NBA franchises finish making their teams tackle the second half of the season. This Thursday at 3:00 pm (Argentina time) is the date and time set for the closing of a market that had some unexpected sell-offs and this may still surprise you.
With Boston Celtics AND Denver Nuggets as the leaders in the Eastern and Western Conferences respectively, the market moved frantically as usual and left some more than interesting moves. Here is a roundup of the most transcendent names.
Kevin Durant
Undoubtedly one of the most unexpected and relevant passes was that of Kevin Durant in Phoenix. Already in expiration day, The Suns have formalized the market bomb transfer with the arrival of the now former Brooklyn Nets forward in exchange for Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson and Jae Crowder (TJ Warren also entered into the contract).
Although KD was initially rumored to have a contract and would not leave until at least the next season, the player himself lobbied to go to the Arizona franchise and its sale was completed just over 12 hours after the market closed. The Suns are currently fifth and are excited about the play-offs.
Kyrie Irving
It seems incredible that the Brooklyn Nets would let go of two players of similar quality in the same market, but that’s what happened. Kyrie Irving reached an agreement with the Dallas Mavericks on Feb. 5 and has already joined the Texas franchise.
The Mavs, who are having a great season supported by the genius of Luka Doncic, have in Irving the possibility of establishing themselves further in the play-off area (he is currently fourth). Moreover, the duo he will form with the Slovenian point guard promises to give NBA fans a lot of fun.
Russell Westbrook
LeBron James’ Los Angeles Lakers also lost one of their names: Russell Westbrook. Already at the closing of the transfer book, the experienced 34-year-old point guard confirmed the rumors that had been circulating about a possible exit for months and marching towards Utah.
The operation was one of the most impressive for involving eight players (D’Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley and Vanderbilt the most striking). Westbrook had had good performances this season, but didn’t quite fit into the starting squadso this deal benefits both parties.
Other names to highlight
Other noteworthy transfers were the arrival Mike Conley Minnesota Timberwolves (comes from Utah Jazz), Markieff Morris to the Mavericks (entered the Irving trade), Josh Hart to the Knicks (by Portland Trail Blazers) e Noah Vonleh to the San Antonio Spurs (from the Celtics).
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With hours left of the transfer window, franchises continue to move to strike last-minute deals. One of the most sought-after names is OG Anunoby of the Toronto Raptors, due to the need to strengthen the forward position that several western teams have.
Jae Crowder could leave the Brooklyn Nets despite having less than one day at the club. Although he was one of the names that entered Durant’s operation, it seems that he doesn’t convince the New York franchise and an exit would be sought for him in this same market.
Finally there is the case of Serge Ibaka, who will not continue playing for the Milwaukee Bucks and it is one of the possibilities of the market. The seasoned Spanish center has been tied for the past few hours with the New York Knicks.
When is the All Star Game played?
The All Star Game 2023 will take place on Sunday 19 February from 10pm. between the so-called Team LeBron and Team Giannis. The teams were made up like this.
In the first they will be owners Lebron James, Luca Doncic, zion williamson AND Nikola Jokic (it remains to be defined who will replace Stephen Curry due to injury), while they will play in the second Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kyrie Irving, Donovan Mitchell, Jason Tatum AND Kevin Durant.
Source: Clarin
Jason Root is the go-to source for sports coverage at News Rebeat. With a passion for athletics and an in-depth knowledge of the latest sports trends, Jason provides comprehensive and engaging analysis of the world of sports.