With the trade deadline approaching, the 2020 NBA offseason was rather underwhelming compared to blockbuster trades that took place in 2019. Nevertheless, the offseason was a roller coaster for the fans with trade rumors about James Harden, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook going around. Allegedly Brooklyn Nets were James Harden’s desired destination however the front offices failed to reach an agreement.
ESPN Sources with @RamonaShelburne and @ZachLowe_NBA: As Houston’s James Harden considers his future with franchise, one possible trade destination is rising to top of his list: Brooklyn. The idea of reuniting with Kevin Durant and joining Kyrie Irving is resonating with Harden.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 15, 2020
In all seriousness, Brooklyn Nets didn’t have anything to offer in return for James Harden. Their cap size maxed out with Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and De’Andre Jordan. They didn’t have impressive draft picks either due to playoff appearance.
LA Clippers were in the spotlight as well with talks about getting rid of Paul George emerged after a disastrous offseason. However, they died down as rumors after a while when the front office decided to keep the dynamic duo of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George intact. But in the pursuit of retaining Paul George, they lost an essential role player and the sixth man of the yeah Montrezl Harrel who reportedly had issues with Paul George due to later’s lack of accountability.
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Brooklyn Nets: Trades/Free Agency/Draft review
Brooklyn Nets engaged in a three-team trade with LA Clippers and Detroit Pistons. They acquired Landry Shamet and 57th overall 2020 draft pick Reggie Perry from LA Clippers and Bruce Brown from Detroit Pistons. Shamet is a good rotational player and can prove to be a sharpshooter as well under Steve Nash. He averaged 9.3 points at 40.4% efficiency last season. Another player involved in the trade, Bruce Brown is a role player as well. He averaged 8.9 points per game last season at 43.3% efficiency.
In return, Nets let go of Shaddiq Bey, the 19th overall pick in the first round of the 2020 NBA Draft, Dzanan Musa, Jaylen Hand’s, and the Toronto Raptors’ 2021 second-round draft pick. to Detroit Pistons. To complete the trade, they sent rookie Jay Scrubb to LA Clippers.
In addition, they signed free agent Jeff Green. He was an integral part of Houston’s postseason stint averaging 11.6 points and 4.6 rebounds at 49.5% efficiency. Green is an asset for Brooklyn as a three-point shooter and if he improves his defense he can be a potential starter.
Free Agents Garrett Temple, Jamal Crawford, Justin Anderson, Lance Thomas, Michael Beasley, Wilson Chandler, Chris Chiozza, Donta Hall, Tyler Johnson, and Jeremiah Martin are sadly not returning to the Brooklyn Nets for the 2020-21 NBA season.
LA Clippers: Trades/Free Agency/Draft Review
In the tree-team trade with Brooklyn Nets and Detroit Pistons, LA Clippers received second-round draft rights to Daniel Oturu and Jay Scrubb. Having traded for draft picks, it is difficult to decide whether the Clippers were on the winning side of the trade or the losing side. However, they definitely won the free agency game. They acquired an incredible defensive player in Serge Ibaka.
Ibaka averaged 15.4 points and 8.2 rebounds at 51.2% shooting in just 27 minutes per game. He was essential in Toronto Raptors’ 2019 finals victory and 2020 playoffs. Clippers received Luke Kennard in a trade from Toronto Raptors who averaged 15.8 points per game at 42.2% last season. These players are more capable enough to make up for Montrezl Harrel and Reggie Jackson departing from the Clippers. But is it enough to take on city rivals LA Lakers?
In addition, Clips waived Joakin Noah last night, who is reportedly headed for retirement after 13 incredible seasons.
Clippers are waiving center Joakim Noah — and his agent, Bill Duffy of @BDA_Sports, tells ESPN that Noah is “likely headed toward retirement.” One of his era’s most ferocious competitors, Noah played 13 seasons, made two All-Star games and was a 3-time All-Defensive team choice.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 2, 2020
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