After years of epidemic, the NBA has returned to its previous schedule this year, experiencing a full off-season and training schedule. In the face of the upcoming season, ESPN collected the opinions of 15 coaches, scouts and executives to compile their insiders’ outlook on the new season.
In the “Who’s the best player in the NBA right now” category, 11 of the 15 respondents voted for the Bucks (Giannis Antetokounmpo), with Stephen Curry coming in second with three votes.
I think Kevin Durant’s shooting touch and scoring ability make him the best player in the league in terms of talent, but Giannis Antetokounmpo’s willpower, mental strength, day-in and day-out training, and effort to help his teammates grow…make Giannis Antetokounmpo a very difficult player to beat,” said a scout from the Western Conference. Antetokounmpo will be hard to beat.
Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
As for the scouts who voted for Stephen Curry, the reason is simple: Stephen Curry “knows how to win”, after all, he has already won four championship rings in his 13-year career and has an outstanding cumulative record of 545 wins and 281 losses, which may be the reason why the Golden Nugget star (Nikola Jokic), who is the MVP of the year, has not received similar evaluation.
In addition, in the divisional championship prediction, 8 respondents believe that Los Angeles Clippers will dominate the West Division, PHO Phoenix Suns and GS Golden State Warriors received 3 votes each, while the East Division championship presents a two-way tie, with 7 respondents favoring the Bucks and BOS Boston Celtics. As for who will dominate the new season, five respondents voted for the Los Angeles Clippers, while the MIL Milwaukee Bucks and BOS Boston Celtics came in second with four votes and the GS Golden State Warriors, who are seeking to defend their title, received only two votes.
The Los Angeles Clippers are expected to welcome back a healthy Kawhi Leonrad this year, and with the addition of John Wall, many people are looking forward to their performance in the new season. I don’t think he cares about the award, but if it’s the MVP of the playoffs, he’s the best of the best.
The 2022 NBA free agency market opened at 6:00 a.m. on July 1, and teams can negotiate and reach verbal agreements with free agents.
RFA restricted free agents can accept a Qualifying Offer (QO) from their original team or reach a contract with another team. The official announcement of signings, trades and extensions can be made until July 7 at 00:00 Taiwan time.
The following is a list of the major changes, contract extensions, and deals in the market this year by division and group.
Eastern Atlantic Group
Boston Celtiac
Signings/trade wins.
Malcolm Brogdon: Acquired in a trade with the Indiana Slippers
Sam Hauser: 3-year, $6 million contract extension
Luke Kornet: 2-year contract extension
Danilo Gallinari: 2-year, $13.3 million contract extension
Noah Vonleh: 1-year deal
Departures: Daniel Theis
Daniel Theis: Traded to Indiana Skaters
Aaron Nesmith: Traded to Indiana Skaters
Nik Stauskas: Traded to Indiana Yoyos
Malik Fitts: Traded to Indiana Yoyos
Juwan Morgan: traded to Indiana Yoyos
Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia 76ers sign defensive standout P.J. Tucker.(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) Philadelphia 76ers sign defensive standout P.J. Tucker (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) Signed/traded for.
DeAnthony Melton: Acquired in a trade with the Memphis Grizzlies
P.J. Tucker: 3-year, $33.2 million deal
Danuel House Jr.: 2-year, $8.5 million contract
Trevelin Queen: unknown amount to join the contract
James Harden: 2-year, $68.6 million contract extension (2023-24 player option)
James Harden extends his contract with the Philadelphia 76ers for 2 years. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) James Harden extends his contract with the Philadelphia 76ers for two more years. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) Departures: Danny Green
Danny Green: traded to Memphis Grizzlies
DeAndre Jordan: Joins the Denver Nugget
Toronto Tyranids
Chris Boucher stays with the Toronto Tyranids. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images) Chris Boucher stays with the Toronto Tyrannosaurs. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images) Signed/traded for.
Chris Boucher: 3-year, $35.25 million contract extension
Thaddeus Young: 2-year, $16 million contract extension
Otto Porter Jr.: 2-year, $12.3 million deal
Juancho Hernangomez: 1-year deal
Leaving the team
Armoni Brooks: Released
Brooklyn Nets
Signed/traded for
Royce O’Neale: Acquired in trade with Utah Jazz
Nic Claxton: 2 years, $20 million extension
Patty Mills: 2-year, $14.5 million extension
Edmond Sumner: unknown contract to join
T.J. Warren: 1-year, unknown contract
Kessler Edwards: Multi-year contract agreement
T.J. Warren (ball carrier) joins the Brooklyn Nets on a one-year deal. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) T.J. Warren (ball carrier) joins the Brooklyn Nets on a one-year deal. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) Departures: Andre Drummond
Andre Drummond: 2-year, $6.6 million deal to join the Chicago Bulls
Bruce Brown: 2-year, $13 million (or more) deal with the Denver Nuggets
Goran Dragic: 1-year, $2.9 million deal with the Chicago Bulls
New York Nick
The New York Knicks won the Jalen Brunson battle on the first day of NBA free agency. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) The New York Knicks won the Jalen Brunson battle on the first day of NBA free agency. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) Signed/traded for.
Jalen Brunson: 4-year, $104 million deal
Mitchell Robinson: 4-year, $60 million contract extension
Isaiah Hartenstein: 2-year, $16 million deal
Departures
Kemba Walker: traded to Detroit Pistons
Nerlens Noel: traded to Detroit Pistons
Alec Burks: Traded to Detroit Pistons
Taj Gibson: Released
Central Division
Milwaukee Bucks
Milwaukee Bucks keep Bobby Portis on a 4-year deal.(Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) Milwaukee Bucks keep Bobby Portis on a 4-year deal (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) Signed/traded for.
