Wow! The jaw dropping 2017 NBA offseason moves is one for the books. The Golden State Warriors demolished the Cleveland Cavaliers to become the 2017 NBA Champions. That defeat tarnished the chemistry between Kyrie Irving and LeBron James, forcing Irving to request a trade. Shockingly, rumors say it was because LeBron might be going to play for the Lakers next season.
“My intent is to be happy and to be with a team I can grow with,” Irving said after being traded to Boston in a Blockbuster Deal, a deal that sent Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic, a 2020 pick, and a 2018 first-round pick to Cleveland. The most exciting part will be when these two new teams meet each other for the first game of the season.
“I’m the king of the world,” must be the way James Harden felt after signing the biggest contract extension in the history of sports. Harden and the Rockets inked a massive four-year, $228 million contract.
“Everything is going to happen here in Houston, and that’s the reason I’m here forever,” Harden said.
That is $156,164 a day. Can you imagine having that much money? Harden was not the only one to score a big payday. Steph Curry signed a whopping five-year, $201 million contract. Out of nowhere, Blake Griffin re-signed for a five-year, $173 million contract with the Clippers. NBA teams were dishing out contracts like assists.
It seemed as if every team got a new face through free agency or a trade. Crazy thing is, nearly all the Eastern All-Stars went to the Western Conference. Jimmy Butler got traded to Minnesota, Paul Millsap signed with Denver, etc. Most notable is Paul George. Pacers traded George to the Oklahoma City Thunder, giving OKC the piece they need to help Westbrook get back to the playoffs.
Will that be enough to take down the Warriors? Rockets acquired Chris Paul in a trade, teaming him up with MVP finalist James Harden. Do they have what it takes to dethrone the champs? What makes it scarier for other teams is that the Warriors have gotten even better over the offseason by acquiring Nick Young and Omri Casspi while resigning their current players. In other news, Carmelo Anthony is still seeking a trade to Houston without waiving his no trade clause. Where will Anthony land? Or will he remain unhappy in New York?
Written by: LaDarius Dennison
