Here are some things that happened this past week in the NBA:
Lakers Draft Bronny
The Lakers drafted Bronny James, son of Lebron James, with the 55th pick in the 2024 NBA draft. Lebron and Bronny are the first father-son duo to ever play in the NBA at the same time.
Some critics say Bronny did not have very impressive stats in college and he was only drafted because of Lebron. (Bronny averaged about 5 points per game while making 37% of his shots.) While Lebron probably did have an impact on the Lakers drafting Bronny, they hopefully wouldn't have drafted him if they didn't think he had any chance of being good.
OG Anunoby Returns to the Knicks
OG Anunoby has signed a five-year $212.5 million contract to return to the New York Knicks. The Knicks are very happy to have Anunoby back, as he was an amazing addition to the team. Anunoby is one of the best defenders in the league and also averaged 15 points per game for the team last season. The Knicks have an overall record of 20-3 when Anunoby plays!
Immanuel Quickley Returns to the Raptors
Immanuel Quickley is signing a five-year $175 million contract to stay with the Toronto Raptors. Quickley was one of the best players coming off the bench when he was with the Knicks, and now he got a chance to be a starter on the Raptors. Last season for the team he averaged a solid 17 Points, 5 Assists, 4 Rebounds, and 1 steal. The Raptors aren't a very good team but they have some young guys like Quickley who can help them build for the future.
Dejounte Murray Traded
After 2 years with the team, all-star Dejounte Murray has been traded from the Atlanta Hawks to the New Orleans Pelicans.
Hawks Recieve:
Larry Lance Jr.
Dyson Daniels
2 first-round draft picks
Pelicans Recieve:
Dejounte Murray
Paul George Leaves the Clippers
8x NBA All-Star Paul George is declining his $48.7 million option to stay with the Clippers and will enter free agency. Paul Geroge is an amazing player who last season averaged 23 Points, 5 Rebounds, and 4 Assists while making 47% of his shots.
Tim Hardaway Jr. / Quentin Grimes Traded
Full Trade Details:
Detroit Receives:
Tim Hardaway Jr.
3 second-round draft picks
Dallas Receives:
Quentin Grimes
Russell Westbrook Returns to the Clippers
9x All-Star and Former MVP Russell Westbrook is opting into his $4 million option to return to the Los Angeles Clippers. It is crazy to think that he used to be one of the best players in the league, making over $30 million a year. He is actually still fairly good he just doesn't get as much playing time. Last season for the Clippers he averaged 11 Points, 5 Assists, 5 Rebounds, and 1 steal in 23 minutes played per game.
D'Angelo Russel Returns to the Lakers
D'Angelo Russel has opted into his $18.7 million option to stay with the Los Angeles Lakers. He was a solid contributor to the Lakers last season averaging 18 Points, 6 Assists, and 3 Rebounds, making 46% of his shots.