The 2019 NBA offseason has been wilder than expected! There have been significant changes in team lineups do to trades, free agency, and the NBA draft. In the 2019 NBA draft the New Orleans Pelicans took 6’7 285 lb Duke freshman Zion Williamson. Williamson had been talked about as the second coming of LeBron James and teams could not wait until the draft lottery to see who would get the chance to add him to their roster. The Pelicans won the lottery and landed Zion, but their star player Anthony Davis was traded the LA Lakers.

This trade should come at no surprise as Davis had expressed his displeasure with the Pelicans organization and awaited a trade to take place. After several reports and some accused tampering by LeBron James, the Lakers organization finally landed their prized target. Although the Lakers are received Davis, they had to trade several of their young core including Lonzo Ball. If you ask his father (Lavar) it was a mistake on the Lakers part, but Lonzo is going to shine, and he will have all 3 of his boys in the NBA...( where is Liangelo again?)….

After landing Davis, the Laker set their site on Kawhi Leonard. Ever since Kawhi landed in Toronto, there had been speculations of where he would go next in free agency. After several days of deliberation and several reports stating he would be signing with the Lakers, Kawhi took a different approach. He signed with the LA Clippers reportedly after the Clippers managed to trade OKC for Paul George. Yes, Russ is the man of his one-man team again… but nevertheless, Paul George and Kawhi both had been trying to get back to their homes in California.

Honestly, I like this move. The Lakers attempted to get both of these players, and I’m glad they did not succeed. I’m sure many of you get tired of seeing teams stacked to the brim around LeBron James as I do. The battle in LA for the top team should be a site to see!

Before we head to the East, the warriors are looking very vulnerable as they trade Andre Iguodala, have an injured Klay Thompson and no more Kevin Durant (we will talk about that later). Although the warriors managed to acquire D’Angelo Russel, the pressure is back on Steph Curry to be a one-man wrecking ball in the 2019/ 2020 season. The Memphis Grizzlies also traded Mike Conley Jr. to the Utah Jazz to clear room for the number 2 overall draft pick Ja Morant freshman from Murray State. This love gives the Jazz an impressive backcourt with Mitchell and Conley, but they still have some work to do in the frontcourt before becoming contenders.

Moving to the East, Kyrie Irving Kevin Durant signed with the Brooklyn Nets. This move caught a lot of people off guard as the NY Knicks seemed to be favorites to land at least one of these superstars; however; the Knicks could not close any deals. The Knicks had a small glimmer of hope drafting RJ Barrett freshman from Duke university 3rd in the NBA draft. Barrett is poised to be an excellent addition to the team, but they still have a long way to go until they are considered contenders.

The Charlotte Hornets lose their best player Kemba Walker to the Celtics and sign Terry Rozier to a three-year deal. I like this for Kemba, but upset Charlotte would not pay him what he is worth. The Celtics should have a solid season. The Philadelphia 76ers managed to resign all their star players to large contracts (Are you really paying Ben Simmons 170 mill to pass the ball?) accept Jimmy Butler. Reportedly, Butler turned down the money to sign with the Miami Heat.

These have been some of the most notable moves in the offseason. Please reach out to the sport's chief on Twitter @thesportchief and follow us on Instagram thesportchief704 to comment or add your opinion. We love to hear what are views think and interact with you as well!

2019 NBA Offseason...WOW!