2024-25 NBA Thread: Stephen A leading ESPN’s draft coverage by yelling about players he’s never heard of until now (110 Viewers)

[Mister CIA]

Thats the way to use cap space in a rebuild - Nets overflowing with picks - also armed with possible dealing of Claxton and Cam J - praying they find a way to get to #2 for Harper but doubtful - more likely a trade up for Ace and possibly a second lottery pick to build on.

Harper : DENIED:

 

[scoobus]

PG: Trae
SG: D. Daniels
SF: Risacher
PF: Jalen Johnson
C: Porzingis

That's at least pretty interesting on paper, East is wiiiiiiiiiide open next year.

penciling in Porzingas as a full time starter is iffy. He misses a lot of games.

Why I said on paper. They still have Okongwu too.

Buddy, get in line for paper championships.

Oh, I've got the Magic definitely in front of them (on paper of course).

 

[Long Ball Larry]

Porzingis to Atlanta.

So at this point, with Tatum's '25-26 season basically being a wash, the Celtics are just giving up?

It’s more that they would end up paying hundreds of millions in tax for a team that probably wouldn’t be that competitive and getting rid of players that probably wont help by the time that Tatum gets back to the best he can be. They would have handled it differently if not for the crazy financial situation .

Though I am a bit surprised that porzingis ended up being a negative value and Jrue was a positive. I suppose his weird illness really spooked teams, but having him for one year and then maybe getting him on a smaller contract is a pretty good gamble for the hawks considering the upside.

 

[Long Ball Larry]

Kyrie opting out of 43 million and signing for 3/119. Seems like a reasonable outcome for the mavs considering the situation.

 

[Dez]

someone needs to take a scythe to NBA trade rules and start over. these things are way too complicated and unnecessarily confusing.

player for player, full stop. start revoking franchises.

Bird law is very clear on this.

What really sucks is every time there is a trade now we have to hear about how much some team is saving in 2028 and how close they are to the second apron and how this will save them from that etc etc who gives a ****. I grew up watching hoops not excel spreadsheets. “My team won’t pay the tax in 2029 now!” Ok bro have you ever touched a woman?

Updated NBA Power Rankings:
1. OKC Thunder
2. The Second Apron
3. NY Knicks
4. Cleveland Cavs

https://x.com/TommyBeer/status/1937649176679973274?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1937649176679973274%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=

 

[Don Quixote]

Wizards just made out like bandits. Got by far the best player in the deal by getting Olynyk.

Who are the Wizards going to spend $100M of cap space on next summer? No one will go there.

They’ll try to do what OKC did when building out their team - use the cap space to trade for bad salaries and get assets attached to them. That flexibility will be huge as teams try to avoid the biggest penalties in the new CBA.

For example, they could trade McCollum for Bradley Beal and five second round picks from the Suns.

A bit of a tank needed too. Wizards pick is only protected if in top 8 next year. About the most Wizards thing imaginable is missing the playoffs but having their pick end up at #9 and having to convey it to the Knicks.

 

[ChicoCat]

With the East looking more and more like poop...I'm gong long on the Sixers. Embiid will come back. George will sort of find a Fountain of Youth. Maxey will play bigger than his size and McCain will take another step. Add in a lottery pick for depth....and this team will be knocking on the Finals door.

 

[msudaisy26]

Love the NBA, but they have to fix the cap/apron stuff next contract. The fact that only like five teams every year can actually sign players without sign and trades is stupid.

 

[Desert_Power]

NBA feels about as open as it ever has. Apron definitely makes a lot of things harder, but it is helping parity?

 

[Kev4029]

Love the NBA, but they have to fix the cap/apron stuff next contract. The fact that only like five teams every year can actually sign players without sign and trades is stupid.

I don't think that specific issue is due to the apron or any of the cap minutia. I think two things are happening - 1. Players have figured out that they can take the extension then ultimately get somewhere else if they want and 2. The risk of getting injured and losing out on a huge payday has grown substantially both due to increases of injuries and the fact that the average salary is generational wealth type of money. Why risk $100m or something to chase an extra $15m? The only way to fix that issue is have the NBA make less money.

