The 2024 NBA Offseason: A Retrospective

The summer of 2024 was marked by significant player movements that reshaped the landscape of the NBA. While no major superstars changed teams, the ripple effects of these moves were felt throughout the league. Here, we revisit and regrade some of the most notable trades and free agency decisions.

Julius Randle for Karl-Anthony Towns: A Win-Win Trade

New York Knicks get:

• C Karl-Anthony Towns
• Trade rights to James Nnaji

Minnesota Timberwolves get:

• G Donte DiVincenzo
• F Julius Randle
• F Keita Baites-Diop
• 2025 first-round pick (via Detroit, top-13 protected)

Charlotte Hornets get:

• G Duane Washington Jr.
• F Charlie Brown Jr.
• F DaQuan Jeffries
• 2025 second-round pick (via worse of Detroit and Philadelphia)
• 2026 second-round pick (via Golden State)
• 2031 second-round pick (via New York)
• $7.2 million cash

Original grades:

• Minnesota: B+
• New York: B

Regrades:

• Minnesota: B+
• New York: B+

This trade proved beneficial for both the Knicks and the Timberwolves. Towns filled a critical void for the Knicks, while Minnesota improved their perimeter depth and financial flexibility.

Mikal Bridges to the Knicks: A Mixed Bag

Brooklyn Nets get:

• F Bojan Bogdanovic
• 2025 first-round pick
• 2027 first-round pick
• 2029 first-round pick
• 2031 first-round pick
• 2028 first-round swap
• 2025 first-round pick (via Bucks)
• 2025 second-round pick

New York Knicks get:

• F Mikal Bridges
• 2026 second-round pick

Original grades:

• Brooklyn: A
• New York: B

Regrades:

• Brooklyn: A
• New York: C+

While the Nets capitalized on Bridges' value, the Knicks did not see the defensive impact they hoped for, though his modest salary facilitated other moves.

Thunder Add Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein: Championship Moves

Chicago Bulls get:

• G Josh Giddey

Oklahoma City Thunder get:

• G Alex Caruso

Original grade for Caruso:

• Chicago: C-
• Oklahoma City: A

Regrades:

• Chicago: C+
• Oklahoma City: A

Caruso's addition was pivotal in the Thunder's championship run, showcasing his defensive prowess and versatility.

Sixers Sign Paul George: A Risky Bet

Contract details: Four years, $212 million maximum

Original grade: A

Regrade: D

Injuries marred George's first season with the Sixers, raising questions about the long-term viability of this max contract.

Dejounte Murray to Pelicans: A Costly Mistake

New Orleans Pelicans get:

• G Dejounte Murray

Atlanta Hawks get:

• C Larry Nance Jr.
• F E.J. Liddell
• G Dyson Daniels
• 2025 first-round pick (via Lakers)
• 2027 first-round pick (least favorable of Milwaukee/New Orleans)

Original grades:

• Atlanta: B+
• New Orleans: B+

Regrades:

• Atlanta: A
• New Orleans: F

Murray's injury and the loss of Daniels made this trade a significant setback for the Pelicans.

Russell Westbrook to Nuggets: A Minimal Impact

Contract details: Two years, $6.8 million (player option for 2025-26)

Original grade: D

Regrade: D+

Westbrook's tenure with the Nuggets was marked by inconsistency, ultimately not justifying his role on the team.

Klay Thompson to Mavericks: As Expected

Charlotte Hornets get:

• F Josh Green

Dallas Mavericks get:

• G Klay Thompson (via sign-and-trade)

Golden State Warriors get:

• 2025 second-round pick (via lesser of Philadelphia and Denver)
• 2031 second-round pick (via Dallas)

Original grades:

• Charlotte: B+
• Dallas: B-
• Golden State: B

Regrades:

• Charlotte: B
• Dallas: B
• Golden State: B

Thompson's move played out as anticipated, with no significant surprises for any of the involved teams.

DeMar DeRozan to Kings: A Questionable Fit

Sacramento Kings get:

• F DeMar DeRozan (via sign-and-trade)

San Antonio Spurs get:

• F Harrison Barnes
• 2031 first-round swap (via Sacramento)

Chicago Bulls get:

• G Chris Duarte, Two second-round picks

Original grades:

• Chicago: C
• Sacramento: C+
• San Antonio: A

Regrades:

• Chicago: D
• Sacramento: C-
• San Antonio: A

DeRozan's addition did not address the Kings' needs effectively, making this trade less favorable in hindsight.

Blazers Add Deni Avdija: A Rising Star

Washington Wizards get:

• G Malcolm Brogdon 2024
• No. 14 pick (Bub Carrington)
• 2029 first-round pick (second-most favorable of Boston/Milwaukee/Portland)
• Two future second-round picks

Portland Trail Blazers get:

• F Deni Avdija

Original grades:

• Portland: C+
• Washington: B+

Regrades:

• Portland: A-
• Washington: B-

Avdija's performance justified the Blazers' investment, making this trade a success for Portland.

Nets Reacquire Draft Picks: A Strategic Move

Brooklyn Nets get:

• Return of 2025 first-round swap
• 2026 first-round pick (via Nets)

Houston Rockets get:

• 2025 first-round swap (via lesser of Rockets or Thunder for Suns)
• 2027 first-round pick (via Suns)
• 2029 first-round pick (via more favorable of Dallas and Phoenix)
• 2029 first-round swap (via less favorable of Dallas or Phoenix)

Original grades:

• Brooklyn: B-
• Houston: A

Regrades:

• Brooklyn: C-
• Houston: A

While the Nets' strategy was sound, the outcome favored the Rockets, highlighting the importance of maximizing lottery opportunities.