One season removed from being dealt for Giannis Antetokounmpo, the other Splash Brother has finagled his way out of Wisconsin and back into the title picture, with no offense intended to sophomore center stud, James Wiseman, who looks to get even better as the biggest ticket in town with Klay gone.
The Giannis Years are becoming a distant memory for Bucks fans, and if the fit isn't right, it just isn't right. Coach Budenholzer will stay on at the strategic helm, but the future is still cloudy in Milwaukee. "Klay was the best player available to us during what became a very taxing time for our organization. But now we also feel that this decision will get us on the right path again, and we wish Klay well." Thompson's brief tenure with the Bucks was hampered by injuries.
En route to Milwaukee in Klay Thompson's place is Mike Conley, Jr & Blake Griffin, with a bevy of other talents, courtesy of the Dwayne Casey-led Detroit Pistons, boasting point guard sensation, Cole Anthony, in grey, red & blue for the Motor City. "It was time to move on, start a new era in the Motor City and begin making our vision of what we want this team to be, a title-caliber organization like we used to be," Coach Casey spoke of the trade.
VP of Basketball Ops, Rob Pelinka, had this to say: "Just three seasons ago, we were one game away--heck, one loose ball, one rebound, one free throw--away from reaching the NBA Finals and thereby ending the Spurs dynasty. We owe them a tremendous deal of respect, but that was three seasons ago. We want our turn at the mountaintop, so we feel this trade was the formula to greatness. Klay is arguably the best shooter of his generation. With Klay, AD, and LeBron, I humbly speak for all of Lakers Nation when I say how very excited we are to shoot our shot. We want to do it for Kobe, for Gigi." Ex-Laker great, Shaquille O'Neal was speechless when he heard of the mammoth acquistion: "Klay, welcome home. But most importantly, all of Laker Nation--we've got to rally the troops and stop the Spurs this year. If we don't, they become the king. So here's looking at you, LeBron. You wanna be the G.O.A.T.? It's time to prove it. Chuck, I guarantee it: Spurs ain't making the Finals."
When it rains, it pours...and the Golden State Warriors have achieved a potential coup-de-grace of their own, acquiring Bradley Beal for Andrew Wiggins in a deal with the Washington Wizards. Beal's proficient 3PT stroke will do well to heal the wound of losing Klay Thompson in the "had to do it" trade for the Greek Freak, forming a formidable trio with the potential to upset the other western titans. Also in the west, the Clippers have given Paul George an extension and added Serge Ibaka down low, with the Spurs extending Brandon Ingram's services for the next three years on a max contract. The Utah Jazz have officially given the keys of Salt Lake City to Donovan Mitchell, swapping out Conley, Jr. for Jrue Holiday with the Bucks to take the SG spot as Mitchell takes the point guard reigns, fresh off a huge rookie scale extension. Down in Sacramento, the Kings have given De'Aaron Fox the same extension.
Out east, the Philadelphia 76ers have had a long offseason to let simmer the Game 7 defeat to the Lakers that kept them from a third straight Finals appearance. James Harden seems to be on a mission for revenge, with Ben Simmons signing a huge extension this summer to solidify his intent to win the big one for Philly. Up in Boston, Jayson Tatum has latched on for the distant future as well, his talents boosted by the acquisition of Tristan Thompson & LaMarcus Aldridge. Down south, the Miami Heat have locked up the services of Bam Adebayo to pair with a pugnacious Jimmy Butler. Some would argue the east is wide open, but still close to mind is the double overtime Finals instant classic by the 76ers & Spurs. More so than other year, with this much history and pride on the line, the league will be volatile as ever. Sprinkle on the exciting promise of LaMelo Ball, Anthony Edwards & Zion Williamson? That's why we love this game.