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10 NBA Free Agency Storylines We Already See Coming
James Harden and the Clippers Will Face Some Rocky Negotiations
Harden’s last trip to free agency in 2023 didn’t exactly go as planned.
The veteran guard and the Philadelphia 76ers went through a nasty divorce, one in which president of basketball operations Daryl Morey promised Harden a max contract (according to Harden) but later went silent as free agency unfolded. Harden later picked up his $35.6 million player option, choosing to go into unrestricted free agency in 2024 instead.
For now, Harden has plenty of leverage.
The 2017-18 MVP is averaging 17.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, 8.3 assists and shooting 40.9 percent from three, while the Clippers have gone 34-18 since trading for him.
This doesn’t mean negotiations will be easy, of course.
Harden will be 35 by the start of next season and was “trying to get to a situation where I could get paid” by opting in and requesting a trade, per The Athletic’s Sam Amick. While the Clippers will absolutely want Harden back, giving him a max contract and paying Kawhi Leonard and Paul George will be extremely difficult.
The Harden-Clippers negotiations will be a fascinating part of free agency.
Chicago Bulls Run It Back…Again
Chicago’s biggest move in free agency last summer was re-signing center Nikola Vučević to a three-year, $60 million contract.
Running it back seems to be a theme for the 28-31 Bulls, a strategy that could continue this summer with DeMar DeRozan and Patrick Williams.
As The Athletic’s Sam Amick writes, “Meanwhile, DeMar DeRozan is still playing at a high level and will be an unrestricted free agent after this season. That’s typically a formula for a deal when a team is mired in mediocrity, but these Bulls will now look to keep the 34-year-old this summer. A league source with knowledge of DeRozan’s situation said he is happy there and would like to return—if the money is right.”
DeRozan staying in Chicago is reasonable given his lack of fits among teams with cap space. Outside of the Philadelphia 76ers or Orlando Magic making a push for the former All-Star, DeRozan’s best chance to get paid again could come from the Bulls.
Williams is a restricted free agent, and it’s tough to imagine any team throwing a big enough offer sheet that Chicago wouldn’t match. While we’re still waiting on a breakout season from the 22-year-old, the Bulls are likely banking on Williams simply being a late bloomer, a la Coby White.
Even though we were all expecting big changes after Chicago began the season 5-14, this Bulls roster could look quite similar next year as well.
OG Anunoby to Become Knicks’ Highest-Paid Player?
Even though OG Anunoby has yet to make an All-Star team like Jalen Brunson or Julius Randle, the 26-year-old could become the team’s highest paid player by next season.
As Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports writes, “Anunoby is expected to decline his $19.9 million player option for 2024-25 to reach unrestricted free agency and told reporters further contract conversations would be left to his representation, CAA, which, with the agency’s deep ties throughout Madison Square Garden, has left plenty of expectation among NBA personnel that Anunoby will be finding some agreement far above the four-year, $118 million extension Anunoby was limited to signing but would not have accepted with the Raptors, league sources told Yahoo Sports.”
A contract valued at $118 million over four years averages out to be $29.5 million per season, or roughly the same as Randle will make next year ($30.3 million). With Fischer’s report of Anunoby getting something “far above” this figure, we can expect him to easily cross the $30 million per year threshold on a new deal.
While currently sidelined following elbow surgery, Anunoby was averaging 15.6 points, 1.8 steals and shooting 39.1 percent from three with the Knicks. Most importantly, New York is 12-2 overall with Anunoby in the lineup this season.
After giving up both Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett in the deal to acquire Anunoby, all signs are pointing at the Knicks re-signing the defensive star, even at a hefty price.
Orlando Magic Could Be Surprise Buyers of Free Agency
While the Philadelphia 76ers will be the most desirable team for veterans to join in free agency because of their cap space (and Joel Embiid), don’t sleep on the Orlando Magic.
Orlando is looking at around $50-$60 million in cap space and could turn some heads with a late-season run. The Magic are just one game behind the New York Knicks for fourth place in the Eastern Conference and guaranteed home-court advantage in the first round.
Both Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner are unselfish young stars who like to share the ball, and there’s enough talent in the backcourt to truly build something special over the next decade.
Stars should at least consider joining a team on the rise like Orlando, especially since Banchero has already established himself as an All-Star and only the Sixers, Detroit Pistons and Toronto Raptors are projected to have more money to spend this summer.
