By Sean Wallace, Sports Editor
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers opted to keep head coach Kenny Atkinson after losing to the New York Knicks in four games in the Eastern Conference Finals. Cleveland made one trade in an attempt to separate itself from conference contenders such as the Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers.
The Cavaliers traded guards Max Strus and Tre Mann, an unprotected 2031 first-round pick, a 2032 Sacramento Kings second-round pick, a 2027 Los Angeles Clippers second round pick and cash for forward Peyton Watson. They signed Watson to a four-year, $88 million contract.
They also retained guard James Harden on a three-year, $97 million contract. Harden, who has struggled to meet expectations in the postseason throughout his career, will make approximately $32.3 million in the final year of the deal at 39 years old.
The Cavaliers should focus on acquiring players who can help them get over the hump in the postseason. Bringing back Harden comes with significant risk. He proved to be a defensive liability during the conference finals. In game four, he shot 25% from the field and committed five turnovers.
Cleveland reached the postseason in four consecutive seasons, but advanced to the conference finals just once during that span. Its window is still open, but time is running out. If they cannot get it done this season, the Cavaliers will need to make serious changes.
Denver Nuggets
After a disappointing first-round exit in the postseason, Denver’s depth remains a question heading into this season. They traded Peyton Watson, lost center Jonas Valanciunas and guard Tim Hardaway Jr. The Nuggets added guard DeMar DeRozan and center Marvin Bagley III. They also re-signed forward Spencer Jones and guard Tyus Jones.
Watson averaged the fifth-most minutes on the team last season at 29.6 per game. He also ranked fourth in scoring with 14.6 points per game. DeRozan, a 37-year-old six-time All-Star, will look to fill the void left by Watson.
Denver spent most of the offseason above the second apron. This made it difficult to add a significant piece that would put them on par with major competitors in the conference such as the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs. Denver’s bench looks unreliable heading into the season. If they do not improve, major changes could come next offseason.
Golden State Warriors
Forward Jimmy Butler III tore his anterior cruciate ligament, guard Moses Moody tore his patellar tendon and Stephen Curry missed 39 games due to various knee injuries last season. However, before all the injuries started to pile up, Golden State played mediocre basketball at best. The Warriors held a 24-19 record and the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference before Butler suffered his injury.
This offseason, they decided to run it back with the same roster. Their only notable addition came in the 2026 NBA Draft, when they selected 24-year-old forward Yaxel Lendeborg with the No. 11 pick. Stephen Curry is 38 years old. Golden State’s lack of urgency this offseason suggests the organization is not doing enough to capitalize on the time has left.
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