The NBA unveiled its full 2024-25 regular-season schedule, marking the return of some familiar faces to new arenas. Highlighted matchups and intriguing player moves have set the stage for an exciting season ahead.
Klay Thompson's Homecoming and Warriors’ New Faces
Among the notable storylines, Klay Thompson's return to play against his longtime team, the Golden State Warriors, particularly stands out. After spending 13 years with the Warriors, Thompson’s departure stirred emotions. The decision to let him go has left fans and analysts questioning. "Who knows what the actual numbers or official offers were, if there even was one by the end, but you can bet Thompson feels like the Warriors pushed him out the door," underscores the sentiment around his exit.
On the flip side, the Warriors have locked in Jordan Poole and Draymond Green with a combined $240 million deal. Their new strategy and how it pans out without Thompson will be closely watched.
Paul George and James Harden: New Chapters
Meanwhile, Paul George is gearing up for his first game against the Clippers, the team that declined to offer him a max contract. The Clippers' decision to let George leave for the 76ers has fans buzzing. Similarly, James Harden, who forced his way out of Philadelphia, will face the 76ers too. Harden’s last encounter with the 76ers saw him putting up 16 points and 14 assists in a one-point Clippers win.
Shake-ups in Philadelphia
The 76ers have had a tumultuous period. Following their loss in the 2023 Eastern Conference semifinals to the Boston Celtics, head coach Doc Rivers was fired. Nick Nurse stepped in as his replacement but was unable to lead the team past the first round. Philadelphia’s management will hope the newest additions bring a change in fortune.
Ben Simmons will also take the court in Philadelphia on November 22, another reunion bound to invoke mixed feelings among fans and players alike.
Trade Central: Big Moves in the League
In Indiana, Obi Toppin’s trade from New York paid off well. Having put up impressive performances in the New York-Indiana conference semifinals last year, Toppin was awarded a $60 million deal. In contrast, the Atlanta Hawks shook the draft projections by selecting Zaccharie Risacher over the well-expected Alex Sarr, creating quite a stir in draft circles.
Additionally, Isaiah Hartenstein landed a significant $87 million deal with the Thunder, and the team also made a notable trade by sending Josh Giddey for Alex Caruso. Giddey, who played impressively for Australia in the Olympics, now has a new home where he could potentially have more of an on-ball role. "It made sense. Giddey needs the ball in his hands to be his best and he was never going to get that opportunity in Oklahoma City with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander at the helm," noted an observer.
Movers and Shakers
The New York Knicks were aggressive in their moves, sending five first-round picks and Bojan Bogdanovic to the Nets for Mikal Bridges. Obi Toppin’s trade to Indiana wasn't the only headline—R.J. Barrett and Immanuel Quickley were shipped to Toronto last December in a deal for OG Anunoby. Barrett made a striking return to Madison Square Garden, logging 20 points, eight rebounds, and four assists, with Quickley contributing 12 points.
The Kings acquired DeMar DeRozan as part of a deal that also saw Alex Caruso and Andre Drummond move, all without yielding a single first-round draft pick. DeMar DeRozan’s leadership will be pivotal for the Kings moving forward.
Season’s Anticipated Matchups
Among the season's highly anticipated games, Kyrie Irving’s return to Brooklyn on March 24 and Russell Westbrook's matchups, especially against the Lakers, whom he was traded from, stand out. "Westbrook goes full tilt every time he steps on any court, and this won't be the first time he's played the Lakers since he was traded. But my guess is there will always be a little extra vinegar in the tank when he plays in front of the Lakers fans from here on out," a sports analyst commented.
With all these moves, the stage is set for a drama-filled NBA season. Fans are eagerly waiting to see how new team dynamics and returning stars will alter the balance of power in the league.