All signs are pointing to the Magic doing something big in free agency, especially before their young stars come off of rookie contracts.
Klay Thompson’s Cloudy Future with the Warriors
Alex Goodlett/Getty Images
It’s been a difficult season for Klay Thompson, whose personal struggles have led to a demotion out of the starting lineup for the first time since his rookie season.
Now an unrestricted free agent for the first time since 2019, could we really see Thompson sign with another team?
As The Athletic’s Sam Amick writes, “But it’s clear their relationship (Thompson and Warriors owner Joe Lacob) has suffered some strain along the way, with league sources indicating that Thompson has received no assurances from on high that his hopes of retiring happily in a Warriors jersey someday will be a shared priority this summer. Both sides, it seems clear, have no clarity about what might happen when that time rolls around.”
While Amick states that Thompson’s preferred option is to stay in Golden State, the 34-year-old “plans on listening to pitches from other teams.”
The Warriors better not low-ball Thompson on his next contract, or that and a benching could very well lead to the four-time champion signing with another franchise.
Detroit Pistons Spend Big on Role Players
The Pistons have spent their cap space in recent summers taking on contracts as a way of collecting extra second-round picks.
While the idea was noble, expect Detroit to go free-agent shopping this summer instead of looking for the next Joe Harris contract to absorb.
The problem with this strategy is actually getting impact free agents to come to a team that’s currently 9-49 overall and set the NBA record for most consecutive losses in a season.
The Pistons will spend their max-plus cap space, just not on any stars.
Bringing back Tobias Harris may be a best case scenario. Could Kyle Anderson get $15 million a year from the Pistons? Gordon Hayward for $20 million? How much would it take to pry Precious Achiuwa out of New York?
Detroit will definitely do something in free agency, although we’re skeptical on which free agents will actually agree to join a team that still looks years away from contending.
Most Stars End Up Staying Put
If the 2024 trade deadline was any preview of free agency, maybe we should just expect more of the biggest names to simply stay where they’re at.
Players like Dejounte Murray, Zach LaVine, Jerami Grant, Malcolm Brogdon and others all dodged trade rumors to remain in their current locations. Could we see the same from the top free agents?
LeBron James doesn’t seem interested in leaving the Los Angeles Lakers, with the same being said for Paul George as the Clippers enter a new arena. What reason would Jrue Holiday have for leaving the top-ranked Boston Celtics? Tyrese Maxey is a restricted free agent and couldn’t escape the Philadelphia 76ers even if he wanted to.
Getting excited about potential star movement is an annual summer tradition for basketball fans.
This offseason, however, doesn’t appear to contain as many fireworks…at least for now.
Pacers Feel Pressured to Give Pascal Siakam a $250 Million Max Deal
The Indiana Pacers wouldn’t have sent three first-round picks and Bruce Brown Jr. to the Toronto Raptors for Pascal Siakam if they weren’t planning on re-signing the 29-year-old forward.
There was likely an understanding of Siakam’s willingness to re-sign with the franchise and what that number may look like as well.
While he’s having another strong season (21.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 53.4 percent shooting overall), is Siakam really worth a full max contract? It’s a fair question for a player who wasn’t even named an All-Star this season and has just two total nominations in his eight seasons.
A max for Siakam from the Pacers would fall just short of $250 million over five years. The Athletic’s Sam Amick reported before the trade that, “Siakam is seeking a full-term, max-salary deal no matter where he ultimately lands”.
A small-market team like Indiana probably has no choice but to pay Siakam whatever he wants, especially after giving up so much for him. Watching the two-time All-NBA team honoree leave in free agency would be devastating for a franchise trying to establish itself as a new power in the Eastern Conference.
Will this be an opening day no-brainer, or will some real negotiations need to take place first before a deal between Siakam and the Pacers ultimately gets done?
Everyone Will Use the Philadelphia 76ers and Their Cap Space for Leverage
Few NBA teams truly plan to have cap space anymore, a far cry from the 2010s when superstars still went into free agency.
Even rarer still is teams with legit title hopes possessing max cap space, something the 76ers will have this summer and more.
This could be bad news for other teams looking to re-sign their own stars.
While the Los Angeles Clippers may not be worried about losing Paul George to the Detroit Pistons, Philly could offer him big money and a bigger role. OG Anunoby could make the New York Knicks sweat a bit if he doesn’t get the contract he wants right away by using the Sixers as leverage as well.
Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey is a known risk-taker and star-chaser, meaning opposing teams should take any report of his interest in their players very seriously.
Whether or not the 76ers actually sign a star (besides bringing Tyrese Maxey back), they’ll likely be in on a number of free-agent meetings and conversations.
LeBron James Will Push for One Last Max Contract
The idea of LeBron James leaving the Los Angeles Lakers to sign a smaller deal with whatever team drafts his son Bronny is a plan likely being put on hold for now, for a number of reasons.
The younger James simply doesn’t look NBA-ready yet, while the elder could be looking to cash in one last time.
As ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported, “I don’t think this is the Lakers’ last stand. First off, I think LeBron is angling to sign a multiyear deal in the offseason with the Lakers that will be nine figures. That will be even bigger than the deal he is on now. Now, whether or not he’s able to finish that deal, whether or not the Lakers want to give him a three-year contract and pay him $60 million when he’s 42 years old, that’s a different discussion.”
James is the ultimate chess master, always thinking multiple moves ahead when it comes to on-court plays, off-court roster moves and planning for his own financial future. With Anthony Davis getting an extension last summer, James is likely looking for similar money (three years, $186 million), which would push his career earnings to over $665 million.
Will James sign a new deal with the Lakers? Pick up his $51.4 million player option? Test unrestricted free agency?
Even closing in on age 40, James continues to make waves as one of the biggest storylines of the offseason.
code: BENNYLAB-4321
Football
1. FC Köln sichert sich rekordbrechenden Transfer von Michael Olise in einem Blockbuster-Deal im Wert von 95 Millionen Dollar1. FC Köln sichert sich rekordbrechenden Transfer von Michael Olise in einem Blockbuster-Deal im Wert von 95 Millionen Dollar
1. FC Köln sichert sich rekordbrechenden Transfer von Michael Olise in einem Blockbuster-Deal im Wert von 95 Millionen Dollar
In einem überraschenden Schritt, der die Fußballwelt erschüttert hat, hat sich der 1. FC Köln die Dienste von Michael Olise in einem rekordbrechenden Transferdeal im Wert von 95 Millionen Dollar gesichert. Der 22-jährige französische Flügelspieler, der für seine herausragenden Leistungen bei Crystal Palace international Anerkennung gefunden hat, wird dem Bundesliga-Klub für einen Vertrag über fünf Jahre beitreten.
Dieser Transfer stellt einen bedeutenden Meilenstein für den 1. FC Köln dar, der mit dieser Entscheidung ein ambitioniertes Zeichen auf dem internationalen Fußballmarkt setzt. Olises außergewöhnliches Talent, das unter anderem seine Torinstinkte, seine technischen Dribblings und seine Vielseitigkeit auf dem Flügel umfasst, machen ihn zu einem der begehrtesten jungen Talente im europäischen Fußball. Seine Leistungen in der Premier League, wo er zu den herausragenden Spielern von Crystal Palace gehört, haben ihn zu einem Top-Ziel für Spitzenklubs auf dem gesamten Kontinent gemacht.
Die Ablösesumme von 95 Millionen Dollar ist nicht nur ein Rekord für Köln, sondern spiegelt auch die wachsende finanzielle Stärke der Bundesliga-Clubs wider, die in der Lage sind, Spitzenkräfte zu verpflichten. Olise, der bereits Frankreich auf verschiedenen Jugendlevels vertreten hat, bringt eine Menge Kreativität und Flair in ein Team, das darauf abzielt, sich in der Liga weiter nach oben zu kämpfen und einen bedeutenden Eindruck in den europäischen Wettbewerben zu hinterlassen.
Der Sportdirektor des 1. FC Köln, Christian Keller, äußerte sich begeistert über die Verpflichtung und sagte: “Michael ist ein Spieler mit enormem Potenzial, und wir sind überzeugt, dass er uns helfen wird, unsere Ziele sowohl national als auch in Europa zu erreichen. Dieser Deal unterstreicht unser Engagement, erstklassige Spieler zu verpflichten, um unser Team zu verstärken.”
Olises Ankunft signalisiert eine neue Ära für Köln, in der der Verein darauf abzielt, um die europäischen Plätze in der Bundesliga zu kämpfen. Die Fans sind bereits voller Vorfreude, während der Klub sich auf die neue Saison mit seinem wertvollen Neuzugang vorbereitet, der die Mannschaft anführenwird.
