Many NBA Basketball teams are making moves this offseason, but how will they affect the incoming rookie class from the 2018 NBA Draft?
Every summer, it feels as if the NBA becomes unrecognizable. Players move to new teams and put on jerseys that the fans find hard to picture. However, offseason moves are perfectly natural. When you analyze the moves, it becomes a science. And in science, every action has an equal and opposite reaction. Therefore, every move affects the rest of the NBA, including rookies. Here’s where we stand as of now.
Winner: Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns
After the draft, the Phoenix Suns have made a few quiet moves. Signing Devin Booker to a five-year extension will guarantee Ayton a running mate for his entire rookie contract. Adding Trevor Ariza will give the team a veteran presence as they try to compete for playoff contention. Considering Ayton is joining the team with the worst record in the NBA last year, he should be happy with their moves.
Loser: Collin Sexton, Cleveland Cavaliers
I mean, do I have to explain this one?
When Sexton was drafted by the Cavs, he immediately recruited LeBron to come back to Cleveland to play with him. Young Bull will perform well without King James, but he could have definitely benefited from having a no-doubt Hall-of-Famer on the court alongside him.
Winner: Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks
Doncic was lucky enough to find a solid landing spot in Dallas. With Dirk Nowitzki approaching the end of his career, the organization wants to contend now. Signing DeAndre Jordan will help with that. Even if the team doesn’t make the playoffs, Doncic has a weapon to lighten the load off his shoulders in Jordan.
Winner: Mo Wagner, Los Angeles Lakers
Wagner finally signed his rookie deal with Los Angeles, which means he is out of limbo. That is, for now. Many believe that Wagner’s draft rights could be used to construct a trade, but he now can’t be traded until 30 days after his signing, per the NBA league rules. If he is traded, many believe it could be to the Spurs in part of a Kawhi Leonard deal. I look at this as a win-win for Wagner. Either he plays for one of the greatest players of all time, or he plays for one of the greatest coaches of all time. Either way, he has a chance to learn a lot in his rookie year.
Loser: Mikal Bridges, Phoenix Suns
What started as the NBA’s feel-good story turned into a nightmare when Bridges was traded from his hometown 76ers to the Suns. At the end of the night, he was still on an NBA team and had a lot to celebrate. However, he surely saw a cut in his minutes when the team signed Ariza. Ariza was not brought to Phoenix to be a locker room guy. He will see the floor, and he will do it at the expense of Bridges.
Next: Top 60 college prospects for 2019 NBA Draft
Others Receiving Consideration
Jacob Evans of the Golden State Warriors is a winner because he will probably have a ring on his finger by the end of the season. LiAngelo Ball has lost the entire draft process, seeing as he can’t find his way to a Summer League roster. Many winners and losers will become prevalent closer to the season, but this is where we’re at so far.