The NBA is known for its adaptive nature. Teams closely observe playoff contenders and failures alike, seeking strategies to emulate or avoid.
After a dynamic year of player movement, it`s insightful to analyze the lessons learned about building a successful NBA team. While playoff outcomes can shift perspectives, significant transactions from the previous summer and trade deadline have already yielded notable results.
Here are eight crucial lessons derived from the past year`s NBA transactions, valuable for teams aiming to improve their rosters this summer.
1. Avoid Trading Generational Talent Without Due Cause
This lesson might seem obvious, yet experience has proven its necessity.
Consider the Dallas Mavericks, who, since February, traded Luka Doncic, faced fan backlash, and experienced a cascade of injuries among key players. However, with Anthony Davis`s return from injury, the Mavericks have shown resilience, winning four of their last five games and re-entering play-in contention.
2. Surround Young Stars with Shooting Prowess
Cade Cunningham of the Detroit Pistons is a leading candidate for Most Improved Player. A significant factor in his and the team’s improvement is the enhanced team composition.
Last season, the Pistons struggled with outdated, spacing-deficient lineups, reminiscent of their 2004 championship era rather than the modern NBA. They ranked poorly in 3-point shooting. This offseason, Detroit revamped their approach, hiring a new coach and adding shooters to support Cunningham. Players like Malik Beasley and Tobias Harris were brought in to provide spacing.
While Detroit’s overall 3-point ranking remains average, the improved spacing has significantly benefited both the team and Cunningham. Cunningham`s playmaking and the team`s improved record reflect this positive change. The Orlando Magic, needing shooters around Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, could benefit from this lesson.
3. Exercise Caution with High-Priced 30-Something Free Agents
Examining the largest free agent contracts from the last offseason reveals a cautionary trend, especially with players in their 30s. Contracts for players like Paul George, DeMar DeRozan, and Klay Thompson highlight potential risks. Of the six largest contracts for free agents changing teams, only two teams demonstrably improved, with the success linked to the youngest player on the list, Isaiah Hartenstein.
Paul George`s season with the Philadelphia 76ers was marred by underperformance and injuries. Similarly, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in Orlando hasn`t met expectations. While DeRozan and Thompson have performed adequately for their new teams, they haven`t elevated them significantly. Thompson`s contract also limited Dallas`s roster flexibility.
4. Don`t Prioritize Long-Term Finances Over Present Talent on Contending Teams
The Minnesota Timberwolves` trade of Karl-Anthony Towns was primarily financially motivated. Facing luxury tax concerns, they traded Towns for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo. However, this move arguably weakened a potential contender.
Towns`s subsequent All-NBA caliber performance with the New York Knicks underscores the Timberwolves` loss. The Timberwolves have regressed, struggling to replicate their previous season`s success. For franchises like the Timberwolves, winning should take precedence over immediate financial gains. This lesson is particularly relevant for teams like the Boston Celtics, balancing championship aspirations with luxury tax implications.
5. Trading an Unhappy Star Isn`t Always Necessary
Contrary to the trend of quickly trading disgruntled stars, the Cleveland Cavaliers offer an alternative. Despite rumors of Darius Garland`s potential trade request if Donovan Mitchell extended his contract, both players remained. The Cavaliers opted not to trade Garland, and Garland did not request a trade.
The Mitchell-Garland backcourt has thrived, with both becoming All-Stars and leading the Cavaliers to potentially their best season ever. While not every situation resolves amicably, as potentially seen with the Miami Heat and Jimmy Butler, it`s not always essential to trade an unhappy star.
6. Mid-Sized Contracts Retain Significant Value
In an era of star-driven team building, mid-sized contracts remain crucial, especially for trades. Teams like the Denver Nuggets and Phoenix Suns often feature top-heavy rosters, but mid-level contracts provide flexibility.
The Golden State Warriors’ pursuit of Jimmy Butler III illustrates this point. Their acquisition of players with mid-sized contracts enabled them to maneuver trades more effectively than teams lacking such assets. The Suns, lacking mid-sized contracts, faced limitations in acquiring Butler, highlighting the strategic advantage of a balanced salary structure.
7. Avoid Overpaying for Non-Star Talent in Trades
The New York Knicks` acquisition of Mikal Bridges, while adding to their Villanova core, came at a steep price—multiple first-round picks. This mirrored prices paid for perennial All-Stars like Kevin Durant, Donovan Mitchell, and Rudy Gobert. However, Bridges, not yet an All-Star, might not warrant such a high cost.
Bridges`s performance in New York has not matched his efficiency in Phoenix, and his defensive impact has diminished. The Knicks` defense has suffered, especially against top offenses. Their record against elite teams suggests they remain below the top tier of contenders, and their depleted draft assets limit future improvement options.
8. Double Down on Existing Strengths
The Oklahoma City Thunder were already strong, but strategic offseason moves enhanced their strengths. They added defensive stalwarts like Isaiah Hartenstein and Alex Caruso, further bolstering their already strong defense.
By prioritizing and reinforcing their defensive capabilities, the Thunder have achieved historical defensive efficiency and overall team performance. In the NBA, maximizing strengths is key. Whether it`s defense, shooting, or playmaking, augmenting existing strengths can propel teams to greater heights.