Welcome to the dog days of the NBA offseason. As players relax and recharge before the upcoming season, let’s take a moment to reflect on some of the underrated moves that have taken place over the summer.
Free agency saw some big moves, with Paul George heading to Philly in a blockbuster trade. However, there were also several under-the-radar transactions that deserve recognition. In this blog post, we’ll highlight a few of these moves that may have gone unnoticed.
Warriors’ Klay Thompson sign-and-trade
The Warriors made a savvy move by trading Klay Thompson to Dallas and acquiring Buddy Hield and Kyle Anderson in return. Hield’s shooting and Anderson’s playmaking skills offer a more versatile roster for Golden State. This strategic move also allowed the Warriors to stay below the tax apron and maintain flexibility for future trades.
Rockets’ draft-pick recalibration
The Houston Rockets orchestrated a complex series of draft pick swaps with the Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns, positioning themselves for future success. By acquiring additional first-round picks and swaps, the Rockets have set themselves up for potential future trades and improved their draft capital.
Wolves moving into the draft’s top 10
The Minnesota Timberwolves traded up to select Rob Dillingham in the draft, addressing their need for a young talent at the point guard position. This move enhances their roster and sets them up for success in the coming years as they build around their core players.
Suns signing Tyus Jones
Phoenix made a smart move by signing Tyus Jones to bolster their backcourt. Jones brings solid playmaking and defense to the Suns, adding depth to their roster as they aim to compete in a tough Western Conference. This signing could have a significant impact on the Suns’ playoff chances.
Mavs trading for Quentin Grimes
The Dallas Mavericks made a shrewd trade by acquiring Quentin Grimes in exchange for Tim Hardaway Jr. Grimes’ skills as a shooter and defender make him a valuable asset for the Mavs, while also providing them with a trade exception for future transactions. This move strengthens Dallas’ roster and sets them up for success in the upcoming seasons.
These underrated moves may not have made headlines, but they have the potential to shape the NBA landscape in the seasons to come. As we gear up for another exciting year of basketball, let’s keep an eye on these teams and see how their offseason acquisitions pay off.
