"Title--or bust!"-Lakers, Sixers & Warriors | Blockbuster trades kick-off 20-21!

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.

"He's the ultimate competitor," LeBron spoke warmly of his now-teammate and once-tenacious rival during the Cavaliers/Warriors wars of a time long gone by. Pairing Thompson's deadly marksmanship alongside Anthony Davis down low with the King balancing all that talent between the trio should prove to be a potent, powerful storm to shake the Western Conference to its foundation.

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.

Spurs augment roster into a versatile leviathan, eyeing an 18th historic title.

With a 17th championship as a basketball organization in the NBA annuls, the Spurs have meditated over the summer with renewed spirit after a 12th consecutive title run victory and shrewdly structured a Larry O'Brien trophy-worthy squad. Ingeniously, Coach Pop & GM Buford selected Devin Vassell out of Florida State. He's a defensive-savvy, hustle-driven 19 year-old 6'7" SG/SF with a good head on his shoulders, a valiant work ethic and an eye for the ball. "I think I'll fit in great in San Antonio. The vets have been so welcoming toward me. I'm thrilled and truly blessed."

"It's just my way. I try to play with as much energy as possible on the court, to hopefully inspire that effort in my teammates so we can make things happen to get a win." The selection of Vassell fills a hole, as well, with Kent Bazemore not returning to the team and the Spurs having lacked a quality two-way backup wing player in recent years after ephemeral prosperity courtesy of Joe Harris & Bazemore, with Rudy Gay being a far-gone memory.

In the middle, Andre Drummond continues to be everything the Spurs were hoping for when they signed him to a max contract two seasons ago. From Jarrett Allen to Thomas Bryant to JaVale McGee post-trade deadline last year, the Spurs haven't quite found a backup center in the same vein of The Big Penguin. Until now, with Marc Gasol finally joining the Spurs after free agency and trade interest over the years by San Antonio. Gasol, albeit 35 years old, now becomes part of the Alamo City, just like his brother, Pau, long ago.

Next, the Spurs agreed to swap Euro prospects with the Brooklyn Nets. In exchange for a more developed Luka Samanic, coming to San Antonio is Rodions Kurucs, a 6'9 Latvian always-fire sharpshooter.

His three-ball is more proficient than that of Samanic, with the Nets receiving a better rebounder in Samanic who'll likely get more minutes than he would with the Spurs by backing up The Slim Reaper, Kevin Durant.

Both players have defensive deficiencies, but it seemed that Samanic had plateaued to a degree, trying to fill that SF/PF conundrum that the Spurs have solved by nabbing Kurucs & Vassell, as mentioned above. It also frees up the defensive stalwart, P.J. Tucker, to strictly play the wing position behind Evan Fournier at the 3.

Kurucs has a smooth deadeye from 3PT territory and athletic prowess around the rim, set to likely benefit from Dejounte Murray's stellar playmaking. For the Nets during the injury-plagued period after acquiring Kyrie Irving & Kevin Durant, Kurucs even saw time at the five spot, giving a fun task to the earnest Latvian.

Returning to the defending dynasty is Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who was once acquired then traded away by the Spurs in years past, but dazzled in his return last season, quickly becoming a keeper in the front office's wise eye on a 2 year, 20 million deal using the full mid-level exception. KCP's defensive nature is what allured San Antonio originally and he makes a fine duo with Fred VanVleet, never allowing the other team to get comfortable.

Mike Muscala, the reserve stretch five, is also returning to the Spurs, whose shooting ability off the bench earned him favor with the fanbase, proving his worth when tasked with taller opposition that can be burdensome for VanVleet due to his occasional height disadvantage.

Lastly, the Spurs have decided to make a second reunion with Skal Labissiere. The tall, versatile mid-range threat, acquired from the Sacramento Kings years ago, saw plenty of promise in his first tenure with the Spurs. He got a nicer contract, deservedly so, but injuries cost him a role over the years since leaving Texas.

"I still love the kid. His heart is tremendous. We worked with him very well the first time around, but this league has a cyclical nature to it at times. We're happy to have him back and work with him some more. Hopefully the injury bug lost his return address, but that's part of this game we love," Coach Pop spoke highly of Labissiere, who is still just 24 years old with ample chance to excel under Popovich's tutelage.

His effort was never in doubt during the first run, on both ends. The 6'11" Haitian talent, and proud of it, can get you a block in a close game, hit a 3PTer on the fast break and smash down a dunk. He always had a smooth floater and hook shot in the paint, as well, with a reliable mid-range jumper that will stretch out the defense.

With the 76ers, Lakers (last season's runner-up) and Warriors gunning more fiercely than ever for San Antonio's crown, this will be a season to remember, with history on the line as the Spurs stand the chance to topple the Lakers and Celtics, respectively three-way tied with 17 championships as the most successful titans of basketball. Heroes of the hardwood, the Spurs are aiming to make the utmost history come June.