NBA: Blockbuster Trades Before Draft Night
NEW YORK — It’s been quite the week of trades, and things stirred up when the Phoenix Suns secured Bradley Beal trading Chris Paul to the Wizards on Sunday. The trade sent Twitter into a frenzy. The Suns will have $163 million in salary committed to Deandre Ayton, Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, and Cameron Payne. Sheesh. A pretty solid starting line-up, if I say so myself, and an expensive one.
The CP3 trade didn’t last long, as the Warriors agreed to deal Jordan Poole to the Wizards for Chris Paul. CP3 x Chef Curry. I never thought we’d see those two legends rocking the same jersey, and I’m pleased to say I’m not mad at it. I don’t know about you, but I am certainly excited to see what these two would cook up on the court. But we know you’re thinking it…does this mean a possible Draymond Green return amidst Poole's trade to the Wizards. There is a lot to unfold here. Remember, the four-time NBA champion Green will hit free agency this summer after declining his $27.5 million player option with the Golden State Warriors for the 2023-24 season. He will become an unrestricted free agent, per multiple sources. Perhaps Poole’s departure will allow Green to re-sign with his beloved Warriors. It’s no shocker that the Warriors would like Green back in the Bay Area. New Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy said that while he couldn't explicitly comment on Green's decision to opt out because it isn't official, he confirmed the team's desire to re-sign the four-time All-Star forward when he met with reporters for his introductory press conference. Sounds like trouble in paradise. We’ll pay close attention to where Green decides to sign. After elimination in the playoffs back in May, Green spoke on his future with the Warriors.
"I want to be a Warrior for the rest of my life. I want to ride out with the same dudes I rolled in with,” said Green.
On the East Coast, things have been interesting following the Marcus Smart trade. The Boston Celtics part ways with Marcus Smart as they send him to Memphis Grizzlies as part of the Kristaps Porzingis deal. As part of the deal, the Grizzlies are sending the No. 25 pick on Thursday night and the 2024 pick via Golden State for Smart. With Porzingis joining Jalen Brown and Jayson Tatum, how far do you think the Celtics will go?
Tonight’s the NBA Draft, and we can hardly keep up with all the new signees and trades. So who do you think won the best trade post-season? Perhaps it’s too early to tell.
