NBA Blockbuster Summer 2017

By Josh De Jesus

Although the 2016 - 2017 NBA season has concluded with the Golden State Warriors winning their impressive third  NBA Championship against the Cleveland Cavaliers in June, the action and drama has yet to stop in the NBA. Teams are making moves. Players, coaches, and executives alike are causing drama. It is an arms race to create the best team for the next season. The balance of the NBA has shifted. Let's recap what trades and player signings has occurred since the NBA season ended.

James Harden (Left) with Chris Paul (Right)

Onto the blockbuster moves from the western conference teams. First, the Los Angeles Clippers traded Chris Paul to the Houston Rockets for Lou Williams, Patrick Beverly, a handful of other players, and a draft pick. Wow. Chris Paul and James Harden on the same team. This trade screams championship run as the Rockets gave up a lot for Chris Paul. The Rockets also signed P.J Tucker, a lock-down defender to contrast the explosive 3-point offense of the Rockets. Chris Paul being paired with Mike D'antoni is reminiscent of the days of Steve Nash and D'antoni. The Rockets are definitely a force to be reckon with next season. Clippers' fans don't have too much to worry about. They were able to re-sign Blake Griffin, land a solid point guard in Milos Teodosic, and acquire Danilo Gallinari after trading away Jamal Crawford. The Clippers are looking to be a solid team but eyes will be on their new point guards to see if they can unite the big men to success like Paul did for six years.

The Chicago Bulls trade Jimmy Butler to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Zach Lavine and Lauri Markannen. The Minnesota Timberwolves now have a big three in Karl Anthony-Towns, Andrew Wiggins and Jimmy Butler. The Timberwolves have slowly been growing stronger each season and with the addition of Butler (who is reunited with Coach Tom Thibideau), the Timberwolves are another threatening team in the western conference. The Chicago Bulls seem to be in some trouble now as they have lost their superstar, and are left with an aging Dwayne Wade after Rajon Rondo was released. Zach Lavine is a good player but not a cookie cutter replacement for Butler.

Paul George (Left) with Russell Westbrook (Right)

Paul George stirred up some drama after telling the public he wants to leave the Indiana Pacers after the next season to sign with the Lakers. Kevin Pritchard, the General Manger of the Pacers was upset and he took action. The Pacers traded Paul George to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Victor Oladipo and Domantis Sabonis. OKC fans were ecstatic to hear that Paul George is coming to their team as he is an aid to new league MVP, Russell Westbrook. For Indiana, it seemed like a trade out of desperation to land supporting pieces to a now mediocre team. 

The last big move in the West is Paul Millsap signing a 3-Year $90-million dollar contract with the Denver Nuggets. Paul Millsap is definitely a talented player, leading the Hawks to multiple playoff appearances The question to ask though is if he is the right fit for the team? Yes, he fills the void left by Gallinari but with a team full of big men, and lackluster point guards, Paul Millsap seems like a huge investment for the Nuggets that might not have the right pieces to let Millsap perform at his best.

Gordon Hayward

Transitioning from the western conference to the eastern conference, free agent superstar Gordon Hayward was in the sights of the Utah Jazz, the Boston Celtics, and the Miami Heat. Twitter wars ensued from players of each team trying to lure Hayward to them. In the end, Hayward has seemingly decided to sign with the Boston Celtics. Hayward will be reunited with his coach from college, Brad Stevens, and is paired with Isaiah Thomas who is coming off his best season. If the Celtics sign Hayward, the Celtics are poised to challenge the Cavaliers and the Raptors for the top spot in the east. Speaking of, All-Star Kyle Lowry and big man Serge Ibaka are re-signing with the Raptors. Many Raptors' fans rejoiced in the point guard's comeback. The back-court combo of Lowry and DeRozan has brought the Raptors success in the regular season but they need to find a superstar or another key piece if they ever hope to succeed in the playoffs.

That wraps up all the major trades and signings these past few weeks. There are still plenty of moves left to be made before the 2017-2018 season starts. Which trade or signing has shocked you the most? What teams are you most excited for the next season? Let us know in the comments below. 

JD