Man, the NBA 2021 transaction period was a roller-coaster ride of surprises! First off, let’s talk about the bombshell trade that sent Russell Westbrook to the Lakers. This transaction shook the league, considering Westbrook’s enormous triple-double average last season—he put up outrageous numbers, averaging 22.2 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 11.7 assists per game. Seeing him team up with LeBron James and Anthony Davis? It's like a video game scenario that suddenly turned into reality.
When Free Agency hit, the Chris Paul re-signing with the Phoenix Suns caught many off guard. At 36 years old and on a four-year contract worth $120 million, the deal raised eyebrows. But let's be real; Paul’s leadership almost got the Suns a championship. His value goes beyond numbers—he transforms teams. Just look at the Suns' playoff run last season; they hadn't been in the finals since 1993!
And then there was the Kyle Lowry move to the Miami Heat. This deal was huge because one, Lowry’s charm and 2019 championship experience with the Toronto Raptors add insane value. Two, the Heat got him in a sign and trade worth $90 million for three years. Adding someone of that caliber, alongside Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, seriously puts the Heat back in serious contention. But can they live up to the expectations, especially considering the Eastern Conference's intensity?
Another jaw-dropper was DeMar DeRozan joining the Chicago Bulls. DeRozan inked a three-year, $85 million deal. That’s hefty for a player some analysts see as past his prime. However, his 21.6 points per game with the Spurs last season indicates he still has a lot of fuel left. Combining him with Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic might finally make the Bulls a team to watch after years of mediocrity.
One deal that puzzled many had to do with Lonzo Ball. He left the New Orleans Pelicans to join the Bulls as well for $85 million over four years. Why did the Pelicans let a 23-year-old point guard, who averaged 14.6 points, 5.7 assists, and 4.8 rebounds, walk away? The numbers suggest he was steadily improving his game. It seems New Orleans is banking big on their young stars like Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram to lead the way.
I can't leave out Kemba Walker's buyout with the Oklahoma City Thunder, followed by his signing with the New York Knicks. Walker’s contract buyout was significant because OKC had just acquired him from the Celtics, and his two years remaining at $74 million were no small change. Joining the Knicks, though, is like a homecoming. After all, Walker grew up in New York. His presence adds a dynamic dimension to the Knicks’ backcourt—a team that surprised many by reaching the playoffs last season.
Speaking of the Celtics, their dealing of Evan Fournier to the Knicks was another head-turner. The Celtics traded two second-round picks to acquire him mid-season only to see him leave for New York. The Knicks offered Fournier a four-year, $78 million contract. That leaves Boston dealing with the fact they added a player for essentially a playoff run without much ROI when he walked.
The trade deadline had a few surprises as well. For instance, Nikola Vucevic's move from the Orlando Magic to the Chicago Bulls was huge. Orlando traded their All-Star big man for Wendell Carter Jr., Otto Porter, and two first-round picks! Vucevic didn’t come cheap, but his 24.5 points and 11.8 rebounds per game were desperately needed by the Bulls to turn their fortunes around.
But let's not forget about the Golden State Warriors and their under-the-radar pickups. They didn't make the blockbuster trades some might have hoped for, but their smart additions of role players like Nemanja Bjelica and Otto Porter Jr., both on veteran minimum deals, could provide the depth they need, especially with Klay Thompson’s anticipated return.
Then there’s the Brooklyn Nets adding Patty Mills. Acquiring the sharp-shooting veteran for a two-year, $12 million deal might seem insignificant compared to other deals, but Mills averaged 10.8 points and shot 37.5% from the 3-point line, which could provide crucial support for their offensive juggernaut led by Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden.
All said and done, this transaction period was anything but boring. From franchise-altering moves to low-key signings that could tip the balance, the 2021 NBA offseason kept everyone on the edge of their seats. If you want to dive deeper, check out this source for more details on nba transactions 2021.