ja's best days are behind him like Brennan Bailey was trying to guard him.

[JWags85]

Grant and his very reasonable contract are a solid return for them. Veteran leadership and maturity, two things Ja didn't have. Ja's best days are behind him like Brennan Bailey was trying to guard him.

I don't know if I necessarily agree with the last point.  Could they be?  Sure.  However, he's only 26, his injury issues aren't of the chronic or devastating type that lead to a permanently diminished athleticism or ceiling, and his numbers when he's played haven't been terrible.  It's not a Derrick Rose situation.  2 seasons ago he averaged 24/4/7 over 50 games.

He's the exact kind of player who could have a complete resurgence in a different setting.  Hopefully getting away from Memphis and his influences there can show some change.  Is Portland the place and organization to do it?  That remains to be seen.

[wadesworld]

He gets to play next to Jrue Holiday.  Good opportunity for him.

[Pakuni]

Grant and his very reasonable contract are a solid return for them. Veteran leadership and maturity, two things Ja didn't have. Ja's best days are behind him like Brennan Bailey was trying to guard him.

Ja is nearly six years younger than Grant and a significantly better player when his head is right. Only slightly better when it's not.
There's some risk here for Portland on the latter point, but if they can get him fixed above the shoulders this is a massive steal.

[MU82]

Meanwhile, the Warriors signed Porzingis, and are said to be pursuing LeBron and AD.

I didn't think it was possible for them to get even more geriatric and more broken-down ... but when there's a will, there's a way!

[MuggsyB]

Ja is nearly six years younger than Grant and a significantly better player when his head is right. Only slightly better when it's not.
There's some risk here for Portland on the latter point, but if they can get him fixed above the shoulders this is a massive steal.

Portland also will get Lillard back. You would think they'd try to get a big with all of the guards they have on the roster.  Obviously Morant is insanely talented but it's anyone's guess if he'll get it together. 

[MU82]

Barring more deals, the Blazers will have 4 lead guards, as well as 2 forwards who are used to having the basketball in their hands a lot. And getting to manage that menagerie will be a first-time coach on a 1-year contract. Perfect!

[The Sultan]

Meanwhile, the Warriors signed Porzingis, and are said to be pursuing LeBron and AD.

I didn't think it was possible for them to get even more geriatric and more broken-down ... but when there's a will, there's a way!

Olden State

[Pakuni]

Barring more deals, the Blazers will have 4 lead guards, as well as 2 forwards who are used to having the basketball in their hands a lot. And getting to manage that menagerie will be a first-time coach on a 1-year contract. Perfect!

I would be surprised if they're done.

[cheebs09]

Olden State

I've enjoyed the Golden Girls memes and the thought of playing that theme song in intros.

Also, silly question, but I thought free agency didn't start until tomorrow? How are these being announced?

[Billy Hoyle]

I've enjoyed the Golden Girls memes and the thought of playing that theme song in intros.

Also, silly question, but I thought free agency didn't start until tomorrow? How are these being announced?

It's like college announcements before the signing period officially begins.

[MuggsyB]

It looks likely Lebron is going to the Warriors.  So they will have Curry, LeBron, Butler, Draymond and Porzingas.  Plus Lendenbourg who could be an immediate impact player.  Sounds like a championship team?  If this was 2016?   Or even 2021? 

[MUBurrow]

I would be surprised if they're done.

I also think that assuming the Blazers are expecting anything from Dame other than veteran leadership, mentorship, and good vibes is assuming facts not in evidence.

[The Sultan]

It looks likely Lebron is going to the Warriors.  So they will have Curry, LeBron, Butler, Draymond and Porzingas.  Plus Lendenbourg who could be an immediate impact player.  Sounds like a championship team?  If this was 2016?   Or even 2021? 

Yeah, this team isn't winning a title in 2027.