With the 2024 NBA free agency officially kicking off today, the storm of player transfers has swept through the basketball world. In this lively offseason, many teams have made great gains through precise recruitment strategies, including the 76ers who snatched this summer's number one free agent Paul George, while the Spurs signed experienced point guard Chris Paul to provide a solid backing for Wembanyama's rise. However, the Warriors and Lakers, two high-profile giants, have been slow to make a difference, and at the same time, there are only a handful of big-name free agents left on the market.
Klay Thompson is undoubtedly one of the most watched stars in this year's free agent market. As a core member of the Warriors, his shooting skills and game experience are impeccable. However, due to the limitations of the Warriors' internal salary structure, they have not been able to reach a contract extension agreement with Klay. In addition to Klay, Harden is also one of the Lakers' favorite targets. There are media reports that James has even taken a pay cut in order for the Lakers to get players like Klay and Harden. It's a pity that Harden has renewed his contract with the Clippers today.
The Warriors also have their favorite players, and after basically confirming that Klay will leave, the Warriors once targeted Paul George. It's a pity that the Clippers disdained the trade chips proposed by the Warriors, and the Warriors didn't have enough salary space to sign Paul George, and in the end, they could only watch George go to the 76ers to get a four-year, 212 million maximum salary contract. With George, Harden, Wallan, Paul and other big-name free agents successively signing contracts, the Lakers and Warriors can only stare dryly, and fans are also sighing.
However, the Warriors and Lakers are not without opportunities. In the free market, there are still a lot of strong players waiting for their call. Today, NBA reporter Keith Smith took stock of the remaining good stuff in the free market on his social media.
Point guards: Tyus Jones, Fultz, Lowry, Monte Morris.
Shooting guards: Hield, Gary Trent Jr., Gary Harris, Malik Beasley, Kennard.
Small forwards: DeRozan, Klay, Caleb Martin, Okoro, Saddiq Bey.
Power forwards: Myles Bridges, Tobias Harris, Batum, Lee Kyle.
Centre-forwards: Hartenstein, Moritz Wagner, Eubanks, Tillman, Goga Bitadze.
Counting it down, there are still 23 outstanding free agents on the market, waiting to be sold. Both the Lakers and the Warriors still have a chance to make room through trades, or to compete for the right players by signing and trading.
For the Warriors and Lakers, now is the perfect time for them to make a shot. If they can seize this opportunity and successfully bring in the players they want, then their future will be brighter. However, if they hesitate and miss the opportunity, then they will face greater challenges and difficulties. With fewer big-name free agents on the table, the Lakers and Warriors will have to pick up their spirits and act quickly to do better in the coming season. If I wait any longer, I'm afraid the good players will be robbed.