By: Rory Zeman
Media Production Editor
Only three months ago the Boston Celtics became the 2024 NBA Champions, and much has happened since. In the 2024 offseason, numerous trades and signings have constituted one of the most eventful summers in NBA history. Here’s a recap of some of the most significant team changes that took place this offseason as the NBA teams gear up for the start of the 2024-2025 season.
Potentially one of the most impactful signings of the season, the Philadelphia 76ers picked up former Los Angeles Clipper Paul George from free agency. After a disappointing season from the 76ers due to injuries of their star player, Joel Embiid, and a first-round exit from the playoffs, a new wing star in Paul George could be exactly what the 76ers need. George may play a pivotal role in the team’s success by being both a great defensive and offensive forward to a team that already has an all-star point guard and center.
Chicago Bulls forward DeMar DeRozan also played a major part in this offseason’s extremity. DeRozan was a part of a major sign-and-trade deal that saw him land in Sacramento. Now a part of the Sacramento Kings, DeRorzan’s career can take a different direction. Entering his 16th season, DeRozan can begin to offer a veteran touch to a young team that has consistently struggled to make it past the early stages of the postseason. However, Chicago made some changes of their own, bringing in Oklahoma City Thunder starting forward Josh Giddey in return for Chicago’s Alex Caruso.
Although somewhat of a controversial trade for the New York Knicks, the Brooklyn Nets traded Mikal Bridges, a traditionally defensive talent turned all-star prospect, for five first-round picks and Bojan Bogdanovic. The Knicks are receiving backlash for this decision considering they traded an incredible role player along with basically their entire draft future for a gamble on a rising star. However, the Knicks came just short of making it to the third round of the NBA playoffs, so adding talent to their roster is urgent, which is why this pickup could benefit them.
Finally, the Golden State Warriors made some major changes to their roster. To start, they let NBA veteran Chris Paul go to the San Antonio Spurs and picked up three-point specialist Buddy Hield from free agency. However, the most groundbreaking decision by the Warriors was to part ways with NBA legend Klay Thompson, who had been on the team for 13 years ever since being drafted to the bay. Thompson broke numerous NBA records on the team and was a part of four championship seasons with the Warriors, playing a pivotal role in one of the greatest dynasties in professional sports history. The Warriors also extended all-time great Stephen Curry’s contract with the team through the 2026-2027 season.
Overall, the upcoming NBA season will surely have surprising shifts in teams’ performances with the various offseason signings and trades that have heavily altered many of the rosters that fans are familiar with.
(Sources: CNN, ESPN)