The NBA season is set to begin later this month, each team’s season may be determined by the outcome of their offseason moves.
While some teams opted for low-risk moves, others aimed to make bigger splashes in pursuit of building a title-contending team. Looking back on all the acquisitions and departures, here are the three biggest NBA offseason moves.
1. Milwaukee Bucks sign center
In a move that shocked many people who thought Myles Turner was destined to resign with the Indiana Pacers after a trip to the NBA finals, Turner signed a four year, $107 million contract with the Bucks in July.
Turner is a younger version of center Brook Lopez who departed for the Los Angeles Clippers. The Bucks are hoping Turner can carry over the production he had in Indiana. His ability to protect the rim and be a big contributor on offense will take pressure off of power forward Giannis Antetokounmpo’s plate.
Turner is coming off his best three-point season of his career at 40% and averaged 16 points per game. This bold move by the Bucks highlights their commitment to strengthening up defensively in their quest to be contenders in the Eastern Conference.
2. Houston Rockets trade for power forward Kevin Durant
The Houston Rockets acquired Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns in the first ever seven-team trade in NBA history. This trade could not have gone better for the Rockets and may even be the best move of the offseason.
A two-time NBA champion, Durant has established himself as a dominant force on the court with his ability to score, basketball IQ and versatility. This move reshapes the Rocket’s, showing a shift towards being a competitive team. A group of young talent led by guard Jalen Green and center Alpheren Sengun combined with Durant’s veteran presence builds a lineup that can cause opponents trouble.
Not only is this move a game changer on the court, it’s a big excitement booster for the Rockets’ fan base to have a player with Durant’s prowess in the locker room. Adding a quality piece to the lineup without losing any of their top young players or draft picks in return makes this offseason move a huge win for the Rockets.
3. Dallas Mavericks draft Cooper Flagg No. 1 overall
After trading away guard Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in a trade that shocked the sports world, the Mavericks landed the opportunity to take highly touted Cooper Flagg first in the draft.
Coming out of Duke with big expectations, this move has enough to get Mavericks fans excited once again about the future of the franchise. Flagg was the best defensive and offensive prospect in the draft due to his two-way versatility and athleticism so the future in Dallas looks Bright
With Flagg’s sweet jumper, this move helps Dallas both short-term and long-term. Paired up with veteran forward Anthony Davis, there is no doubt that Flagg’s size and versatility will make him a big asset in the lineup.
The Mavericks quite literally won the lottery, as they had a 1.8% change of getting the first overall pick in the draft.
As all 30 NBA teams ready up for a long season with the goal of hoisting the Larry O’Brien trophy at the end, time will tell the impact of these offseason moves. But for now, these three teams have made positive strides over the offseason.
The NBA season opens Oct. 21 with the most anticipated matchup being the Los Angeles Lakers taking on the Golden State Warriors.