Let’s explore the hottest NBA offseason storylines that will ripple through your fantasy basketball league. From the future of LeBron James and Paul George to the Olympic Games in Paris: prepare for a whirlwind summer full of movement and action!
LeBron James: To Stay or Not to Stay?
At 39 years old, LeBron is still putting up impressive numbers, but any talk of him leaving LA would send shockwaves through the NBA and fantasy hoops. He has a $51 million player option next season, and he is 1000% willing to forego it.
While there is a chance he could join another team to pursue or (possibly) follow his son Bronny, I don’t see him playing in purple and gold next season. Especially if his podcast partner JJ Redick becomes the next coach of the Lakers.
Besides his personal ties and business outside of basketball, James is rooted in LA, and the Lakers will compensate him enough to eventually retire as a Laker.
Will Bronny James be drafted? And if so, where?
Given my thoughts on LeBron’s stay in LA, I’m going to go chalk and predict that the Lakers will draft Bronny in the second round.
He won’t be relevant in fantasy, but his presence in the league will make waves regardless.
Is PG-13 ready for its next act?
George remains one of the best 3-and-D wings in the game and was a top 30 fantasy player in 11 of his 14 seasons. Like James, Paul George has a player option and can explore a few options: play out the remainder of his contract (this won’t happen), sign a contract extension to stay with the Clippers, or decline the option and become an unrestricted free agent.
Each move will be important, but it would be fun to see him make the move and go to one of the rumored centers in Philly or Orlando – two playoff contenders with big money to spend.
Could free agency waves capsize the Splash brothers?
Klay Thompson’s departure from Golden State would put the final nail in the coffin of the Warriors dynasty, but could we see a rejuvenated Klay if paired with the right organization?
Thompson is an unrestricted free agent after extension talks with the Warriors fell through. Although he’s past his prime, Klay was still among the top five in three-pointers this season and can help all contenders with perimeter shooting. Thompson can still play, but it must be frustrating to see his minutes dwindle and shift to a bench role midway through the season only to return to the starting lineup later.
At this point, the pay cut, youth movement and role fluctuations offer little confidence in a reunion with the Dubs. Given what Thompson will do on the open market, he’ll be paid like a starter, and if he gets 30 minutes with a team like OKC or Orlando, that could maintain his fantasy value as a late-round pick.
What will the Miami Heat do?
While Jimmy Buckets spent his offseason as a Bad Boy, the Miami Heat must make a franchise-altering decision on whether to extend Butler.
He has made it clear he wants to stay with Miami for the long term, but if Pat Riley and company decide not to commit him to a new deal, a potential trade would immediately shake up the fantasy landscape.
Zach LaVine is dealing with a bear market?
It’s no secret that the Bulls are shopping Zach LaVine. The problem is that the Bulls lost significant leverage when LaVine was diagnosed with a season-ending foot injury in February. Additionally, his lofty contract is likely a sticking point for many teams when considering the tax implications of the new CBA.
Keep an eye on where LaVine ends up, as his fantasy value could fluctuate wildly depending on the dynamics of his new team.
LaMelo’s IV: Ankle braces the latest accessory?
Ball was on course for another strong season until injury luck struck again. Ball played in just 22 games and had to undergo ankle surgery after averaging nearly 24 points with eight assists, five rebounds and two steals per game in his fourth NBA season.
I took part in a few way-too-early mock drafts, and Ball ends up in the third round – a steep drop from last season as a first-rounder. With an offseason to get healthy and try out some new ankle support, he will be a good pick for next year’s draft.
What impact will the Paris Olympics have on the ’24-25 season?
I can’t forget the Olympics!
Players competing in international games will have less rest before the NBA season starts – especially those who have made deep playoff runs like Jayson Tatum, Luka Dončić, Jrue Holiday, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Tyrese Haliburton and Anthony Edwards.
In the case of Dončić and Haliburton, they played through injuries during the NBA Playoffs, so it’s worth keeping an eye on how potential fatigue or previous injuries impact their preparedness heading into the 2024-2025 season. I’ll also be intrigued by how rising stars like Franz Wagner and Victor Wembanyama fare at the center of their respective teams.
