Tuesday night’s blockbuster deal that sent Kyrie Irving to the Celtics would have been clearly the biggest news of many NBA offseasons. But it has a lot of competition this summer in a league where Jimmy Butler, Paul George and Chris Paul have all been traded since the playoffs ended.
Still, Tuesday’s trade affects the balance of power in the East, both for the 2017/18 season and for years to come. The Cavaliers added an extra defender in Jae Crowder, who can harass Kevin Durant and the Warriors’ other wings if we get another Cleveland-Golden State matchup in the Finals. In landing Irving along with Gordon Hayward, the Celtics probably made the best two offseason acquisitions in the East.
But does that mean the Warriors should be afraid of either team — or anyone else?
Golden State brought back virtually all the key components of its championship team and picked up promising rookie Jordan Bell in the draft. Stephen Curry agreed to a five-year extension. Kevin Durant inked a one-year deal with a player option, but that was only to lead to a long-term contract next summer. Klay Thompson is under contract for two more seasons, and Draymond Green is signed for the next three.
So in addition to a wealth of talent, the Warriors will have continuity in their corner.
A lot of teams got better this summer. The Thunder got a bargain price on George. The Timberwolves traded for Butler and signed Jeff Teague and Taj Gibson. The Rockets traded for Paul and may have Carmelo Anthony before the season starts.
So with training camps about a month away, we want to know who you believe will be the Warriors’ top challenger. Please leave your comments below.
If the Chris Paul experiment works well in Houston I think the Rockets have a chance.
If not, it’s Cleveland: IT, JR, Crowder, LBJ and Love is the small-ball lineup they’ve been needing
I’m hard pressed to see how the Rockets are really any better than last season much less a threat to the Warriors. More star power with CP3 yes, but is the team better? I doubt it
On a game by game basis I think several teams are better positioned to compete, like Boston and Minnesota and maybe Denver. But in a playoff series I think it’s hard to see anyone but themselves getting in Golden State’s way. I think I liked Boston better with Crowder and IT but I would give them the best shot at this point.
I think Boston is in better position than Cleveland but I really don’t think the Warriors (if healthy) will be threatened by anyone. I do like a core of Kyrie, Hayward, and Horford and expect Brown and Tatum to have some nice production with more minutes in Crowder’s absence.
If Brown can take a big step or Tatum can play well right off the bat, it’s Boston. If neither happens, my top choice would be Cleveland unless Houston does it before the Finals.
The Spurs have (had?) the advantage of not feeling a need to beat GSW at their own game. But they lost Dedmon, Simmons, Lee, possibly Ginoboli while gaining Wlm Gay, so are they changing style? Their youngsters look so young.
They kept ginobili and can still bring back lee if they so choose. Also lauvergne was an savvy pickup
they resigned ginobili, he can put in a good 7.5 points for his age
No one can challenge a team with 4 allstars, 2 MVPs,1DPOY and the greatest shooting backcourt of all time and a 7 feet tall Small Forward who torches defenses.
Only one solution then. Make a team with Westbrook-Harden-Kawhi-LeBron-Dwight.
4 current and 1 former all star. 2 MVPs. 2 DPOY.