Let’s explore the hottest stories from the NBA offseason that will resonate in your fantasy basketball league. From the future of LeBron James and Paul George to the Paris Olympics – get ready for a whirlwind summer full of movement and action!
LeBron James: To stay or not to stay?
At 39, LeBron is still putting up impressive numbers, but any talk of him leaving Los Angeles would send shockwaves through the NBA and fantasy basketball. He has a player option for $51 million next season – and is 1000% opting out.
While there’s a chance he could join another team to pursue or (potentially) follow his son Bronny, I don’t see him not wearing purple and gold next season. Especially if his podcast partner, JJ Redick, becomes the next Lakers coach.
Between his personal ties and business ventures outside of basketball, James is rooted in Los Angeles, and the Lakers will compensate him enough for him to retire as a Laker.
Will Bronny James be drafted? And if so, where?
Given what I think about LeBron staying in Los Angeles, I’m going to take a gamble and predict that the Lakers will pick Bronny in the second round.
He won’t be relevant in fantasy, but his presence in the league will generate a lot of buzz regardless.
Is PG-13 ready for its next act?
George remains one of the best 3-and-D wings in the game and was a top-30 fantasy player in 11 of his 14 seasons. Like James, Paul George has a player option and can explore a few options – play out the rest of his contract (which doesn’t happen), sign a contract extension to stay with the Clippers, or decline the option and become an unrestricted free agent .
Any move will be significant, but it would be fun to see him change his mind and go to any of the supposed destinations in Philadelphia or Orlando – two playoff contenders with a lot of money to spend.
Could waves of free agency turn on the Splash Brothers?
Klay Thompson’s departure from Golden State would put the final nail in the coffin of the Warriors dynasty, but could we see a rejuvenated Klay if paired with the right organization?
Thompson is an unrestricted free agent after extension negotiations with the Warriors fell through. Although he is past his prime, Klay was still in the top five in 3-point shots made this season and can help any opponent on perimeter shots. Thompson can still play, but seeing his minutes dwindle and moving to the bench midway through the season, only to return to the starting lineup later, has to be frustrating.
At this point, the pay cut, youth movement and role fluctuation offer little confidence in a reunion with the Dubs. Given what Thompson will command on the open market, he will be paid as a starter, and when he gets 30 minutes on a team like OKC or Orlando, that could preserve his fantasy value as a late pick.
What will the Miami Heat do?
While Jimmy Buckets Spent His Offseason Like a Bad BoyThe Miami Heat have to make a franchise-altering decision on Butler’s extension.
He’s made it clear he wants to stay in Miami long-term, but if Pat Riley and company decide not to lock him down to a new deal, a potential trade would instantly shake up the fantasy landscape.
Zach LaVine dealing with a bear market?
It’s no secret that the Bulls are shopping Zach LaVine. The problem is, the Bulls lost a sizable lead when LaVine was diagnosed with a season-ending foot injury in February. Additionally, his lofty contract is likely a deal breaker for many teams when considering the tax implications of the new CBA.
Keep an eye on where LaVine lands – because his fantasy value could vary wildly depending on the dynamics of his new team.
LaMelo’s Drip: Anklets the latest accessory?
Ball was on pace for another strong season, until bad luck struck again. Ball played in just 22 games and required ankle surgery after scoring nearly 24 points with eight assists, five rebounds and two steals per game in his fourth NBA season.
I participated in some very early mock drafts, and Ball is falling third round territory – a sharp decline from being a first-rounder last season. With an off-season to get healthy and test a new ankle brace, he is shaping up to be a value pick in next year’s draft.
How will the Paris Olympics impact the 24-25 season?
I can’t forget the Olympics!
Players participating in international games will have less rest before the start of the NBA season – especially those who have made deep runs in the playoffs, such as Jayson Tatum, Luka Dončić, Jrue Holiday, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Tyrese Haliburton and Anthony Edwards.
In the cases of Dončić and Haliburton, they played injured during the NBA Playoffs, so it’s worth monitoring how potential fatigue or previous injuries affect their preparation heading into the 2024-2025 season. I’ll also be intrigued to know how emerging stars like Franz Wagner and Victor Wembanyama fare as focal points of their respective teams.