 

[General Malaise]

You know what professional sport doesn't have all this ludicrous math problems nor require a degree in calculus to follow?

NHL

 

[General Malaise]

You know what professional sport doesn't have all this ludicrous math problems nor require a degree in calculus to follow?

NHL

* I dont know that for certain.

 

[Yo Mama]

You know what professional sport doesn't have all this ludicrous math problems nor require a degree in calculus to follow?

NHL

* I dont know that for certain.

The math isn’t as hard with such smaller numbers involved.

 

[Juxtatarot]

Love the NBA, but they have to fix the cap/apron stuff next contract. The fact that only like five teams every year can actually sign players without sign and trades is stupid.

I don't think that specific issue is due to the apron or any of the cap minutia. I think two things are happening - 1. Players have figured out that they can take the extension then ultimately get somewhere else if they want and 2. The risk of getting injured and losing out on a huge payday has grown substantially both due to increases of injuries and the fact that the average salary is generational wealth type of money. Why risk $100m or something to chase an extra $15m? The only way to fix that issue is have the NBA make less money.

Yeah, a main cause of all this is the extensions. Under this CBA, we’ll never see a bunch of top players being free agents like we did in 2010 (I think that was the LeBron, Wade, Bosh year, right?).

There is a somewhat healthy MLE market for what that’s worth.

Personally, I don’t mind. I like how GMs have to be creative. I like trades.

 

[AAABatteries]

PG: Trae
SG: D. Daniels
SF: Risacher
PF: Jalen Johnson
C: Porzingis

That's at least pretty interesting on paper, East is wiiiiiiiiiide open next year.

penciling in Porzingas as a full time starter is iffy. He misses a lot of games.

Why I said on paper. They still have Okongwu too.

Oh sure, I’ll try to kick the football again, Lucy.

I hate all of you people.

 

[Major]

Well this is interesting. https://x.com/Fullcourtpass/status/1936154902004183347

The Rockets can easily acquire him but I don't think they're willing to meet the Suns' demands. Pretty sure the Rockets offered Green, Brooks and 2025 1st but PHX wants Jabari as well. Not happening fellas.

This guy knows things

 

[Boston]

You know what professional sport doesn't have all this ludicrous math problems nor require a degree in calculus to follow?

NHL

It is more of a hard cap...the NHL cap is like basic math while the NBA is advanced physics with a minor in a foreign language.

 

[msudaisy26]

Love the NBA, but they have to fix the cap/apron stuff next contract. The fact that only like five teams every year can actually sign players without sign and trades is stupid.

I don't think that specific issue is due to the apron or any of the cap minutia. I think two things are happening - 1. Players have figured out that they can take the extension then ultimately get somewhere else if they want and 2. The risk of getting injured and losing out on a huge payday has grown substantially both due to increases of injuries and the fact that the average salary is generational wealth type of money. Why risk $100m or something to chase an extra $15m? The only way to fix that issue is have the NBA make less money.

I disagree about making less money, unless you can show me that NBA teams are bleeding money.

I would compromise and say that the cap should go up and the percentage that one player can take up of the cap should be lower.

 

[Major]

Rockets v. Magic 2026 Finals? Book it. Rockets sweep again imo.

 

[Capella]

Rockets v. Magic 2026 Finals? Book it. Rockets sweep again imo.

Partially boo this man

 

[Major]

I haven't posted my thoughts on the Durant trade yet but I'm ecstatic Stone held tight. We really just trimmed the fat. Jalen is a negative asset imo and there isn't room to develop another draft pick. I will miss Dillon's leadership and defensive prowess but a small price to pay for Durant. This sets up the Rockets nicely to make another superstar acquisition if needed. With all those Suns draft picks and young guys like Jabari, Tari and Sheppard, they could easily acquire a Giannis type down the road

 

[Mister CIA]

Rockets v. Magic 2026 Finals? Book it. Rockets sweep again imo.

