The 2023 NBA Offseason has gotten off to a fierce beginning with a host of blockbuster deals, the draft, free agency moves and much, much more. The free agency period officially opened last Friday and big names such as Fred VanVleet, Kyrie Irving and Draymond Green were all on the market but have now signed new deals with their respective teams.
The end of June also saw the completion of the 2023 NBA draft with a bunch of new talent set to enter the league in October, while a host of exciting trades are also in store. The 2023 NBA Offseason is certainly an entertaining one and below we take you through some of the most important happenings thus far.
2023 NBA Offseason Headlines: Free Agency Deals
Kyrie Irving’s New Deal
One of the key deals surrounding the 2023 NBA Offseason is that Kyrie Irving has signed a new three-year, $126 million contract to stay in Dallas with the Mavericks. The eight-time All-Star was traded from the Brooklyn Nets to the Mavericks back in February of this year at the deadline to link-up with fellow star Luka Dončić.
Despite a strong start to his career in Dallas, which saw Irving put up 24 points, five rebounds and four assists in his debut victory against the Los Angeles Clippers. The Mavs went 5-11 when Irving and Dončić played together. But they ultimately failed to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2019.
However, general manager Nico Harrison has put his trust in Irving, having re-signed the 31-year-old guard. He believes that his chemistry with Dončić will help provide the foundation for success next season.
Draymond Green Remains With The Warriors
Veteran forward Draymond Green declined his $27.6 million player option last month. There were initial concerns within the Golden State Warriors camp that the 33-year-old could depart San Francisco. This was because he would have been allowed to explore the unrestricted free agency market.
Nevertheless, Green has now signed a four-year, $100 million deal to re-sign with the Warriors as he continues to pair with Steph Curry.
The deal for Green was one of the most important pieces of business for Golden State for the 2023 NBA Offseason. They have managed to get it over the line early on. The thought is that the fact they have managed to retain Green means they still have a shot at the NBA title next season.
Fred VanVleet Joins Rockets
More huge news in the 2023 NBA Offseason has come with point guard Fred VanVleet agreeing a deal to join the Houston Rockets. This is after declining his $22.8 million player option with the Toronto Raptors last month.
The 2016 undrafted free agent will now sign a mammoth three-year, $130 million contract with the Rockets. He joins fellow veterans Dillon Brooks, Jeff Green and Jock Landale in Houston.
The 29-year-old was a part of the 2019 Raptors side that won the NBA title and, after averaging 19.3 points, 4.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists across 69 games last season. He will add creativity and playmaking skills to a Rockets side that has never really replaced James Harden.
2023 NBA Offseason: Trades
After the influx of the initial new deals following free agency, rumours are now hotting up about potential trades across the 2023 NBA Offseason. However, we have also already had trades confirmed or waiting to be made official across the league.
Damian Lillard Requests Trade Out Of Portland
Seven-time All-Star Damian Lillard has requested a trade out of Portland which would end an 11-year stint with the Western Conference team. After failing to reach the playoffs last season for the second consecutive campaign, Lillard now wants to move to a team with a shot at winning a championship.
Miami Heat and the Brooklyn Nets appear to be interested in dealing for the 32-year-old guard but Lillard would prefer a move to the former.
The Heat managed to become Eastern Conference champions last season after defeating the Boston Celtics in the finals. Lillard could join the likes of Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler on the Miami roster to form a formidable offense. He is also coming off the back of a 32.2 point average season with the Trail Blazers, a career high.
Bradley Beal To The Suns
The Washington Wizards’ new management has decided to change things up during the 2023 NBA Offseason. That has seen All-Star guard Bradley Beal traded to the Phoenix Suns in a deal that also included the Indiana Pacers.
The three-team deal saw the Suns pick up Beal, Jordan Goodwin and Isaiah Todd. The Wizards receive Chris Paul, Landry Shamet, the draft rights to seventh overall pick Bilal Coulibaly and a host of future picks. All whilst the Pacers will gain the draft rights to eighth overall pick Jarace Walker and two future second round picks.
Although the Suns are missing a big hole at point guard after the loss of Paul, Beal will help make up for some of the playmaking abilities. He averaged 5.4 assists last season and 23.2 points. He will join a star-studded roster that also includes Kevin Durant and Devin Booker.
2023 NBA Offseason: Draft
Portland Prepare With Scoot Henderson
Portland seems to have been preparing for Lillard’s exit. The fact that they drafted point guard Scoot Henderson with the third overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft means they were likely expecting their star player to leave during the offseason. Henderson offers a long-term replacement for Lillard, while Anfernee Simons is also an option.
There was initial thought that Lillard and Henderson could play together. However, the latest news about the former wanting to leave Portland means that Simons could be the go-to man for now. Since Simons is only 24-years-old himself, the Trail Blazers are looking to the future and have a number of talented pieces on the roster.
Victor Wembanyama Signs Rookie Contract
It was very little surprise when Victor Wembanyama was selected first overall by San Antonio Spurs. With early comparisons to greats such as LeBron James and Durant, there is plenty of hype surrounding the Frenchman.
The 7-foot-5 center has now become the tallest active player in the NBA and he is set to become the face of the Spurs franchise for years to come.
Wembanyama has now officially signed his rookie contract; a four-year, $55.1 million deal. That will see him earn around $12 million in his first year, which is also higher than previous first overall picks in the most recent years of the draft. Many are excited as they hope to get to see the 19-year-old star in action at the Summer League in Las Vegas later this month.
