Grading NBA Offseason Moves So Far
From The Jazz Trading Gobert To Brunson Going To The Big Apple, What Offseason Moves Were Great and What Ones Were Questionable
by Liam Willerup
Last offseason when I tackled this, I would say I did a good job. I properly rated the Duncan Robinson deal as a D+, as he now as one of the most unmovable contracts in the NBA. I was also pretty accurate with the Bulls getting Ball and DeRozan, saying I'd give them a ceiling as a 5th seed as they ended up as the 6th seed at the end of the season. However, this offseason already looks a lot different, especially with superstars Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant requesting out of Brooklyn. With still many more moves to go, let's dive into the deals that have gone on so far in the league.
Minnesota Strikes Big on Jazz Center Rudy Gobert In Exchange For Multiple Picks
Trade for Timberwolves: C+
Getting four first rounders for a player that just turned 30 and doesn't have much room to grow seems like a steal for me. In addition, Utah also got a first-rounder for Royce O'Neale with a trade to the Nets. Regardless, Utah loaded up on draft capital and was able to bring in some quality rotation talent. Malik Beasley, Walker Kessler, and Jared Vanderbilt should all be good rotation pieces for the Jazz. Sure it'd be extremely bold to say that Kessler will be able fill the void for the three time Defensive Player of the Year, but Kessler is one of the best interior defensive prospects since Nerlens Noel. The trading of O'Neale will allow for Vanderbilt to take up those minutes, a player who is more youthful and a higher ceiling. Beasley being added should signal a potential Jordan Clarkson trade, which will only add more assets. For the Timberwolves, it is a puzzling move. Gobert is definitely a great player, but playing him alongside Karl-Anthony Towns is questionable. Especially with small ball showing great success in the past few seasons, Minnesota will now be playing two players 6'11" or taller in their starting lineup. Sure the Cavaliers have had recent success with Mobley and Allen out there, but those two big men are more mobile than Minnesota's duo. Gobert does help nullify the interior defense of Towns, but now forces Towns to defend on the perimeter. Overall, I really only see two more seasons of high-quality play from Gobert and don't expect him to last in Minnesota for the remainder of his contract.
Atlanta Hawks Acquire All-Star Dejounte Murray for Draft Picks
Trade for Hawks: A
Trade for Spurs: B+
There's no denying that the Hawks underperformed last season. With Trae Young being the only reliable form of offense for the Hawks, the Hawks were able to trade for two-way star Dejounte Murray from the Spurs. Coming off a season were he averaged 20+ PPG while 8+ RPG and 9+ APG, Murray will provide his interior scoring to pair alongside Young's superb outside shot creation. His presence will now allow Young to shoot off-ball, something he hasn't had the ability to do in Atlanta. With the trade, Atlanta gave up a salary dump in Danilo Gallinari along with three first rounders and the right to swap picks in 2026. For the Spurs, many may question why they didn't try to get a young player back in the deal. However this shows that San Antonio is trying to tank, and looking to rebuild through the draft. This is a good sign for San Antonio, as they haven't had much of a direction since Kawhi Leonard was traded to Toronto in 2018. Overall, I would've preferred the Spurs got a player like Jalen Johnson or Sharife Cooper, but I understand where they are coming from. Murray should help elevate this team to the top half of the Eastern Conference.
Jalen Brunson and the Knicks Officially Agree to a 4 year / $104 million Contract
Grade for the Knicks: C+
For the last decade, Knicks fans have been insistent that they will land marquee free agents. Being one of the most popular franchises in sports, they believe they have the atmosphere and lure but free agents don't seem to be in love with it. With the signing of Jalen Brunson, he becomes their biggest free agent signing since Julius Randle a few seasons prior. In no way do I believe Brunson is a bad player, as I think he is an above average point guard and should be serviceable for the Knicks. However, is a player worthy of commanding $25 million a season? That I'm not too sure of. New York will now add Brunson to their core "stars" of RJ Barrett and Julius Randle. Brunson will fill in at the starting point guard, which now only delays the development of youngster Immanuel Quickley. That's unfortunate for him, as he was stellar to end the season. Now, he'll be bumped in the depth chart and will surely be requesting a trade if Brunson remains above him. With this addition though, does this really raise the ceiling the Knicks that much. If EVERYTHING goes to plan, I could see this team as a 6th/7th seed in the East. Brunson will also be 26 at the start of next season, and I can't imagine him becoming an All-Star caliber guard. At best, I see Brunson being a Malcolm Brogdon / Fred VanVleet type of guard. In other words, the Knicks are far from contenders.
Celtics Improve After Falling Short, Add Veteran Guard in Malcolm Brogdon
Trade for Pacers: B+
Trade for Celtics: A+
It's been evident that the Pacers have been trying to move Malcolm Brogdon, especially with the recent addition Tyrese Halliburton flourishing now in Indiana. A player turning 30 in December, Brogdon will join a Celtics team that was a mere two wins away from being NBA Champions. Brogdon has been a great two-way guard since his time in Milwaukee, and will now have a better situation in Boston where he is bound to bring his efficiency back to his 50/40/90 splits in Milwaukee. He will slot in perfectly at point guard for the Celtics, as he will most certainly help with their ball-handling problems. For the Pacers, they were able to get a first-rounder for a player who was an odd-man out on a retooling roster. In addition to the first, the Pacers also got former first rounder Aaron Nesmith, who could develop into a solid wing scorer for them. Overall, I can't see this trade going bad for the Celtics, as at worst he is a better Derrick White.
Comments
Post a Comment