The Boston Celtics have been crowned NBA champions for the 18th time in their franchise history. But the champagne bottles have barely been emptied before the upcoming offseason dominates the headlines. Which stars will be traded? Who will move in free agency? Stay updated with all the news and rumors from the best basketball league in the world, including insights on potential deals and player movements. For those seeking an extra thrill, explore exclusive offers like the Slotozen no deposit bonus to elevate your gaming experience alongside the excitement of the NBA offseason.
Important dates of the offseason:
- NBA Draft: 26 to 27 June 2024
- Start of free agency: 30 June 2024
- Summer League: 12 to 22 July 2024
Nets get their own picks back – Rockets want KD
The Brooklyn Nets were also in talks with other teams on Wednesday night – and have made a breakthrough in a second trade. According to consistent media reports, the Nets and the Houston Rockets are swapping some draft picks.
More specifically, the Nets get back their own picks in the deal, which they shipped to Houston in the 2021 trade for James Harden, including a 2025 pick swap and a 2026 first-round pick. In return, the Rockets from Brooklyn receive a first-round pick from the Phoenix Suns (2027), a potential 2025 pick swap with the Suns and a first-round pick in 2029 (the best pick from Dallas, Houston or Phoenix).
The Nets can thus start their rebuild after the Bridges trade with their own draft picks. And the Rockets? According to Adrian Wojnarowski (ESPN), they want to use the Suns’ valuable picks to prominently strengthen their team in another trade. They reportedly have their sights set on Suns star Kevin Durant – but Phoenix wants to keep the 35-year-old as things stand.
Bridges about to join the Knicks
On the eve of the NBA Draft, the New York Knicks and the Brooklyn Nets have agreed their first trade since 1983: Mikal Bridges will leave the Nets for Madison Square Garden, in return Bojan Bogdanovic (35, 15.2 points on average) will play for the Nets in the future. According to NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, five first-round draft picks are among those moving from the Nets to the Knicks.
The 27-year-old Bridges has never missed a game in his NBA career and averaged 19.6 points for Brooklyn last season. He is considered one of the best 3-and-D professionals in the league.
For the Knicks, Bridges will face former Villanova teammates Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo, who led the Wildcats to the 2016 college championship. Brunson, Bridges and DiVincenzo won a second title together two years later.
Atkinson to become new Cavs coach
The successor to J.B. Bickerstaff on the sidelines of the Cleveland Cavaliers has apparently been decided. According to media reports, Kenny Atkinson is to become the new head coach of the Cavs. The 57-year-old was most recently an assistant coach with the Golden State Warriors and has also gained head coaching experience in four seasons with the Brooklyn Nets. The next item on the Cavs’ offseason to-do list is a contract extension with Donovan Mitchell. According to Shams Charania (The Athletic), the Cavs are optimistic they can reach an agreement to keep the five-time All-Star.
Barnes signs rookie max extension
Scottie Barnes is set to sign a record contract with the Toronto Raptors. ESPN reports that the 22-year-old plans to sign an early contract extension in Toronto. According to the report, the forward, who was voted an All-Star for the first time last season, has agreed a rookie extension with the Raptors at maximum salary, which will earn him up to 270 million dollars over five years – 225 million dollars of which is guaranteed. The Raptors have never given out a higher-paid contract.
New coach for the Lakers – Pistons on the lookout
There is also news on the coaching market. The Los Angeles Lakers have found a new head coach on the sideline: J.J. Redick will take over the team around his former podcast partner LeBron James – although the 39-year-old has no previous experience as a head coach. Meanwhile, the Detroit Pistons have parted company with Head Coach Monty Williams after a disappointing season with just 14 wins and 68 defeats. Williams had only been hired in Detroit a year ago, at that time for a record salary.
Redick becomes new head coach of the Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers have found what they were looking for in their search for a new coach, according to US media reports. The top candidate was first a professional and most recently a TV pundit.
Thunder get Caruso via trade
The first trade of the 2024 offseason has already taken place. In a deal with the Chicago Bulls, the Oklahoma City Thunder have secured the services of Alex Caruso (30). The two-time All-Defensive Guard will strengthen the defence of the up-and-coming Thunder – offensively, he poses a threat as a three-point shooter (40.8 per cent from downtown in 2023/24). Caruso was previously regarded as one of the most sought-after role players on the trade market, with him the Thunder are underlining their ambitions in the Western Conference.
The Bulls receive Josh Giddey in return. The 21-year-old was unable to assert himself as desired in Oklahoma City after being selected sixth overall by the Thunder in the 2021 draft. However, the Australian has plenty of potential as a playmaker. The Bulls hope that this deal will allow Giddey to benefit from the change of scenery and take the next step in his development in the Windy City.
Siakam gets max contract in Indiana
Although free agency doesn’t officially start until 30 June at 6pm local time on the US East Coast, teams are allowed to negotiate with their own players on expiring contracts before then. One of this year’s best free agents may therefore not even come onto the market. As ESPN reports, the Indiana Pacers and Pascal Siakam (30) have already agreed on a contract extension. The two-time All-Star (21.7 points and 7.1 rebounds on average last season) is set to sign a maximum contract for four years and 189.5 million dollars. The Pacers are thus relying on their core consisting of Tyrese Haliburton (24) and Siakam, with whom Indiana reached the Eastern Conference Finals (0-4 against Boston).
Hartenstein coveted in free agency
From a German perspective, the future of Isaiah Hartenstein is one of the focal points of free agency in 2024. The centre impressed in the past season in the service of the New York Knicks (7.8 points, 8.3 rebounds and 2.5 assists on average) and started 13 playoff games. His two-year contract worth 16 million dollars signed in the Big Apple in 2022 is now coming to an end. He will definitely get a pay rise in free agency and the Knicks would like to keep the 26-year-old.
But according to the New York Post, the Oklahoma City Thunder, who need support at the big positions anyway, are also keeping an eye on Hartenstein. OKC goes into the offseason with plenty of wiggle room under the salary cap.