With the NBA offseason still taking shape, some teams have already seen the biggest increases or decreases in value based on notable trades and acquisitions of new players. The Phoenix Suns, Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Clippers and Dallas Mavericks have all taken aggressive, high-risk/high-reward strategic steps. These moves would greatly alter their roster and dramatically change their chances of contention next season. This article breaks down the most significant changes for these teams. First, it points out the losses and additions that will shape dramatic changes to their overall dynamics.
On the other side of the league, the Phoenix Suns took massive off-wholesale damage, losing Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal and Tyus Jones. These departures totals to a value drop of 10.7, a massive hit to the team’s roster depth. In contrast, the Suns welcomed additions such as Haywood Highsmith, Terance Mann, and Egor Demin, who collectively contributed a value of 3.8.
The Milwaukee Bucks had a lot of moving pieces as well, highlighted by the shocking midseason trade of their own superstar, Damian Lillard. Putting aside Lillard’s departure, the team lost Brook Lopez and Pat Connaughton, for a total value decline of 11.1. The Bucks made their improvement by acquiring Myles Turner, Gary Harris, and Cole Anthony. Combined, they increased the overall value of their team by 6.3.
Phoenix Suns’ Offseason Overview
The Phoenix Suns’ offseason was dominated by the departures of key players, which may test their ability to remain competitive. Kevin Durant’s departure still stings. His absence would be more than significant – a value drop of 7.1. In addition to Durant, the Suns bid farewell to Bradley Beal and Tyus Jones, who contributed losses of 2.9 and 2.7, respectively. Taken together, these departures have left a massive hole in the team’s roster.
Even with these losses, the Suns picked up some major talent to complement their departures. Haywood Highsmith, as an example, joined the team with a value of 1.7. Terance Mann (1.5) and Egor Demin (0.6) provided just behind. These new faces bring exciting, young, dynamic players to the roster. This addition provides a major boost to the Suns as they look to get better with this new season on the horizon.
The Suns have some serious wriggling to do this offseason after losing a hombres from their roster. Their new acquisitions do ignite some hope for them to have a more well-rounded roster going forward.
Milwaukee Bucks’ Strategic Shifts
The Milwaukee Bucks’ offseason has been characterized by a few substantial changes that have the power to reshape their entire approach going into the 2023-24 season. They lost star guard Damian Lillard for much of the season, whose absence is worth a 7.0 value decline by itself. On top of that, Brook Lopez and Pat Connaughton both departed from the roster, making up a total value loss of 11.1.
With this talent drain, the Bucks responded by bringing in four significant players to plug holes and revive their starting five. Myles Turner, who would be brought in, had a net positive value of 2.9. Gary Harris and Cole Anthony didn’t waste much time joining him, each adding 1.2 to increase the team value to a staggering 8.4. These additions are another indication of the Bucks’ efforts to fortify their roster after some notable departures.
Though the Bucks have lost a lot of talent, they’ve added some intriguing pieces as well. That combination puts them in a rarefied position as they head towards the start of 2023. It was still too early to tell how these changes would impact the team’s overall performance on the court.
Los Angeles Clippers and Other Notable Changes
The Los Angeles Clippers are another team that has experienced massive roster changes this offseason. They’ve certainly lost ground losing Norman Powell and Ben Simmons, whose joint value totals -5.5. Amir Coffey’s departure was worth another -0.3 loss.
In hopes of minimizing these departures, the Clippers re-acquired All-Star veteran point guard Chris Paul. His stellar value of 4.7 will make the team even more formidable. Further, Brook Lopez and John Collins were brought into the value roster with their values of 3.5 and 2.5. These acquisitions could improve the Clippers odds of being able to compete at a high level in their division.
Going further than the Clippers, teams around the league have been busy this summer making impactful changes of their own. The Dallas Mavericks experienced a double whammy as Spencer Dinwiddie and Kai Jones both dropped out of the running. This modification resulted in a 2.4 decrease in their total worth. On the flip side, they added Cooper Flagg and D’Angelo Russell to their roster with net additions of 6.4.
No one experienced player losses this season as the Houston Rockets. Their off season was defined by signing Fred VanVleet, who was just lost for the season with a torn ACL injury the other day. This recent development creates a large set of questions about how the Rockets will continue to work through their roster.
Implications for Other Teams
It isn’t just the Raiders who have taken a dramatically different approach this offseason. The Memphis Grizzlies saw their biggest declines after losing Desmond Bane and Luke Kennard off their roster. In the same way, the Atlanta Hawks lost Caris LeVert and Clint Capela, which might affect their strategic focus.
The Orlando Magic made hay this draft by bringing Desmond Bane to their team. This action demonstrates the wisdom of their aggressive, forward-thinking approach to strengthening the team’s talent.
Even the Brooklyn Nets weren’t immune to this sort of offseason catastrophe, with the departures of Cameron Johnson and D’Angelo Russell. The Minnesota Timberwolves played to not lose as they locked up their own guys, re-signing Julius Randle and Naz Reid.
Leave a Reply