Adapt or Be Left Behind

Look, I want to start out by saying I’m not a fan of Kevin Durant’s move to the Warriors. But I have to say I’m a fan of what it may cause GM’s and players to do come this summer. If KD stays with the Thunder chances are none of these changes are made. I still think the finals have the same two teams. This move is forcing change. Players like Chris Paul, Kyle Lowry, and Gordon Hayward are now forced to look into options that may not be the highest paying. Would Chris Paul who was so influential in the new collective bargaining agreement really be thinking about passing up a 200 million dollar pay day had Durant stayed? Honestly I don't think so. Now I'm not saying Chris Paul is for sure out the door. But he has to think about winning. Paul just turned 32 May. The idea of teaming up with LaMarcus Aldridge and Kawhi has to entice him. However a reunion in New Orleans has to be considered as well. Pairing a guard with CP3 skill set along with Demarcus Cousins and Anthony Davis, two of the best bigs in the league would bring them into title contention. The real question is how his insurance agent Cliff Paul would feel about him leaving 80 million on the table for one of these moves.

While Chris Paul in my opinion is the major prize, free agents such as Kyle Lowry, Blake Griffin, and especially Gordan Hayward are huge pieces that will be available. General Managers are going to be forced to go after these different assets and find ways to add even more talent on top of that. Teams like the Rockets, Celtics, and Spurs have a major chance with all of these players and assets to go along with them. Not to mention teams like the Pacers and Bulls may have a star player up for sale in Paul George and Jimmy Butler. Is it possible for the Celtics to get a combination of Isaiah Thomas, Jimmy Butler, Gordan Hayward, AND Al Horford?

Tell me that wouldn't have LeBron looking in his rear view mirror. This may seem crazy but these sort of moves are moves that GMs will have to make to compete. No matter what the NBA does they cant stop players from joining teams and taking less money like Kevin Durant. The days of having one star and competing are very much out and done. Teams need multiple stars to string together playoff runs and GMs and players are realizing this. This summer will be a crazy one. Don't expect teams to just give into the idea of the Warriors and Cavilers final for the next 5 years. Expect chaos and multiple moves from different teams. This draft is loaded and the free agency class is no joke. Teams can improve and improve quickly this summer. Who will be the first to make a move? Time will tell.