A repeat of 1995, 6th seed.

 

[Ramblin Wreck]

Is the NBA still going to make prospects put on a hat of the team that trades them because trades aren't official until next week? One of the dumbest and most confusing things ever watching one of these.

 

[Mister CIA]

Happy Dylan Harper Day!

 

[Jayrod]

Man, I knew it was likely but bummed about the Holiday trade. He was my favorite Celtic since he put on the uniform and one of my favorite players ever. Guy did all things well and was just a consummate professional in all ways.

I hope he lands at a contender. I saw a report yesterday that he was upset about the trade.

As for Celtics, this is new territory for me as a fan (I only latched on when Stevens was hired). To this point they've always been moving forward and doing everything to try and win a championship. A "retooling" or "throwaway" season seems odd. Not sure how I feel about it, but I guess there are always cycles franchises have to go through.

 

[Sammy3469]

You know what professional sport doesn't have all this ludicrous math problems nor require a degree in calculus to follow?

NHL

* I dont know that for certain.

The NHL is somewhere between MLB and the NBA. There is a hard cap and every so often a second tier star gets moved because of it (not so much these days), but much of the movement to adhere to the cap is second line and below guys who most fans really don't care about (die hards do). Their cap is also going up about $9 million a year for the next couple of years (95 to 104ish to 113ish) which is about what a superstar is making a season, so good teams can keep adding/paying guys pretty easily right now.

 

[Brunell4MVP]

Kyrie opting out of 43 million and signing for 3/119. Seems like a reasonable outcome for the mavs considering the situation.

Hard to believe Kyrie is only 33 years old. Feels like he's been in the NBA forever.

 

[Brunell4MVP]

You know what professional sport doesn't have all this ludicrous math problems nor require a degree in calculus to follow?

NHL

College sports doesn't either. Because the cap between NIL, tuition, and boosters is infinity.

 

[Boston]

Man, I knew it was likely but bummed about the Holiday trade. He was my favorite Celtic since he put on the uniform and one of my favorite players ever. Guy did all things well and was just a cunsummate professional in all ways.

I hope he lands at a contender. I saw a report yesterday that he was upset about the trade.

As for Celtics, this is new territory for me as a fan (I only latched on when Stevens was hired). To this point they've always been moving forward and doing everything to try and win a championship. A "retooling" or "throwaway" season seems odd. Not sure how I feel about it, but I guess there are always cycles franchises have to go through.

The Celtics Trades Were Cold, Calculated, and Completely Necessary

Jayson Tatum’s injury forced Boston’s hand, but Brad Stevens may have engineered a soft landing with upside

www.theringer.com

Celtics trade rumors: Boston hearing offers for Jaylen Brown, Derrick White with more moves possible

The luxury tax-saving offseason continues Boston, but the asking prices are steep for two additional stars

www.cbssports.com

Celtics Rumors: Boston Eyeing Trade Up In 2025 NBA Draft For Illinois Star

After trading Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, the Celtics are looking to move up in the 2025 NBA Draft for Kasparas Jakucionis.

nesn.com

 

[thecatch]

I am really surprised/impressed that the Celtics were able to get of the Holiday and Porzingis contracts without giving up assets and getting expiring deals in return. That was amazing work by Stevens. I suspect Jrue is washed and I know Porzingis is, so they didn't really materially impact their future competitiveness either.

 

[Major]

Man, I knew it was likely but bummed about the Holiday trade. He was my favorite Celtic since he put on the uniform and one of my favorite players ever. Guy did all things well and was just a cunsummate professional in all ways.

Sounds a lot like Dillon Brooks. Hate to see him go as well

 

[Jayrod]

Celtics trade rumors: Boston hearing offers for Jaylen Brown, Derrick White with more moves possible

The luxury tax-saving offseason continues Boston, but the asking prices are steep for two additional stars

www.cbssports.com

I really hope they dont deal Derrick White. I'm 50/50 on trading JB, but would expect something massive in return. Of course, an amazing deal for White could take the sting off if he's gone too but I can't think of many guys I'd rather have.

