While there are still some notable restricted free agents out there, the NBA free agency period has settled down for now, and the landscape for the NBA is taking shape for next season. Even so, could there be a sneaky blockbuster trade that nobody sees coming late into the summer, much like the Karl-Anthony Towns trade to the Knicks last September?
After trading for Kristaps Porzingis and drafting Asa Newell, Atlanta reached a pair of huge free agent signings on the first day of the free agency period. The Hawks signed Wolves guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker to a four-year, $62 million deal in a sign and trade that sent a 2027 2nd-round pick (via CLE) to the Wolves. Then, the Hawks signed free agent guard Luke Kennard to a one-year, $11 million deal. Not only that, but they got an unprotected first-round pick from the New Orleans Pelicans in a draft-night trade. Given the massive injuries in the Eastern Conference next season, it seems that the Atlanta Hawks are going for it and making moves to put themselves in a position to contend. One area they could still use some depth is at small forward, a third center. or another ball-handler. They have one roster spot remaining after signing last year’s second-round pick Nikola Durisic to a standard contract and reportedly signing Magic forward Caleb Houstan to a one-year deal.
All conversations around the Lakers seem to revolve around whether or not LeBron James is going to be moved, which still seems unlikely. The biggest need for the Lakers heading into the offseason was center, and while the Lakers signed Deandre Ayton, there is no guarantee that he will be the player the Lakers need. Should they move some of their expiring contracts in hopes of getting better around the recently extended Luka Doncic and James?
Indiana was going to be one of the favorites in the Eastern Conference next season before they lost Tyrese Haliburton to injury and did not re-sign Myles Turner. This seems like a gap year for Indiana, but they could make moves to be competitive this season while also freeing up money for when Haliburton returns.
