By Hocine LOUKKAF on 9/1/2018

There have been some interesting trades, but also new contracts and resignings during the first months of this offseason. Let’s see how it’s going to affect the upcoming season with the major moves.

Lebron and Rajon to LA

For what maybe his last contract, Lebron has decided to join the best NBA market in Hollywood. Despite Randle’s departure, the Lakers have some interesting pieces and will welcome one of the top PG of the NBA, Rajon Rondo. If they can find a solid inside player to protect the rim, Lebron could help the Ball, Ingram or Kuzma reach go far for their first playoff appearance.

Kawhi and Danny Green to Toronto

How healthy is Kawhi? That the main interrogation as no one really knows why Kawhi wanted to leave, is that really because of that injury’s issue or were there other reasons? And does Kawhi want to stay in Toronto? One thing is for sure, if Kawhi comes back healthy and does what he can do, which means be one of the best two-way players of the League, the Raptors could reach the Eastern Conference Finals. He’s joined by another good two-player, Danny Green, whose elite shooting will be much needed.

DMC to the Warriors, KD resigns

DMC is injured, he won’t play until december or january. So what did he choose to come back without pressure? To play for the best team in the League, to the opponents’ dismay. If he comes back healthy, he will make the Warriors unbeatable as their main weakness was playing against good big men. It may be a one year deal but it could end up with one of the best seasons ever. KD’s resigning seems so natural that we won’t even lose time anaylizing it.

Paul George stays in OKC

Probably the most important resigning as George was supposed to leave for LA. Finally, Lebron took his place and George decided to trust Westbrook and try to reach NBA’s Mount Olympus. With Anthony gone, PG13 would be given the key on offense while the Thunder added some interesting young guns like UK alumnis Nerlens Noel and Hamidou Diallo.

DeAndre back to Texas

DeAndre is coming back to his birth state to bring some much needed rim protection as Mavericks’ center position last year was filled by Mejri and Powell. With Doncic as their first round pick and Dennis Smith looking to take over the team, Jordan’s experience and defense will help the Mavs get more wins and maybe a playoff berth.

Demar Derozan and Jakob Poeltl to San Antonio

As good a scorer as he is, Derozan has never been able to be the leader who makes his team reach the NBA Finals. He’s still struggling from three (30% 3pt last year) and in a devilish Western Conference, it will be hard for him to have better results than when he was playing for the Raptors. Poeltl may be the surprising piece of this trade. The Austrian center is long, very efficient on offense, moves well and could receive some good tutoring from Pau Gasol if the Spanish star stays.

Julius Randle to the Pelicans

After the Lakers decided to let him go, Randle signed to join another UK alumni in New Orleans. With Anthony Davis and Mirotic, Randle brings another solid option inside for and up and coming Pels team. In the modern ball, he can play the four or the small five and still has room to improve.

Capela stays in Houston

A lot of teams were supposedly interested in signing Capela, the rim protection for the run and gunning Rockets. Houston has managed to keep him around, but they also keep him at a very good price with a $90 contract over five years. Capela perfectly fit with Harden and Paul as he doesn’t need the ball much and is a very good finisher around the rim.

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