Grant | NBA Offseason | Ideal/Realistic Scenarios For Every Team: Pacific Division

With the NBA season slowing down and teams getting eliminated I think it is time to look at the offseason for each team and look at different variables and try to create a scenario that benefits each team. I am trying to create these as realistic as possible, keeping in mind Salary Cap, Luxury Tax, NBA Draft, etc. With that being said I am starting with the Pacific Division containing the Lakers, Clippers, Kings, Suns, and Warriors. A division that had so much potential, fell apart almost immediately in the playoffs this year. With so much star power on these teams that did not mesh, it is time to make moves in the 2024 NBA offseason:

Los Angeles Clippers:

Let's be honest, the Clippers have been an absolute disaster. The past 5 years have been a wild ride, with the 'Load Management' controversy, James Harden trade, coaching changes, and a million other things, this team hasn't even gotten to the finals. The era of Big 3s are over, we are now in an era of 2 stars and a role players that fit them perfectly. For example the Nuggets and Celtics. It is time to blow it up, and many people believe PG is gone. That means it is time for a trade. Many places have been said, teams like Knicks and Rockets have emerged as solid options and a couple of the favorites for the superstar. However, I do not think these are great fits; Tom Thibodeau, the head coach for the Knicks, is often known for playing the starters too much. Essentially running them into the ground, and it might have cost them making a very deep run in the playoffs this year. With Paul George's injury history, this would not be a good idea for the Knicks.  Also, George wants a title, going to a place like the Rockets who are still kind of in a rebuild. Combine that with George who is ageing, it is not a good idea for either side. Leaving the best fit available to me, which is the city of brotherly love. I believe that Paul George will become a 76er. Below is the deal that I constructed that would benefit both sides:

With this deal both sides, in my opinion, both get what they want. Philly, gets rid of Harris's bad contract and adds a superstar to former MVP Joel Embiid and future star Tyrese Maxey. Harris gets a fresh start going back to LA, where he can be a guy who can put up double digits, but is also a veteran presence that can play D, board,  and mentor young players. Clippers get a veteran presence in Harris and also adds 3 picks including 2 1st rounders, and a 2nd. 

Other Notable Moves:

With Trade of Paul George, Clippers have roughly $15ish Million to spend this year. So, you know what that means, Veteran Minimums. 

-  Let Mason Plumlee Walk

- Sign Robert Covington to Vet. Minimum

-  Deandre Jordan Vet. Minimum

- (Maybe) Sign Nicolas Batum (2yr/8mil...ish)

FINAL ROSTER:

Overall Offseason: B

Sacramento Kings: 

It is safe to say the kings were an interesting team this year. Over achieved last year becoming a top seed and narrowly losing to the Warriors in 2023, to somewhat struggling this year and lost in the play-in tournament to the Pelicans. There are a couple questions surrounding this team though. The biggest one most likely being Malik Monk. Monk has been one of the most exciting and exhilarating players that come off the bench in the NBA. And it is time to get paid. Kings can offer around a 4yr/$78mil deal. However, he will likely want and pursue a $100 million dollar. So what should the Kings do? With a young potential star in Fox and a 3rd-team All-NBA selection in Domantas Sabonis, the Kings could be a dangerous team next year. In my opinion their first pick (No. 13) is a big decision and could help them draft a future starting  small forward or even trade for an established small forward. The reason why I think this is a big decision is because Harrison Barnes is not a spring chicken by any means. He is a veteran who I think is better off as a bench-role player that can give you 10-12 PPG in the later part of his career. I do not think they should trade this pick and use it to draft a Harrison Barnes like player that is way younger. That person is Tristan Da Silva from Colorado.

Similar player to Barnes he is 6'8 and can consistently shoot the ball as well as attack. With the mentorship under Barnes, Da Silva could turn into a respectable, solid NBA small forward. Since he is also young, this allows the Kings to continue to develop their core and turn them into a franchise that can be a consistent playoff contender each and every year. Also, with more teams going into bigger and bigger lineups, Da Silva provides that at being a slightly taller small forward.

