Fact or Fiction: Putting 2024 NBA Offseason Rumors Under the Microscope
We've seen a number of All-Star players pop up in rumors recently, and there's some potential movement on the horizon for the summer of 2024.
There's also been talk of the Houston Rockets' plan coming off a red-hot March and how they'll manage the difference in playing styles among their young stars.
It's time to separate fact from fiction with the latest NBA rumors.
Trae Young Trade Rumors Are 'Legitimate'
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While Trae Young's finger injury looked like it officially sealed the Atlanta Hawks' spot in the lottery, Atlanta has played surprisingly well without its All-Star point guard. Of course, this doesn't help the trade speculation that's begun to surround the 25-year-old floor general.
ESPN's Tim MacMahon called the Young trade rumors "legitimate" on The Lowe Post with Zach Lowe.
The Hawks have gone 11-8 since Young went down in late February. Their defense has jumped 11 spots over this time (28th overall with a 119.6 rating up to 17th with a 113.5 rating), while the team's offense has actually moved up a spot to eighth.
Keeping Dejounte Murray at the trade deadline despite the plentiful chatter surrounding him could be viewed as further proof that a Young deal may actually happen.
If a team like the Los Angeles Lakers, San Antonio Spurs or another point guard- or star-needy franchise makes a competitive offer involving multiple first-round picks and young players, Atlanta may be motivated to move Young, especially since he can reach unrestricted free agency in 2026.
Fact or Fiction: Fact. Expect Young to be involved in a lot of trade talk this offseason.
Rockets Want to Take 'Big Swing' in Trade Market
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The Houston Rockets have gone 13-2 over their last 15 games, riding the hot hand of Jalen Green to climb back into the playoff conversation.
This could just be the beginning of the Rockets' ascension, as Houston will reportedly be on the hunt for stars via trade this summer.
According to ESPN's Tim MacMahon, the Rockets "want to take a big, big swing in the trade market". Even with Alperen Şengün taking a big step toward stardom before his ankle injury and Green looking like a future All-Star over the past few weeks, MacMahon believes one could be moved in a trade for an even bigger name.
"I don't know if both Şengün and Green are going to be here long-term," MacMahon said. "My guess—and I emphasize, guess—is that one or the other would end up getting moved at some point for them when they take their big swing."
This wouldn't be the first time Green's name has come up in trade talks. According to The Athletic and Stadium's Shams Charania, "the Rockets called the Nets on Mikal Bridges and I'm told they discussed a concept around Jalen Green and multiple first-round picks. That deal was not accepted by the Nets."
Brooklyn's reluctance to make the deal should now be viewed as a blessing in disguise, as the absence of Şengün has allowed the Rockets to unlock Green, who's averaged 28.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.3 steals while shooting 40.9 percent from three over his last 16 games.
Because of their difference in playing style, it seems likely that the pairing of Şengün and Green will eventually be broken up. The Rockets can make some huge offers for other stars with a number of talented young players and first-round picks owed by the Nets in 2024 and 2026.
Fact or Fiction: Fact. The Rockets' young stars don't mesh, and a recent winning streak should have this franchise hungry to return to the top of the Western Conference as soon as possible.
Paul George Could Sign with 76ers
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It's been nearly three months since Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers agreed to a three-year, $153 million extension. While Paul George has also been eligible to sign a new deal in L.A., nothing has gotten done to this point. ESPN's Brian Windhorst noted that the two sides are still apart in contract talks.
If George declines his $48.8 million player option and becomes an unrestricted free agent, there's a contender in the East that could certainly use him.
The Philadelphia Inquirer's Keith Pompey reported that the 76ers' "desire to acquire Paul George in free agency is the NBA's worst-kept secret." He added that "there are some who expect both sides to reach an agreement."
Unlike most title contenders, the 76ers will have max cap space in 2024 because players like Tobias Harris, Buddy Hield, Nic Batum, Robert Covington and others have expiring contracts. Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey (restricted free agent) will return.
George looks like the perfect piece on paper, a big two-way wing to place beside Maxey at point guard and Embiid at center. Set to turn 34 next month, George could ease into the third-option part of his career while still securing a nice payday.
While the fit makes sense, Philly still feels like Plan B.
George and Leonard have been connected since the latter landed in Los Angeles via trade in 2019. These Clippers with James Harden, Russell Westbrook and others represent the best version Leonard and George have played with, and the core should have serious championship aspirations.
It seems unlikely the Clippers would let George walk—especially as they get set to open a new arena.
If contract talks get really ugly, George should consider the Sixers a solid alternate option. For now, however, expect the L.A.-area native to return to his current team on a multi-year extension.
Fact or Fiction: Fiction. George will likely re-sign in Los Angeles.
Cavs Are 'Confident' Donovan Mitchell Will Sign Extension This Summer
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While the Cleveland Cavaliers likely have some PTSD regarding superstars and free agency, Donovan Mitchell is expected to re-sign. At least, according to owner Dan Gilbert.
"We've been talking to him, sure, for the last couple of years about extending this contract," Gilbert told Larry Lage of the Associated Press. "We think he will extend. I think if you listen to him talk, he loves the city.
"He loves the situation in Cleveland because our players are very young and we're just kind of putting the core together that he's clearly the biggest part of."
These comments are notable since Gilbert hasn't spoken publicly much since suffering a stroke in 2019, although he's had more involvement in the team as of late and he's progressed in his recovery. His confidence in re-signing Mitchell is admirable, although the 2024 playoffs could ultimately decide what the 27-year-old All-Star decides to do.
Mitchell can sign an extension that reaches a maximum of four years since he's under contract for 2024-25. By doing so he'd be waiving a $37.1 million player option in 2025-26 and replacing it with roughly $200 million over four years.
While star players rarely reach unrestricted free agency anymore, Mitchell isn't supermax eligible since he was traded and therefore will have a more team-friendly max deal. The incentive to re-sign isn't as great financially now as it would have been had Mitchell stayed in Utah with the Jazz.
If the Cavaliers can shake off their recent rough play, Mitchell's knee improves and Cleveland wins a playoff series or two, Mitchell may very well want to stay put and keep building with this still young core. If Cleveland falls in the first round once again, his chances of re-signing certainly drop.
The 2024 playoffs should tell us what Mitchell will do.
Fact or Fiction: Fact for now, fiction if the Cavs lose in the first round again.
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