Official 2024-25 NBA Season Thread

[spurs50fan]

Don't quite understand the Paul situation unless something else is brewing. I don't see him starting but for a team with
an extremely young core
an aging coach needing a fresher voice on the court
void of players that can knock down open shots
needed to fill an obvious void at PG
...and drafted a player who would be a sponge and possibly takeover that role

It makes sense

[pingbling23]

Originally Posted by gomiamigo

He played 74 games last season. How many games he played in the bubble season isn't relevant at all in 2024-25.

Given that he didn't cost players or picks, getting him for some of Josh Harris' cash was a great use of resources, plus they still were able to give Maxey his max deal.

The 76ers entered the offseason with Embiid, Paul Reed under contract with the understanding Maxey was always getting the max. That was it, that was the only players they had.

Now they have a real team that can contend for a title and are finally off the Tobias Harris contract, PG is only making like $4m more this year than that anchor that crushed the 76ers' hopes every year. And now they can add more quality players with those picks we saved. And PG and Bona add some much needed athleticism and bounce.


76ers were playing at a 66-win pace with Embiid last year. Having PG takes the pressure off Embiid having to play every game for the Sixers to have a legit shot, as we all know that is unlikely.

74 games in a contract year, shocking. We will see if his game and health improve during his 34-38 year old range. Hope it works out but this seems like an overpay.

[rhigh2390]

Originally Posted by pingbling23

74 games in a contract year, shocking. We will see if his game and health improve during his 34-38 year old range. Hope it works out but this seems like an overpay.

It's 100% an overpay. I think Philly just knew that's what it was going to take and are willing to hate life in years 3 and 4 of the contract to make a push in years 1 and 2.

[daeve]

[Rahbar]OKC front loading Hartenstein’s deal with the final year not guaranteed keeps financial and roster flexibility for the Thunder when JDub and Chet’s new contracts kick in. Smart business.

[Katz] For those in doubt, the Knicks offered Hartenstein the full four-year, $72.5 million deal they could, according to a league source. He elected to test out free agency. The Knicks never pulled the offer. They wanted him back. They just weren't allowed to pay him enough.

[Schlecht] Hartenstein is pretty clearly the biggest free agent signing in the history of the Thunder. A deal that couldn’t be done without the trade for Gordon Hayward at the trade deadline. Clearing cap space by trading for Hayward allowed them necessary flexibility to sign Hartenstein

Presti playing 4D chess out here

[pingbling23]

Originally Posted by rhigh2390

It's 100% an overpay. I think Philly just knew that's what it was going to take and are willing to hate life in years 3 and 4 of the contract to make a push in years 1 and 2.

No doubt, Philly had to do something and I’m not saying this makes them worse but I hate seeing teams pay an aging player that’s on the downtrend one of the highest salaries in the league. Obviously if they win a title it will be worth it.

[JustinVerlander07]

Originally Posted by jcardstore

Wtf are the pistons doing lol

First giving money to Bagley and now Harris. Gonna be horrible forever

Is this just a salary floor deal?


But yea, hilariously bad and very on brand.

[pingbling23]

Originally Posted by daeve

Presti playing 4D chess out here

Hartenstein the biggest free agent signing ever for okc. Dang that bar was low.

[rhigh2390]

Originally Posted by pingbling23

Hartenstein the biggest free agent signing ever for okc. Dang that bar was low.

Thought the same thing. He's a nice player, but it's insane that he will be making close to $30 million a year. Crazy times we are in.

[daeve]

Originally Posted by pingbling23

Hartenstein the biggest free agent signing ever for okc. Dang that bar was low.

Clears Patrick Patterson by a large margin lol


Supposedly Klay deciding between Lakers and Mavs. Probably will be Mavs if he cares at all about winning.

[yiguiri2002]

Originally Posted by daeve

Presti playing 4D chess out here

Presti, with the ability to go into tax territory and learning his lesson from the KD era, is a very scary GM.

SGA/AC/J-Dub/Chet/Hartenstein might be the best starting 5 in the league. And they have a hell of a bench.