 

[Capella]

Refreshing Twitter for another trade like a crackhead

 

[msudaisy26]

Kyrie opting out of 43 million and signing for 3/119. Seems like a reasonable outcome for the mavs considering the situation.

Hard to believe Kyrie is only 33 years old. Feels like he's been in the NBA forever.

That is because the world is flat for him, so time passes more slowly for him.

 

[Major]

Celtics trade rumors: Boston hearing offers for Jaylen Brown, Derrick White with more moves possible

The luxury tax-saving offseason continues Boston, but the asking prices are steep for two additional stars

www.cbssports.com

I really hope they dont deal Derrick White. I'm 50/50 on trading JB, but would expect something massive in return. Of course, an amazing deal for White could take the sting off if he's gone too but I can't think of many guys I'd rather have.

Trust the process. You guys will surely be contenders again in the early 2030s

 

[Zow]

Kyrie opting out of 43 million and signing for 3/119. Seems like a reasonable outcome for the mavs considering the situation.

Hard to believe Kyrie is only 33 years old. Feels like he's been in the NBA forever.

Feels like he should be Uncle Drew at this point.

 

[Zow]

I am really surprised/impressed that the Celtics were able to get of the Holiday and Porzingis contracts without giving up assets and getting expiring deals in return. That was amazing work by Stevens. I suspect Jrue is washed and I know Porzingis is, so they didn't really materially impact their future competitiveness either.

Yeah I get that fans are bummed but objectively Stevens is doing a really good job so far.

 

[Yo Mama]

FVV re-signs for 2/$50m, which is a good deal for Houston. Gets them under the first apron (and close to the tax). Opens them up for the higher MLE and more trade flexibility.

 

[Desert_Power]

I am really surprised/impressed that the Celtics were able to get of the Holiday and Porzingis contracts without giving up assets and getting expiring deals in return. That was amazing work by Stevens. I suspect Jrue is washed and I know Porzingis is, so they didn't really materially impact their future competitiveness either.

Yeah. And I hate when he pops up, but I thought Bill Simmons made a good point like this too. East is pretty open and you still have a Finals MVP with shooters.

 

[dgreen]

Wizards just made out like bandits. Got by far the best player in the deal by getting Olynyk.

Who are the Wizards going to spend $100M of cap space on next summer? No one will go there.

They’ll try to do what OKC did when building out their team - use the cap space to trade for bad salaries and get assets attached to them. That flexibility will be huge as teams try to avoid the biggest penalties in the new CBA.

For example, they could trade McCollum for Bradley Beal and five second round picks from the Suns.

A bit of a tank needed too. Wizards pick is only protected if in top 8 next year. About the most Wizards thing imaginable is missing the playoffs but having their pick end up at #9 and having to convey it to the Knicks.

Add in that the #9 pick is the lowest possible pick they could get in the lottery and then you’d have peak Wizards.

 

[Yo Mama]

I am really surprised/impressed that the Celtics were able to get of the Holiday and Porzingis contracts without giving up assets and getting expiring deals in return. That was amazing work by Stevens. I suspect Jrue is washed and I know Porzingis is, so they didn't really materially impact their future competitiveness either.

Yeah. And I hate when he pops up, but I thought Bill Simmons made a good point like this too. East is pretty open and you still have a Finals MVP with shooters.

Rumors that Utah is going hard after Brown. It’s very possible Celtics go for a complete reset.

 

[Deamon]

Every mock out there has the same top 6 now. Looks like Philly is going for VJ.

Hope it goes differently, but seems like top 6 is going to go:

Cooper
Harper
VJ
Kon
Fears
Ace

 

[Desert_Power]

I am really surprised/impressed that the Celtics were able to get of the Holiday and Porzingis contracts without giving up assets and getting expiring deals in return. That was amazing work by Stevens. I suspect Jrue is washed and I know Porzingis is, so they didn't really materially impact their future competitiveness either.

Yeah. And I hate when he pops up, but I thought Bill Simmons made a good point like this too. East is pretty open and you still have a Finals MVP with shooters.

