Two major deals have happened that have truly kicked off NBA free agency. The first is that Chris Paul, an all-star point guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder, was traded to the Phoenix Suns. In addition, Bogdan Bogdanovic and Jrue Holiday both have been traded to the Milwaukee Bucks. Among other things, Dennis Schroder is headed to Los Angeles. There has already been a multitude of moves and so many more coming, so let’s jump right into them.
Chris Paul and Abdel Nader were traded to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Kelly Oubre, Ricky Rubio, Ty Jerome, Jalen Lecque, and a 2022 first round pick. This is a great opportunity for Phoenix, because with speculation that Devin Booker might force a trade, they need to surround him with talent so that he doesn’t want to leave. After going 8-0 in the bubble and having an all-star teammate for the first time in his career, Booker might be looking at Phoenix a little bit differently. Chris Paul, being 35 years old, can help mentor Devin Booker and pass along lots of knowledge about the NBA. This was definitely a win for the Suns.
As for Oklahoma City, they weren’t as clear cut winners as Phoenix, but they didn’t do too bad. Paul is on an expiring contract and would have likely left in free agency. After trading away superstars Paul George and Russell Westbrook for multiple draft picks, and now trading away Chris Paul, they are definitely in rebuild mode. They have about 8000 draft picks in the next decade, and now have Kelly Oubre Jr, who truly showed how athletic he was in his last season with Phoenix. Pairing him up with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander really shows just how bright their future is. I doubt they’ll make the playoffs next year, but then again, we all thought they wouldn’t last year, and look how that turned out.
In a trade I didn’t mention, Dennis Schroder of the Oklahoma City Thunder is being sent to the Los Angeles Lakers for Danny Green and the #28 pick in the 2020 NBA draft. This is a very good deal for the Los Angeles Lakers, as Schroder is now entering his prime and is a young point guard with a lot of potential. Many Lakers fans wanted to trade Green during this offseason, because in Game 6, he had a shot to win the 2020 NBA Finals and missed. Even though the Lakers won the title, they weren’t happy. Green may be out of his prime, as he is 33 years old. Having to give up the #28 pick in a draft like this to get Schroder doesn’t seem too bad; but remember Kyle Kuzma, who was drafted at #27.
As for the Milwaukee Bucks trade, Jrue Holiday was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks for Eric Bledsoe, George Hill, and three first round picks. Who do I think won this trade? The Pelicans. I get that Milwaukee wants to bring in assets to coax Giannis into staying, but come on. They traded a 30 year old Eric Bledsoe and a 34 year old George Hill for a 30 year old Jrue Holiday who is nearing the end of his prime. They also had to give up three first round picks, which can either be busts, franchise players, or something in between. Personally, I don’t think Jrue Holiday is worth this much, but it might be time for a change in Milwaukee. His competitiveness and wanting to win the playoffs can make for good team chemistry with Giannis. I guess we’ll have to see what happens come the start of the season.
NBA Free Agency officially begins today, so I guess we’ll have to wait and see what happens. If you want to keep up to date on all of the free agency decisions and moves, then follow this blog so that you get an exclusive email every time a move or trade goes down. Don’t forget to like, comment, and as always, have an awesome day!
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