As the 2024-2025 NBA season starts, there is already a lot of controversy among fans about the upcoming season. Fans are already in deep speculation after a whirlwind offseason and thrilling preseason. With blockbuster trades, fresh talent, and new team dynamics, the upcoming season promises to keep fans on the edge.
One significant trade involved the New York Knicks acquiring Karl-Anthony “KAT” Towns from the Minnesota Timberwolves and sending Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, and a 2025 first-round pick via Detroit to Minnesota. This trade also involved the Charlotte Hornets for salary cap adjustment, the maximum amount of money a team can spend on player salaries for a season.
This trade helps the Knicks because it gives them a top-tier center. However, losing Randle and DiVincenzo affects the Knick’s dynamic and playstyle. They both added versatility and balance to the team with their play style.
“I am sad about losing Donte and Julius, but I think KA will do great things on the Knicks because we need a center,” said Alex Nuzum, a sophomore at Hackley and a Knicks fan. Given the great season the Knicks had last year, he hopes that with this new center, they can go further in the finals.
This trade removes the financial limits for the Timberwolves, allowing them to focus on building around their star player, Anthony Edwards. Randle’s physical style and DiVincenzo’s shooting will complement the team. This trade allows the Knicks to have a chance in the Eastern Conference finals and the Timberwolves in the Western Conference finals.
Chris Paul signed a one-year, $11-million-dollar deal with the San Antonio Spurs after being waved by the Golden State Warriors. The Warriors declined to guarantee Paul’s $30 million salary for the 2024–25 season, making him a free agent. This allows Paul, who is 39 years old, to join a young Spurs team centered around Victor Wembanyama. Known for his leadership and playmaking, Paul is expected to take a starting role in San Antonio, giving them stability at the point guard position, which has been a problem for the Spurs.
Last season, Paul played 58 games for the Warriors, mostly coming off the bench, and averaged 9.2 points and 6.8 assists per game. Even though he is no longer in his prime, his experience and basketball IQ make him a valuable player.
“This trade helps Wembanyama, giving him a point guard to complement his center skills and develop his pick and roll,” said Rodrigo Severin, a junior. Rodrigo is a fan of Wembanyama and is excited to see his potential and what he can do.
Russell Westbrook had an interesting offseason transition. After playing a full season with the Los Angeles Clippers, where he had a bench role and averaged a career-low of 11.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game, he was traded to the Utah Jazz in July 2024. This move was a part of the sign-and-trade deal that involved Kris Dunn joining the Clippers. However, Westbrook was waived by the Jazz without playing a single game for the team, which also happened in 2023 when the Jazz waived him after a trade from the Lakers.
Westbrook quickly cleared waivers and joined the Denver Nuggets on a veteran minimum contract of $3.3 million. This move addressed Denver’s need for a backup point guard after Reggie Jackson visited the Charlotte Hornets.
“I’m excited to see how Westbrook’s leadership can impact the Nuggets,” said sophomore Nico Kim. Westbrook’s role for the Nuggets allows him to contribute to a team with championship aspirations, utilizing his experience and energy in a supporting role.
Rookie Jared McCain enters the NBA spotlight this 2024 season as one of the league’s most promising newcomers. Drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers, McCain brings an impressive blend of scoring ability, charisma, and basketball IQ and has already drawn comparisons to some of the game’s rising stars. The former Duke standout was a fan favorite in college and known for his performance and clutch play. As he transitions to the professional level, McCain’s versatility and ability to play under pressure will be critical for the 79ers as they integrate his talents into their team.
“I think Jared McCain can easily become rookie of the year,” said sophomore Nico Kim. He has been watching some of McCain’s games and thinks his talent can make him a rookie of the year and help him become one of the NBA’s greatest players.
Mikal Bridges has made headlines as the centerpiece of a blockbuster trade, moving from the Brooklyn Nets to the New York Knicks in June 2024. The Brooklyn Nets sent Mikal Bridges to the New York Knicks in exchange for Bojan Bogdanovic, four unprotected first-round picks, a Milwaukee Bucks first-rounder, an unprotected pick swap, and a second-round pick. This marked the first trade between these New York rivals in over four decades. Bridges reunites with former Villanova teammates Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart, bringing elite defense, durability, and a 19.6 points-per-game scoring average to the Knicks.
“Bridges has versatility at the three, and he is a long wing that will help on both sides of the ball,” said junior Rodrigo Severin. As a Knicks fan, Rodrigo is excited about this new addition for the Knicks and, hopefully, will help them get farther in the finals.
As the 2024–2025 NBA season begins, the league is in for a transformative year. With high-profile trades, players stepping into new roles, and promising rookies arriving, it will be an exciting season. From Karl-Anthony Towns bolstering the Knicks’ aspirations in the East to Chris Paul’s mentorship in San Antonio, every move can reshape the playoff picture. Hackley students are very excited to see what comes this season.
