Let’s get nuts.
After all, that’s what NBA fans want out of the offseason — the proof is how die-hards spend all year (while actual basketball is being played) looking for nuggets and rumors that give away any inkling of where a free agent is headed.
And now, it’s only a few days until all the summer madness begins.
The hope, I imagine, is for all the big names to move around and not to stay put, creating a whole new power structure in the NBA after the Warriors dominated for so long. So let’s come up with the blow-up-Twitter level scenario that would have fans screaming “BEST OFFSEASON EVER!” for weeks.
1. Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving sign with the Nets
The most gut-wrenching scenario for Knicks fans. Not only do they lose out on what felt like a possibility months ago, but they would immediately play a few miles away in the same city, and in the same division.
2. Kawhi Leonard signs with the Clippers
Although it’d be cool if he stayed in Toronto and went for a back-to-back title, it would be more fun for the reigning Finals MVP to go to his home state and try to win more rings in a packed West with LeBron James and Steph Curry.
3. Klay Thompson signs with the Lakers
In this scenario, Golden State loses two All-Stars, making everyone but Warriors fans happy. LeBron gets his mega-team with Thompson and Anthony Davis and the rest of the NBA is in trouble.
4. Kemba Walker signs with the Mavericks
Dallas swoops in and surprises everyone, and suddenly a core of Walker, Luka Doncic, Kristaps Porzingis (assuming he re-signs too) looks dangerous.
5. D’Angelo Russell signs with the Suns
This is mostly for fans in Phoenix who could use some good news. Devin Booker gets the point guard he so badly needs to play with. I also think if Thompson re-signs with the Warriors, Russell going back to the Lakers would be something.
6. Jimmy Butler signs-and-trades his way to the Rockets
It’s a bad idea, but we’d be soooo entertained!
7. Khris Middleton signs with the Knicks
I am a huge fan of Middleton … but what if New York panics and overpays him with a max deal? Takes. For. Days.
8. Tobias Harris signs with the Knicks
Same.