[yiguiri2002]

Originally Posted by daeve

Jalen Smith to the Bulls for 3/27 is also kind of nice for them, don't look now but they're having a semi-competent offseason and especially if they can find a taker for Lavine.

At this point, they shouldn't trade him. His value is way too low. Teams rather have Wiggins and Tobias Harris than go for Zach.

Have him play with the guys and try to find a desperate team before the deadline. It's not worth losing picks during a rebuild and he might try harder once he sees how limited his market is.

[Nomad]

Originally Posted by daeve

Jalen Smith to the Bulls for 3/27 is also kind of nice for them, don't look now but they're having a semi-competent offseason and especially if they can find a taker for Lavine.

Smith shot well, but he was recipient of a lot of fast whip gimmes on the perimeter. Has chronic back issues at a young age and not gonna drive an offense. But he has length and probably imbibed enough of the Pacers' system to be plug n' play on a middle tier team.

Hats off to Toppen, who could have started on a number of teams and decided he wants a ring.

[pac213up]

76ers either had to blow it up or make a move like they did. It is risky because of age and injury history but cannot really blame them. Embiid is still the key to it all. Will he stay healthy, will he sacrifice touches, will he stay in shape, ect. On paper they look formidable this upcoming year.

[mjekase]

Originally Posted by rhigh2390

It's 100% an overpay. I think Philly just knew that's what it was going to take and are willing to hate life in years 3 and 4 of the contract to make a push in years 1 and 2.

Fair point, which is why keeping their draft picks for '26-'28 and not having to do a trade for this sort of piece is key for them.

[yiguiri2002]

I wonder what will happen if the cap's growth starts slowing down in the next few years. I assumed most (if not all) teams are assuming a 10% yearly increase based on the new TV deal.

What if it falls short? Seems like Presti is the only one having any kind of contingency plan front loading deals.

[oldgoldy97]

Luka to the Wolves.











Garza.

[mnvikingstwins]

Originally Posted by oldgoldy97

Luka to the Wolves.











Garza.

Good to have him back. Saw him at church yesterday

[rustywest]

Originally Posted by rhigh2390

Thought the same thing. He's a nice player, but it's insane that he will be making close to $30 million a year. Crazy times we are in.

'You can't teach heart and hustle.' 'Rebounds get rings.' Couple of cliches but they ring true for Hartenstein. Great pickup for OKC at a position they needed most. Big loss for the Knicks... I love the way he plays the game, just a great team player. Hope he can stay healthy for them!

[rustywest]

Originally Posted by Kingofkings1281

Clippers attempting to trade Russ. I wouldn’t mind him coming back to OKC.

Please lord let a trade, any trade eventuate. OKC would be cool but despite what they say Russ has more to give than just a backup. He's been done dirty! I'd be happy for him to be sent literally anywhere just to be away from Lawrence Frank and the Tyronne Lue/James Harden splurge fest.

[rustywest]

Did anyone else see these pics of Kawhi on holiday? I'm pretty sure its 2024 but you can always be tricked. Had to double take but its new balance head to toe. Full hobo style, straight knee pain on display. Blazed for sure. Hasn't been able to complete a playoff series for some time now. I love Kawhi but good lord. Clips gon Clip

Least he got the electrolytes flowing

[Bosoxfan5990]

Celtics going up for sale. The move makes total sense, but I hate it because I love this ownership group.

[jcardstore]

Originally Posted by rustywest

Did anyone else see these pics of Kawhi on holiday? I'm pretty sure its 2024 but you can always be tricked. Had to double take but its new balance head to toe. Full hobo style, straight knee pain on display. Blazed for sure. Hasn't been able to complete a playoff series for some time now. I love Kawhi but good lord. Clips gon Clip

Least he got the electrolytes flowing

Why are you worried about what Kawhi is doing in the offseason (if that's even a real photo)

[rustywest]

Its funny jerkstore

[JustinVerlander07]

Originally Posted by rustywest

Its funny jerkstore

Almost as funny as you blaming Westbrooks failures on everyone else after bragging all season about how he was back!

[jcardstore]

Originally Posted by JustinVerlander07

Almost as funny as you blaming Westbrooks failures on everyone else after bragging all season about how he was back!