The 2023-24 NBA season is fast approaching, and several teams are desperate to make big moves. The Los Angeles Lakers and Philadelphia 76ers are among them, although there is still a lot of uncertainty about what lies ahead.
Lakers could hold on to Davis
Anthony Davis, despite facing numerous injuries throughout his career, including his time with the Lakers, is anticipated to be presented with a maximum contract by the team in the coming days.
The Lakers are currently experiencing a wave of positive energy. Despite a dismal start to the season and largely flying under the radar, the team managed to make a quick exit thanks to a surge of excitement in late February.
The Lakers have meticulously planned their future prospects, taking decisive steps in June to solidify potential beyond next season. Two promising young players, Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura, have been retained, highlighting the team's commitment. However, it appears that the organization is aiming to secure an even more impactful player in the near future.
Philadelphia and Harden on shaky ground
According to Los Angeles Clippers team sources, James Harden, an All-Star point guard, put his future in jeopardy by making a trade request in late June. A few days before free agency began, Harden exercised his 35-player option, worth $6 million, with the goal of joining the Clippers.
The fate of Harden's career with the 76ers is uncertain after he expressed his desire for a trade in late June. Just before the start of free agency, he made it clear he wanted to be traded to Los Angeles while exercising his $35.6 million player option. However, it appears Harden has set his sights on joining the Clippers for the 2023-24 season.
In his unwavering determination, he firmly proclaimed the team's name as his imminent destination, exuding unwavering confidence in his eventual alliance with the Clippers. Sources reveal that no significant trade discussions have taken place regarding Harden and any team in Philadelphia, as the front office has been informed exclusively of Harden's exclusive focus on none other than the Clippers.
Team sources have revealed that the 76ers were involved in talks with other franchises, setting a record price for their captain. It has been confirmed that Harden will participate in training camp this season. Throughout his tenure with the Rockets and Nets, Harden has embarked on numerous team outings, attending several late-night parties that used to show he didn't want to be there.
The decision was forced upon Brooklyn, leaving them with only one option: trade him to the Sixers before the trade deadline in 2022 or face the possibility of losing him in free agency. In Philadelphia, Harden's team firmly believes it's simply a matter of when, not if, he will join the Clippers.
Anthony Davis in the regular season:
25.9 points
12,5 rebounds
2,6 assists
1 steal
2 blocks
56% fgOnly Laker next to Kareem and Shaq with those numbers. pic.twitter.com/d3yBuHPB4V.
- LA CEJA (@lacejadeLA) July 19, 2023
Rudy Gay needs a new home
Rudy Gay, an experienced player, is being let go by the Oklahoma City Thunder after being brought in during the offseason. In a sequence of trades, Gay was initially sent to the Atlanta Hawks by the Utah Jazz as part of the John Collins trade. However, shortly thereafter, he found himself joining the Oklahoma City Thunder in a trade that also involved sending Patty Mills to Atlanta.
Throughout his professional basketball journey, Gay has contributed significantly with his remarkable play. Spanning multiple teams, including the Memphis Grizzlies, Toronto Raptors, Sacramento Kings, San Antonio Spurs and Jazz, he has consistently maintained career averages of 15.8 points and 5.6 rebounds per game.
Gay has repeatedly showcased his exceptional scoring abilities by averaging an impressive 19.6 points per game over an eight-year period from 2008 to 2015. However, in his final years with the Utah team, he experienced a decline in scoring, averaging 8.1 points per night in his last two campaigns.