Joe Ingles: 1-year contract of unknown amount to join
Bobby Portis: 4-year, $49 million contract extension
Serge Ibaka: 1-year, unknown contract extension
Pat Connaughton: 3-year, $28.5 million early extension
Departures
Rayjon Tucker: Released
Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls have tied their star Zach LaVine to a five-year deal.(Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images) The Chicago Bulls have tied up star Zach LaVine to a five-year deal (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images) Signed/traded for.
Zach LaVine: 5-year, $215.2 million contract extension
Andre Drummond: 2-year, $6.6 million deal to join the team
Derrick Jones Jr.: 2-year, $6.6 million contract extension
Goran Dragic: 1-year, $2.9 million deal
Departures: Troy Brown Jr.
Troy Brown Jr.: Joins the Los Angeles Lakers
Cleveland Cavaliers
Signed/traded for
Ricky Rubio: 3-year, $18.4 million deal to return
Robin Lopez: 1-year deal
Darius Garland: Early extension: 5 years, $193 million (up to $231 million)
Leaving the team
Indiana Skaters
Signed/traded for
Jalen Smith: 2-year, $9.6 million contract extension
Daniel Theis: Acquired in trade with Boston Celtiac
Aaron Nesmith: Acquired in a trade with Boston Celts
Nik Stauskas: Acquired in a trade with Boston Celtiac
Malik Fitts: Acquired in trade with Boston Celtik
Juwan Morgan: Acquired in a trade with Boston Celtik
Andrew Nembhard: Signed to a 4-year, $8.6 million contract
Departures
Ricky Rubio: 3 year, $18.4 million deal back to Cleveland Cavaliers
Malcolm Brogdon: Traded to Boston Celtiac
T.J. Warren: Joins the Brooklyn Nets
Duane Washington Jr.: Two-way contract to join Phoenix Suns
Detroit Pistons
Detroit Pistons keep Marvin Bagley III on a 3-year deal.(Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) Detroit Pistons keep Marvin Bagley III on a 3-year deal (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) Signed/traded for.
Marvin Bagley III: 3-year, $37 million contract extension
Kevin Knox: 2-year, $6 million deal to join the team
Nerlens Noel: Acquired in trade with New York Knicks
Alec Burks: Acquired in a trade with New York Nick
Buddy Boeheim: Two-way deal
Rodney McGruder: 1-year contract extension
Departures
Jerami Grant: Traded to Portland Trailblazers
Southeast Division
Miami Heat
Miami Heat retain Victor Oladipo on a one-year deal.(AP Photo/Matt Slocum) Miami Heat retain Victor Oladipo on a one-year contract.(AP Photo/Matt Slocum) Signed/traded for.
Caleb Martin: 3-year, $20.5 million contract extension
Victor Oladipo: 2-year, $18 million contract extension
Dewayne Dedmon: 2-year, $9 million contract extension
“Captain Udonis Haslem returns to the Heat for his 20th season. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) “Captain Udonis Haslem returns to the Heat for his 20th season. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) Udonis Haslem: One-year, $2.9 million contract extension
Departures: P.J. Tucker
P.J. Tucker: 3 years, $33.2 million to join the Philadelphia 76ers
Atlanta Eagles
Atlanta Eagles acquire All-Star guard Dejounte Murray in trade.(Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) Atlanta Eagles acquire All-Star guard Dejounte Murray in trade (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) Signed/traded for.
Dejounte Murray: Acquired in a trade with the San Antonio Spurs
Justin Holiday: Acquired in trade with Sacramento Kings
Mo Harkless: Acquired in trade with Sacramento Kings
Aaron Holiday: 1-year deal
Frank Kaminsky: 1-year deal
Trent Forrest: Signed to a two-way contract
Departures
Kevin Huerter: Traded to Sacramento Kings
Delon Wright: 2-year, $16 million deal to join the Washington Wizards
Danilo Gallinari: Traded to San Antonio Spurs
Kevin Knox: 2-year, $6 million deal with Detroit Pistons
Jock Landale: traded to Phoenix Suns
Gorgui Dieng: Joins the San Antonio Spurs
Charlotte Hornets
Signed/traded for.
Departed from the team
Washington Wizards
Washington Wizards keep ace Bradley Beal for 5 years.(Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) Washington Wizards keep ace Bradley Beal for 5 years (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) Signed/traded for.
Bradley Beal: 5-year, $251 million contract extension
Will Barton: Acquired in trade with Denver Nugget
Monte Morris: Acquired in a trade with the Denver Nugget
Delon Wright: 2-year, $16 million deal
Raul Neto: Joins
Anthony Gill: 2 year deal for unknown amount to stay
Taj Gibson: 1-year deal
Departures
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope: traded to Denver Nugget
Ish Smith: traded to Denver Nugget
Thomas Bryant: Joins Los Angeles Lakers
Orlando Magic
Orlando Magic signed Mo Bamba to another 2-year deal.
Signed/traded for
Mo Bamba: 2-year, $21 million contract extension
Gary Harris: 2-year, $26 million extension
Bol Bol: 2-year contract extension
Departures
Robin Lopez: 1-year deal to join the Cleveland Cavaliers
Western Conference Pacific Division
Golden State Warriors
Signed/traded for
Kevon Looney: 3-year, $25.5 million contract extension
Donte DiVincenzo: 2-year, $9.3 million deal to join the team
