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Let’s explore the hottest stories from the NBA offseason that will impact your fantasy basketball league. From the future of LeBron James and Paul George to the Paris Olympics, get ready for a whirlwind summer full of movement and action!
LeBron James: To stay or not to stay?
At 39 years old, LeBron is still putting up impressive numbers, but any talk of him leaving Los Angeles would send shockwaves through the NBA and fantasy hoops. He has a player option for $51 million next season, and is 1000% opting out.
While there’s a chance he joins another team to chase the ring or (potentially) follow his son Bronny, I don’t see him without the purple and gold next season. Especially if his podcast partner, JJ Redick, becomes the Lakers’ next coach.
Between his personal ties and businesses outside of basketball, James has his roots in Los Angeles and the Lakers will make up for him enough to finally retire as a Laker.
Will Bronny James be drafted? And if so, where?
Given my thoughts on LeBron’s tenure in Los Angeles, I’m going to predict that the Lakers will select Bronny in the second round.
He won’t be relevant in fantasy, but his presence in the league will generate a lot of buzz regardless.
Is PG-13 ready for its next act?
George remains one of the best 3-and-D wings in the game and has been a top-30 fantasy player in 11 of his 14 seasons. Like James, Paul George has a player option and can explore a few options: play out the remainder of his contract (which won’t happen), sign a contract extension to stay with the Clippers, or decline the option and become a free agent. Without restrictions.
Any move will be significant, but it would be fun to see him change and go to any of the rumored destinations in Philadelphia either Orlando – two playoff contenders with a lot of money to spend.
Could the waves of free agency capsize the Splash brothers?
Klay Thompson’s departure from Golden State would put the final nail in the coffin of the Warriors dynasty, but could we see a rejuvenated Klay if paired with the right organization?
Thompson is an unrestricted free agent after extension talks with the Warriors fell through. Although he’s past his prime, Klay was still in the top five in 3-pointers made this season and can help any contender with perimeter shots. Thompson can still play, but watching his minutes decline and move into a bench role midseason only to return to the starting lineup later has to be frustrating.
At this point, the pay cut, youth movement and fluctuating roles offer little confidence in a reunion with the Dubs. Given what Thompson will have on the open market, he will be paid as a starter, and when he gets 30 minutes on a team like OKC or Orlando, that could preserve his fantasy value as a late-round pick.
What are the Miami Heat going to do?
While Jimmy Buckets spent his offseason as a bad boythe Miami Heat have a franchise-altering decision to make on whether to extend Butler.
He’s made it clear that he wants to stay in Miami long-term, but if Pat Riley and company decide not to lock him into a new deal, a potential trade would instantly shake up the fantasy landscape.
Is Zach LaVine facing a bear market?
It’s no secret that the Bulls are shopping Zach LaVine. The problem is that the Bulls lost considerable leverage once LaVine was diagnosed with a season-ending foot injury in February. Additionally, his high contract will likely be a sticking point for many teams when considering the tax implications of the new collective bargaining agreement.
Keep an eye on where LaVine lands, because his fantasy value could vary wildly depending on the dynamics of his new team.
The LaMelo Drip: Are Anklets the Ultimate Accessory?
Ball was on track for another strong season until bad injury luck struck again. Ball played in only 22 games and required ankle surgery after averaging nearly 24 points with eight assists, five rebounds and two steals per game in his fourth NBA season.
I’ve participated in some too-early mock drafts and Ball is falling into third round territory – a steep drop since he was a first-round pick last season. With an offseason to recover and try out new ankle support, he figures to be a valuable pick in next year’s draft.
How will the Paris Olympics affect the 24-25 season?
I can’t forget the Olympic Games!
Players participating in international games will have less rest before the NBA season begins, especially those who went far in the playoffs such as Jayson Tatum, Luka Dončić, Jrue Holiday, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Tyrese Haliburton and Anthony Edwards.
In the cases of Dončić and Haliburton, they played injured during the NBA Playoffs, so it is worth monitoring how potential fatigue or previous injuries affect their preparation for the start of the 2024-2025 season. I’ll also be intrigued by how emerging stars like Franz Wagner and Victor Wembanyama fare as focal points of their respective teams.
