There is a big sense of urgency to this offseason as several clubs are already gearing up for the 2020/21 NBA campaign.
The Phoenix Suns and the Milwaukee Bucks have recently made trades in order to improve their roster, while the Brooklyn Nets are slowly turning into a viable destination for stars.
After seeing major internal turnover over these past few weeks, superstar guard James Harden reportedly rejected a lucrative extension with the Rockets that would’ve made him the first-ever player to earn at least $50-M a year in contracts.
Insiders indicated that The Beard is eyeing to go to the Brooklyn Nets or the Philadelphia Sixers, which fuels the notion that he will be on the move sooner or later.
These are just some of the biggest news that have happened here in the Association and SBOTOP has you covered with the latest NBA 2020 updates.
Chris Paul goes to the Suns
The Suns are going to be a team to watch out for next season as they’ve reloaded their roster.
Phoenix have acquired Chris Paul and Abdel Nader from Oklahoma City in exchange for Kelly Oubre Jr., Ricky Rubio, Ty Jerome, Jalen Lecque, and a 2022 first-round pick.
Chris Paul will serve as a running mate for emerging young stars in Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton as they try to establish themselves as a contender in the Western Conference.
After finishing 8-0 in the Orlando bubble last season, many have viewed the Suns as a bright young team in the West. But with this move, it is becoming clear that a playoff berth is in their sights.
Chris Paul was acquired by the Thunder from the Rockets last term in exchange with Russell Westbrook. He had a resurgent season playing for OKC by leading them to a surprising playoff berth despite the unfavourable NBA 2020 odds.
As for the Thunder, this puts them in great position to fast-track their rebuild as they’ve already amassed 16 first-round picks.
Just recently, they traded away Dennis Schroder to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Danny Green and the 28th pick of this upcoming draft.
Giannis Antetokounmpo welcomes a new co-star
The Bucks will become even more scarier next season with its latest star acquisition in the trade market.
Milwaukee and New Orleans have agreed to exchange Jrue Holiday for Eric Bledsoe, George Hill, and multiple draft picks.
Holiday is set to join a team that has established themselves as contenders to the Eastern Conference crown, with NBA All-Stars Khris Middleton and Giannis Antetokounmpo in tow.
For the past two seasons, the Bucks fell short to their expectations as they have yet to appear in the NBA Finals despite finishing the regular season with one of the best records.
They are hopeful that this trade will cement their elite status as they are wooing the Greek Freak to sign with them for the long-term.
On the flip side, this trade ushers in a dawn of a new era in New Orleans.
Few weeks ago, the Pelicans brought in Stan Van Gundy to be their new head coach and the addition of veterans Eric Bledsoe and George Hill should add experience to their youth-laden lineup of Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart, Brandon Ingram, and Zion Williamson.
Will we see a Big 3 in the Nets?
James Harden believes that his championship window with the Rockets has ended, so it is not surprising that he seeking a move elsewhere.
The Nets have emerged as a viable destination for The Beard as he believes that forming a Big 3 alongside Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant will give him his best chance to win his first-ever NBA championship.
Brooklyn’s top brass will have a lot to think about if they will pull the trigger, although they haven’t engaged in talks yet with Houston.
The Nets have made changes earlier this offseason by bringing in Steve Nash as their head coach to which Irving and Durant approved.
They also went out and brought in Bruce Brown from the Pistons in exchange for Dzanan Musa and a 2021 second-round pick to bolster their bench.
The Nets are considered by many as one of the darkhorse contenders next season due to the versatility of their current roster.
Alongside Irving and Durant, they have a young core in Caris LeVert, Jarrett Allen, Spencer Dinwiddie, and Joe Harris who have proven their worth especially last season.
If ever they will engage in a trade with Houston, Brooklyn are expected to unload some of their young pieces for a Harden trade to be complete.
Will the Nets mortgage their future for a chance to win now? It all remains to be seen, but they should proceed with caution as they wouldn’t want to make the same mistake twice.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE BASKETBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
