NBA
Recapping the Biggest NBA Transaction Reactions of the Summer
An overview of this offseason's biggest transaction reactions
Clutchpoints
The 2019 offseason will be remembered as one of the most impactful periods of time that changed the landscape of the NBA forever. One of PSO’s signature original content, Transaction Reactions, provide a full breakdown of each move, how each team and player are affected, and how each move can impact those involved going forward. Each TR includes trade grades, player evaluations, league reactions, a bottom line, among other features. Here’s a synposis of each Transaction Reaction with the link to each article below.
Full Kawhi Leonard Transaction Reaction
Los Angeles Clippers add: SF Kawhi Leonard
Leonard makes the Clippers the team to beat in the NBA and brings a culture of defensive tenacity and unmatched focus to a team that is hungry for success. His calm demeanor and finals success will help the less experienced members of the team come playoff time.
Bottom Line: Leonard makes the Clippers not only title threats, but a must-see team throughout the season.
Full Paul George Transaction Reaction
Los Angeles Clippers: F Paul George
Oklahoma City Thunder: PG Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, G/F Danilo Gallinari, MIA 2021 1st Rd Pick (Unprotected), 2022 1st Rd Pick (Unprotected), 2023 1st Rd Swap, MIA 2023 1st Rd Pick (1-14 protected) 2024 1st Rd Swap (Unprotected), 2025 1st Rd Swap, 2026 1st Rd Pick (Unprotected)
Although facing drastically different expectations, both franchises set themselves up beautifully for what they each hope to accomplish. For the Clippers, it’s a chance to rule basketball in L.A. for the first time in franchise history, while the Thunder now have the biggest stockpile of assets in the NBA.
Bottom Line: Both teams took a huge step in opposite directions
Full KD & Kyrie Transaction Reaction
Brooklyn Nets add: SF Kevin Durant and PG Kyrie Irving
These signings take Brooklyn basketball to a level it’s never been before. The Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett era generated excitement, but these moves bring real hope and potential to an organization for the first time in 15 years.
Bottom Line: The Nets are now a championship contender and have become a destination for free agents looking to play in the Big Apple.
Full Anthony Davis Transaction Reaction
Los Angeles Lakers: C/F Anthony Davis
New Orleans Pelicans: PG Lonzo Ball, F Brandon Ingram, SG Josh Hart, 2019 4th Overall Pick, 2021 1st Rd Pick (Top-8 Protected; unprotected in ’22), 2024 1st Rd pick (Unprotected), Right to Swap 2023 1st Rd Picks (Unprotected), & Right to Swap 2025 1st Rd Picks (Unprotected)
After publicly requesting a trade a few weeks before the mid-season trade deadline, Anthony Davis finally got his wish and is headed to his No.1 destination. He joins LeBron to form the NBA’s most fearsome duo on the new Championship favorites now. He’ll leave behind a team that now has great building blocks in place to become a legit contender in the 2020’s.
Bottom line: Both teams benefit from this transaction and it could stand as the key catalyst for both of these teams achieving the ultimate goal.
Full Westbrook/CP3 Transaction Reaction
Oklahoma City Thunder: PG Chris Paul, 2021 1st Rd Swap (Unprotected), 2024 1st Rd Pick (Unprotected), 2025 1st Rd Swap (Unprotected) 2026 1st Rd Pick (Unprotected)
Houston Rockets: PG Russell Westbrook
Two franchises heading in opposite directions, Oklahoma City and Houston each took steps towards making their vision a reality. The Thunder get unprotected first-round picks and the Rockets got a cortisone shot to their roster by adding Russell Westbrook. Betting on the primes of Harden and Westbrook, Houston has around a 3-4 year window to win this trade.
Bottom Line: Rockets are championship or bust now, and OKC is looking at a title window starting in 2025
Full Al Horford Transaction Reaction
Philadelphia 76ers: C/PF Al Horford
After three sterling seasons with the Celtics, including an All-Star game and appearance in Game 7 of the Eastern Finals, Al Horford has jumped ship to rival Philadelphia 76ers. His defense, playmaking, and rebounding ensure he’ll fit in with ease.
Bottom Line: Focused on going all-in, Philly is investing $90M+ in the last prime years of Al Horford, hoping it will enable them to get over the hump.
Full Kemba Walker Transaction Reaction
Boston Celtics: PG Kemba Walker
The Celtics needed to make a move after the Hornets decided they weren’t going to pay Kemba the supermax. Kemba wanted a winning culture and Boston needed a new leader. On came UConn’s leading NBA scorer into Beantown.
Bottom Line: Boston replaced its superstar PG void with New England product Kemba Walker, making this a great fit for both sides.
Full Jimmy Butler Transaction Reaction
Miami Heat: G/F Jimmy Butler and F/C Meyers Leonard
Philadelphia 76ers: G/F Josh Richardson
Portland Trail Blazers: C Hassan Whiteside
Los Angeles Clippers: SF Maurice Harkless, F Mathias Lessort and 2023 1st Rd Pick (lottery protected)
A rarity in the NBA trade landscape, every team involved walked away looking better for making the deal. Miami got its coveted star player, Philadelphia got a high-quality replacement, Portland shored up front-court depth, and Los Angeles gained an asset to bring in Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.
Bottom Line: Everybody benefitted in one of the most complex trades this free agency
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