Basketball

Five NBA offseason storylines still worth watching


1. Will the Thunder find a taker for Chris Paul?

After facing skepticism that they’d be able to get anything of value in return for Westbrook’s four-year, $171M contract, the Thunder managed to score a pair of first-round picks (and two pick swaps) from Houston for the former MVP. The only problem? They had to take on Paul’s contract, which is even less team-friendly than Westbrook’s.

Despite some rumors and speculation that the Thunder might flip Paul to a team like the Heat, Pistons, or Timberwolves, it seems no trade talks gained traction. The last we heard, Oklahoma City is preparing to start the season with Paul on its roster. Still, CP3 almost certainly doesn’t have a long-term future in OKC, so it’s probably just a matter of time until trade rumors begin swirling around him again.

2. Will Andre Iguodala be traded or bought out by the Grizzlies?

Paul isn’t the only notable veteran on the trade block. The Grizzlies are said to be shopping Iguodala, hoping to flip him for positive value after acquiring him – along with a future first-round pick – in a salary-dump deal.

The Mavericks, Rockets, Clippers, and Nuggets are among the teams that have been linked to Iguodala, but all four clubs face roadblocks. Memphis wants to get rid of Iguodala’s $17M+ salary without taking back a ton of money, which is problematic for teams like the Rockets and Clippers, who are right up against the tax line. The Mavs and Nuggets have a slightly easier path, but neither appears willing to part with a first-round pick for the former Finals MVP.

We’ll see which side blinks first as the Grizzlies look to maximize one of their veteran assets. Presumably, at some point, they’ll be willing to accept the best offer they can get rather than simply buying out Iguodala. But if a buyout happens, other teams – such as the Lakers – could enter the mix as potential suitors.

3. Will Team USA win the 2019 World Cup with a depleted roster?

Unsurprisingly, Team USA’s original 20-man training camp roster for the 2019 FIBA World Cup didn’t feature names like LeBron James and Stephen Curry, but there still appeared to be plenty of star power in the group, with James Harden, Anthony Davis, Damian Lillard, and Bradley Beal among the invitees.

Since that announcement though, all four of those stars have removed their names from World Cup consideration. So have Kevin Love, Eric Gordon, Tobias Harris, CJ McCollum, Paul Millsap, Zion Williamson, and DeMar DeRozan.

There’s still plenty of talent on USA Basketball’s tentative roster, led by 2019 All-Stars Kemba Walker, Kyle Lowry, Khris Middleton. And Team USA will still be the odds-on favorite entering the event, which runs from August 31 to September 15. Nonetheless, it remains to be seen which players will make up the 12-man roster that represents America in China. Here are the candidates for now:





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