Majority of the NBA free agents who signed contracts prior to the start of the 2022-2023 season most likely will be the first to go when the wheeling and dealing officially begins on December 15 and which ends on February 9.
Teams should have figured out by now if their offseason investments had paid off or not, then decide if they will be active in the trading market. There will be buyers and sellers, which could either be contenders who want to make their Finals chances better or botton dwellers who just simply want to turn things around.
LeBron James had given the spotlight to Anthony Davis who had been submitting outrageous stat lines. Forever trade candidate Russell Westbrook, in a bench role, had been generously assisting AD during his monster two games where he combined for 99 points on 70.2%, 27 boards and 5 blocks.
Now is the time for Laker management to make a move if they’re serious in their title chase, so we’ll expect them to make a big splash, not a thud, before the trading deadline. Reportedly on the radar are former Lakers Alex Caruso, D’Angelo Russell and Kyle Kuzma. Except for LeBron who just inked an extension, everyone on the roster is available on the trading market.
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There are rumors that boxing legend Floyd Mayweather, Jr. is proposing to buy an NBA franchise for “a little bit over $2 billion for majority ownership.” It was not clear if Mayweather’s purchase will be for an existing franchise or an expansion team. The amount is not a problem. “Do I have it? Absolutely I have it.”
He said that the project was in discussion for sometime but said it’s kind of rough. Asked further about his plans, Mayweather said, “It could be the Vegas franchise, it could be the Seattle franchise or I could be buying a franchise that is already up and running.”
The undefeated Mayweather have to wait though if he wants a Vegas or Seattle expansion team as Commissioner Adam Silver said that expanding won’t be happening until the league’s CBA expires at the end of the 2023-2024 season.
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Following the swap of point guards Kemba Walker and Jalen Brunson, the Mavericks are reportedly interested in another Knick guard, this time Derrick Rose. Walker had knee issues and haven’t played yet for the Mavs and Dallas needs another playmaker to relieve Luka Doncic who’s been the team’s starting point guard. If this deal materializes, Rose gives backcourt depth to coach Jason Kidd. New York reportedly will have Immanuel Quickley and Cam Reddish also available for trading, if rumors are to be believed.
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The Miami Heat will be letting go of Duncan Robinson and his 5-year, $90M contract because he simply lost his shooting touch. With Caleb Martin and Max Strus doing well, Robinson is useless without his outside shooting as he couldn’t defend. The main reason he was bumped by coach Spo from the rotation.