Rumors that Utah is going hard after Brown. It’s very possible Celtics go for a complete reset.

With a GM like that, all things are possible.

 

[Zow]

Can someone summarize the Ace Bailey issue in a few sentences? I haven't really paid attention but it seems like he's intentionally snubbing teams to force a fall?

 

[Capella]

I am really surprised/impressed that the Celtics were able to get of the Holiday and Porzingis contracts without giving up assets and getting expiring deals in return. That was amazing work by Stevens. I suspect Jrue is washed and I know Porzingis is, so they didn't really materially impact their future competitiveness either.

Yeah. And I hate when he pops up, but I thought Bill Simmons made a good point like this too. East is pretty open and you still have a Finals MVP with shooters.

Rumors that Utah is going hard after Brown. It’s very possible Celtics go for a complete reset.

Hmmm. I could see that being a positive for both sides. Utah isn’t going to get anybody to go there as a free agent.

 

[the moops]

Trust the process. You guys will surely be contenders again in the early 2030s

Weird take.

Contenders from 2007/2008 until 2011/2012

Sucked in 2012/2013.

First round exits in2013/2014 and 2014/2015.

Been contenders ever since (minus one down year 2021/2022)

So by their process, they should be contenders again by 2028/2029 at the latest

 

[Kev4029]

Love the NBA, but they have to fix the cap/apron stuff next contract. The fact that only like five teams every year can actually sign players without sign and trades is stupid.

I don't think that specific issue is due to the apron or any of the cap minutia. I think two things are happening - 1. Players have figured out that they can take the extension then ultimately get somewhere else if they want and 2. The risk of getting injured and losing out on a huge payday has grown substantially both due to increases of injuries and the fact that the average salary is generational wealth type of money. Why risk $100m or something to chase an extra $15m? The only way to fix that issue is have the NBA make less money.

I disagree about making less money, unless you can show me that NBA teams are bleeding money.

I would compromise and say that the cap should go up and the percentage that one player can take up of the cap should be lower.

My point was the NBA is making so much money that the salaries are so large they are difficult to comprehend so players are signing extensions rather than getting to free agency because the risk is no longer worth the reward of making it to free agency. The cap by the end of this decade is going to be something like $225m. The mid-level will be something approaching $25m at that point.

 

[Kev4029]

Trust the process. You guys will surely be contenders again in the early 2030s

Weird take.

Contenders from 2007/2008 until 2011/2012

Sucked in 2012/2013.

First round exits in2013/2014 and 2014/2015.

Been contenders ever since (minus one down year 2021/2022)

So by their process, they should be contenders again by 2028/2029 at the latest

They also nailed a couple draft picks which seems to be very much a combination of luck and skill. Brown and Tatum being the best players in the draft in back to back years is fantastic drafting that is difficult to replicate (it is obviously worth noting that they valued Tatum and Brown more than consensus which is impressive).

I think what they are doing is the right move but it isn't without risk.

 

[Kev4029]

Celtics trade rumors: Boston hearing offers for Jaylen Brown, Derrick White with more moves possible

The luxury tax-saving offseason continues Boston, but the asking prices are steep for two additional stars

www.cbssports.com

I really hope they dont deal Derrick White. I'm 50/50 on trading JB, but would expect something massive in return. Of course, an amazing deal for White could take the sting off if he's gone too but I can't think of many guys I'd rather have.

White is going to be approaching 33 when the 26-27 playoffs roll around - he's an undersized SG that relies on defense for a large part of his value. It is very possible by the next time the Celtics are relevant, White is starting a reasonably sharp decline. I would 100% trade him now because he is a player that all competitive teams need with a skill set that is difficult to replicate and his brand is at an all-time high.

 

[Kev4029]

FVV re-signs for 2/$50m, which is a good deal for Houston. Gets them under the first apron (and close to the tax). Opens them up for the higher MLE and more trade flexibility.

Whoa whoa whoa, slow down with all this math.

Also, great deal for them. I was expecting a third year and a high AAV.