This past NBA season, we witnessed the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers clash in the NBA Finals for the third year in a row. The Warriors came out on top by winning the series four games to one. Many believed that the Warriors were a lock to win the finals since the beginning of the season with the signing of former Oklahoma City Thunder small forward Kevin Durant in last year’s offseason.
This NBA off-season was one for the books as we saw many star players go to different teams. Chris Paul teamed up with James Harden in Houston, while Gordon Hayward chose to play for his former college coach Brad Stevens in Boston.
The Oklahoma City Thunder acquired some help for MVP Russell Westbrook by trading away Victor Oladipo and second year big man Damontas Sabonis to the Indiana Pacers for all-star Paul George. All-star Jimmy Butler was also traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves for a couple of young players and draft picks.
One of the most surprising moves currently on hold is the swap of two all-star point guards in Kyrie Irving and Isaiah Thomas. This blockbuster trade would also send small forward Jae Crowder to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Although this trade has yet to go through due to Thomas’ lingering hip injury, many aspects of this trade make it one of the more intriguing moves.
Surprisingly, Kyrie Irving was the one who initiated the trade-talks by requesting the trade. What is even more surprising is that the Cavaliers agreed to a trade with their new rival Boston Celtics after the Celtics had acquired the top seed in the East this past season while the Cavs took second. Even though the trade has yet to go through, fans will no doubt be keeping an eye on the situation.
While many teams were stressing on acquiring new players to develop, the San Antonio Spurs remained quiet through the off-season process while making some moves of their own under the radar. The Spurs brought back Patty Mills for another four years, and also convinced Manu Ginobili to return for another two years. The Spurs also acquired a new face in free agency — Rudy Gay.
The Eastern Conference invested in their future by picking up young talent, whereas the Western Conference is fostering a “win now” mentality. For the 2017-2018 NBA season, the Golden State Warriors are still the team to beat