Other Notable moves:

- Sign Royce O'Neal to a 2yr/$10mil

- Sign Back JaVale McGee 

FINAL ROSTER:

Overall Offseason: B-

Los Angeles Lakers:

It is now time for the Lakers, probably the biggest story line heading into this offseason. Questions are surrounding LeBron, Bronny James, D'Lo, a trade for a 3rd superstar, and so many other variables and rumors surrounding the franchise. Let's start with LeBron, possibly the greatest to ever do it, is getting old. Now, is he still playing great yes, but I do think he wants to take a slight step back because of all the minutes and toll it has took on his body. The main assumption is that he will end up back in LA and will sign a one or two year deal worth roughly $50mil. So, with that being said, where is Bronny James gonna be? Reports have said the Lakers would gladly use their 2nd round pick on him so that LeBron can fulfill his lifelong dream of playing with his son. Assuming D'Lo is gone, the Lakers need that 3rd star as this is probably LeBron final run and chance to win ring #5. All eyes go to his hometown, Cleveland, Ohio, where Donovan Mitchell is by far the favorite to end up in LA. With that, here is the trade that I believe will get them there:

With this deal, the Lakers receive Mitchell and also get rid of some contracts from Reaves, Hachimura, and there former 1st round pick in JHS. The Cavs also receive LA's 1st rounder for 2025 (Could be 2024 depending on if Pelicans give the Lakers there pick).  There is also the question surrounding their head coach vacancy. In my opinion, they should go with J.J. Reddick, somebody who understands LeBron and also has a great mind for the game. I understand that is risky going with a first time head coach in LeBron's final chance. However, I have seen heard a lot from reddick and I think he deserves this opportunity to coach.  

Other Notable Moves:

- Sign back Max Christie (4yr/$16mil)

- Sign back Spencer Dinwiddie (1yr/$8mil)

Overall Offseason: A-

Phoenix Suns:

The Suns are also a team with numerous questions. They brought in Bradley Beal to create the trio of him, Devin Booker, and Kevin Durant. However, this resulted in problems, with Bradley Beal playing very little this year, combine that with no picks, no depth and other issues, this season was very disappointing. There was a couple solid signs however, Grayson Allen may have finally found a home, leading the league in 3 point percentage, was a very pleasant sign for the the valley.  However, the positive signs certainly do not out weigh the negatives. Reports are swirling out that KD may leave which is best for both parties I believe. KD did not love Frank Vogel and his philosophy, and although he was fired, Suns need depth and picks. The only to get that is to trade somebody. Although their GM as repeatably said that he will not trade any of the big 3 this year, they almost certainly need to for the future of the franchise. So here is that trade:

I personally, do not like this trade, but it makes the most sense. Although Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau is known for playing starters to much, he may change philosophy slightly due to what happened this year in the playoffs and all of the injuries.  This also gives the Suns depth surrounding Booker and Beal with more shooters, an establish player in Julius Randle and a 1st round pick to help with that as well. 

Final Roster

Overall Offseason: B+

Golden State Warriors

Golden State is in a pickle as well. Draymond Green suspensions, Klay thompson can not hit a shot in the play-in game. As well as Steph Curry finally showing some frustration as well as Steve Kerr. STeph Curry has still been playing very good, he probably has 3-5 years left of what he is doing now, and he obviously wants one more title to get to 5. However, unless a trade or a big free agency signing happens, they cannot get there. Trading away Draymond is clearly they best bet, packaging him and somebody else with a team that is selling that could send their best player back to Golden State. The two best fits for that is the Jazz and the Pelicans. The Jazz and Lauri Markkanen have been clearly one of these type teams. That would fit Golden State very well. 

This Trade gives the Warriors a chnace to get one more ring, while also giving Draymond a fresh start and finish his career as a mentor and possible leader for the Jazz as they continue their rebuild. 

Final Roster

Overall Offseason: A-