By: Yzora Lopez
The NBA wrapped up its 2021 season this July with an unbeatable run by the Milwaukee Bucks. Despite yet another unusual season affected by COVID-19, Milwaukee star Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks managed to finish off the season with a series run of 4-2 against Phoenix star, Devin Booker and the Phoenix Suns.
Finishing up the 2020 season with the Lakers Championship run in the bubble. As many basketball fans remember, the bubble was the isolation zone the NBA had used to contain the players and their health due to the COVID-19 spread across the country. The 2021 season was fortunate enough to resume back to somewhat normalcy, despite the absence of the huge fan base in its first half.
With the end of every season, the annual NBA draft follows. This year with the 2021 draft, several major trades took place in several teams across the board.
Starting off with some of the most shocking news, the Lakers managed to gain Carmelo Anthony back into their roster, along with Russell Westbrook, all joining LeBron James and Anthony Davis. According to an article from the NBA on breaking down the draft week trades, it’s going to be the “three of the most talented players in the league,” together on a team.
Also stated by the NBA, the “new big three” are set to be paid a total of $121 million this next season.
It doesn’t end there, more and more deals are continuing to settle in the league. According to a source made by ESPN, free-agent point guard Dennis Schroder is now headed to the Boston Celtics for what a source told ESPN, is a one year deal for the $5.9 million taxpayer mid-level exception. Schroder himself took it to his Instagram last Tuesday to make the announcement saying, “I’m proud to announce that for the 2021-22 season I’ll be playing for the Boston Celtics!”
Schroder will fill the missing piece for the Boston Celtics as Kemba Walker gets traded to Oklahoma City.
According to a Nets Daily source, the Brooklyn Nets have signed Patty Mills with a $12 million two-year deal.
Brooklyn used their taxpayer mid-level exception to sign the longtime Spurs point guard.
In other news for the Brooklyn Nets, Kevin Durant has agreed and signed a 4 year extension with the team. According to a report made by ESPN, the deal was announced to be $198M.
The Nets’ big three of Kyrie Irving, Durant, and Harden will pull together for yet another season.
News come for the Phoenix Suns with a report made by ESPN, Chris Paul has formally declined a $44 million player option on his contract for next season with the Suns, but the both are “motivated to negotiate a new deal.”
According to ESPN sources, 11-time All-Star; Chris Paul, is not ready to leave the Suns, he is in fact hinting interest in helping the Suns get over their slump saying, “ I think for me, I just look at myself and figure out how can I get better, what I could have done more, and make sure I come back next season to do it again.”
In more news for Los Angeles by ESPN, the LA Clippers re-sign Kawhi Leonard to a 4 year deal of $176.3 million max deal.
Team President of basketball operations, Lawrence Frank stated in a report to ESPN, “ Kawhi is a transcendent player and a relentless worker who improves himself everyday.”
More re-signing news comes for the Clippers as Reggie Jackson comes up. It was taken to a Sports Illustrated article that Reggie officially sealed the deal August 11th. Lawrence Frank took to Sports Illustrated saying, “ Reggie elevates our team with his energy, his confidence, and his ability to be at his best in the biggest moments.”
Big news is announced for the Bay Area fan base as it has been made public that Andre Iguodala will return to the Golden State Warriors. In a report made to NBC Sports, Steve Kerr stated that Iguodala, “means the world to us,” and “ when he left, we kind of lost our soul in a lot of ways. I suspect we’re going to get our rudder back with Andre.”
The former Warrior stated in an article by the New York Times, that this could be where he ends it, saying “ the opportunity to end it here was just something special.”
News comes in for the former Warrior by The Mercury News, as Kelly Oubre Jr becomes a free agent and has announced to not return to the Warriors. He has in fact, agreed to a 2 year deal of $26 million with the Charlotte Hornets.
Big move for Patrick Beverley as sources from ESPN say the former Grizzlies player is traded to the Timberwolves for guard Jarrett Culver and forward Juancho Hernangomez.
Trades and moves are continuously being made in the NBA still as the 2021-2022 season is set for October 19, 2021
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