ESPN
“Giants in Turmoil: Daniel Jones Benching Sparks Locker Room Division and Franchise Uncertainty”
New York Giants Locker Room Reportedly Divided Following Daniel Jones’ Benching
In what has quickly become a defining moment of the New York Giants’ turbulent 2024 season, the benching of quarterback Daniel Jones has sparked controversy both on and off the field. While the team has struggled to find consistency, the decision to demote Jones has reportedly caused a schism in the locker room, with players, coaches, and even front-office members taking sides in a debate that could shape the future of the franchise.
A Long Time Coming?
Daniel Jones’ career with the Giants has been a rollercoaster since he was drafted sixth overall in 2019. After showing flashes of brilliance early on, his tenure has been marred by injuries, inconsistent play, and questionable decisions from the coaching staff and management. This season, Jones has faced relentless criticism, completing just 58% of his passes with nine touchdowns and 11 interceptions in eight games. His inability to elevate a struggling offense led head coach Brian Daboll to make the controversial call to bench him in favor of backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor.
Some within the organization see the move as a necessary reset for a team desperate for answers. Others, however, view it as a scapegoating of Jones, who has been playing behind an offensive line ranked among the worst in the league and with a depleted group of receivers.
Locker Room Split
Reports from inside the Giants’ facility suggest that the benching has caused significant tension among players. A faction of the team, including several offensive linemen and wide receivers, has reportedly expressed frustration with the decision. They argue that Jones has been unfairly blamed for the team’s struggles and believe that the lack of support around him – from poor pass protection to a stagnant playbook – has been the real issue.
Saquon Barkley, the team’s star running back and vocal leader, is said to be among Jones’ most ardent supporters. Barkley has publicly defended his quarterback in the past, often emphasizing the importance of stability and continuity. Privately, sources claim Barkley is frustrated with what he sees as a lack of accountability from the coaching staff and front office.
On the other side of the divide, a group of defensive players has reportedly welcomed the change. Some believe Jones’ mistakes have put unnecessary pressure on the defense, forcing them into bad situations week after week. This group is said to view Taylor as a more experienced and level-headed option who can manage games more effectively.
Coaching Staff Under Fire
The decision to bench Jones has also raised questions about the leadership of head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen. Daboll, who was hailed as a savior after leading the Giants to a playoff appearance in his first season, has faced criticism for his inability to develop a consistent offensive identity. Some players reportedly feel that Daboll has mishandled Jones’ development and failed to adapt his game plans to the quarterback’s strengths.
The front office has not been spared either. Many fans and analysts point to Schoen’s failure to adequately address the offensive line during the offseason, a glaring weakness that has plagued the team all year. The Giants’ inability to build around Jones has led to questions about whether the franchise has done enough to set him up for success.
What’s Next for Daniel Jones?
Jones’ future with the Giants is now more uncertain than ever. The quarterback signed a four-year, $160 million contract extension before the season, but with only $82 million guaranteed, the Giants could move on from him as early as next year without incurring significant financial penalties.
The benching has fueled speculation that the Giants may look to draft a quarterback in 2025, with college stars like Caleb Williams and Drake Maye generating significant buzz. If the team opts to go in a different direction, Jones could find himself in search of a new home, with some analysts suggesting he might thrive in a more stable environment.
The Fan Reaction
Unsurprisingly, the decision has also divided the Giants’ fan base. While some fans believe the benching is long overdue, others argue that Jones has been unfairly criticized and deserves more time to prove himself. Social media has been flooded with debates, with hashtags like #FreeDanielJones and #StartTyrod trending after the announcement.
A Franchise at a Crossroads
The Giants’ season is quickly spiraling out of control, and the benching of Daniel Jones has only added to the chaos. With a locker room reportedly divided, a fan base growing increasingly restless, and a coaching staff under fire, the franchise faces a critical juncture.
Will the Giants rally around Tyrod Taylor and salvage their season, or will the division within the team derail their efforts? And what does the future hold for Daniel Jones, a quarterback once seen as the face of the franchise but now mired in uncertainty?
For now, the only certainty is that the New York Giants are a team in turmoil, and the ripple effects of this decision could be felt for years to come.
3 Trade Destinations for Dak Prescott in the 2025 NFL Season: A Bold Take on the Cowboys’ Future
Dak Prescott has been a cornerstone of the Dallas Cowboys since he took over the starting quarterback role in 2016. But as the Cowboys continue to chase their elusive Super Bowl dreams, questions about Prescott’s ability to lead the team to the promised land are growing louder. After several seasons of good-but-not-great performances, Dallas may find itself at a crossroads in 2025. Could this be the year they move on from their $160 million quarterback? If so, where could Prescott land?
