After those sudden trades, signs, and other things that are happening in the NBA, here is a good read while we wait for other trades to come.
NBA offseason winners and losers: Kings raise floor with DeMar DeRozan deal; Lakers' summer had been a busthttps://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/nba-offseason-winners-and-losers-kings-raise-floor-with-demar-derozan-deal-lakers-summer-had-been-a-bust/Winner: Sacramento Kings
The Kings already have a good offense without DeRozan, and the Timberwolves already had a good defense without Gobert. This just further solidifies it when Fox is on the bench or missing his usual 15-20 games. DeRozan remains about a sure a bucket as possible in tight possessions. That matters a lot over the course of 82 games, and indeed the Kings have to prioritize the regular season.
Loser: Los Angeles Lakers
We keep hearing about this (air quotes) third star they're looking to bring in, but forget a star; the Lakers are striking out on role players. Klay Thompson told them no, and he had every reason to end his career in Los Angeles, where he was born and where his dad won two championships and still serves as a Lakers radio commentator.
Do include the $20 million offer of Lebron just to get a third man for the team.
Winner: Philadelphia 76ers
The Sixers are winners by landing George, who fits neatly in their starting lineup between fellow All-Stars Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, who signed his own $204 million extension. George will almost certainly be the best player to change teams in free agency, and his addition makes the Sixers one of the NBA's top title contenders behind the reigning champion Celtics.
Loser: Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers reportedly had a trade opportunity for George with the Warriors that would've at least brought back some valuable stuff, including a first-round pick and Jonathan Kuminga -- but it would've come with a $30 million Chris Paul commitment that would've probably put them over the second apron anyway.
Wow! I didn't know about that trade opportunity for the Clippers to get Jonathan Kuminga and a first-round pick. That could've been big for the Clippers. I mean Kuminga is growing at a speed that is surprising and the way he played last season says it all. That young guy will probably be one of the best forwards in the league and also one of the fastest.
Winner: New York Knicks
In a vacuum, Mikal Bridges isn't worth five first-round picks and another swap. But in the context of this Knicks team, he is. With OG Anunoby re-signed, the Knicks are one of the few teams that can match the Celtics' blueprint of a whole squad of top-shelf perimeter defenders funneling scorers toward an elite rim protector, which will likely be Mitchell Robinson with Isaiah Hartenstein on his way to Oklahoma City. It's impossible to overstate how much Bridges elevates this already very good team.
I agree. The Knicks are only lacking defensive players because Brunson can already bring chaos on the offensive end. He may be small but he cannot be easily stopped. Hart did try to cover for defense but the effect was exhausting nights with 40+ minutes per game, that cannot happen which is why Bridges is a good addition for their team.