Let’s explore three potential—and controversial—trade destinations for Dak Prescott in the 2025 NFL season.
1. New York Jets: The Missing Piece for a Super Bowl Run?
The Jets have been desperate for quarterback stability since the days of Joe Namath. After Aaron Rodgers’ injury-plagued twilight years and failed experiments with younger QBs, the Jets could turn to Prescott as the veteran presence they need to maximize their loaded roster.
Why it makes sense for the Jets:
- The Jets have a top-tier defense led by Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams. Pairing that with an established quarterback like Prescott could elevate them to Super Bowl contenders.
- Prescott’s experience in big games could complement the Jets’ offensive weapons, including Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall.
- The New York market is unforgiving, but Prescott has handled intense scrutiny in Dallas, making him a natural fit.
The Controversy:
Prescott’s playoff track record has been inconsistent, and Jets fans may question whether he’s worth the price tag. Trading for Prescott would likely cost New York multiple high draft picks or young talent. Is Prescott truly the guy to break the Jets’ 56-year Super Bowl drought?
2. Atlanta Falcons: The New Face of the Franchise
The Falcons are a team in search of an identity. After years of middling quarterback play following Matt Ryan’s departure, Atlanta could be eyeing Prescott as the player to lead their resurgence. With young stars like Bijan Robinson and Kyle Pitts, the Falcons have the offensive talent but lack a proven leader under center.
Why it makes sense for the Falcons:
- Prescott’s dual-threat ability fits perfectly in Arthur Smith’s offense, which thrives on versatility.
- The NFC South is one of the weakest divisions in football. Prescott could instantly make the Falcons favorites to win the division and secure playoff berths.
- Atlanta is a big market, and Prescott’s star power could help fill seats in Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The Controversy:
Prescott’s hefty contract could hamstring Atlanta’s ability to address other roster holes. Falcons fans may also worry about Prescott’s ability to succeed outside of Dallas’ historically strong offensive line and receiving corps. Would he be able to elevate the team, or would he merely replicate Matt Ryan’s late-career struggles?
3. Minnesota Vikings: A Kirk Cousins Upgrade
The Vikings have been stuck in the NFL’s version of purgatory: good enough to make the playoffs, but not good enough to make a deep postseason run. With Kirk Cousins aging and on an expiring contract, the Vikings could see Prescott as the answer to their long-term quarterback question.
Why it makes sense for the Vikings:
- Minnesota boasts an elite receiving duo in Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, along with a solid offensive line. Prescott could thrive in this environment.
- The NFC North is competitive, but Prescott’s leadership and consistency could give the Vikings an edge over teams like the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers.
- Prescott brings more mobility and big-play potential than Cousins, giving the Vikings a more dynamic offensive attack.
The Controversy:
Is Prescott really a significant upgrade over Cousins? The Vikings would have to part with premium draft capital to acquire him, potentially limiting their ability to build a championship-caliber roster. Additionally, Prescott’s playoff struggles mirror those of Cousins, making this trade a high-risk gamble.
Why Would the Cowboys Move On?
While these destinations make sense for Prescott, the bigger question is: Why would the Cowboys trade their franchise quarterback?
- Championship Ceiling: The Cowboys may decide that Prescott’s inability to carry the team deep into the playoffs justifies a change.
- Financial Flexibility: Trading Prescott would free up cap space for Dallas to pursue younger talent or address other roster needs.
- Draft Capital: The Cowboys could acquire significant assets in return, setting themselves up for a future rebuild or retool.
The Fallout
No matter where Dak Prescott lands, his potential departure from Dallas would send shockwaves through the NFL. Prescott has been one of the league’s most polarizing quarterbacks, praised for his leadership and criticized for his shortcomings in big moments.
A trade would be a defining moment for both Prescott and the Cowboys. For Dallas, it would signal the end of an era and the start of a new chapter. For Prescott, it would be a chance to prove his doubters wrong in a new environment.
Would trading Dak Prescott be a bold stroke of genius or a colossal mistake? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: If the Cowboys decide to make this move, it will be one of the most talked-about stories of the 2025 NFL season.
What do you think? Should the Cowboys consider trading Dak Prescott, or is he still their best chance at a Super Bowl? Let the debate begin.
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