Major NBA Offseason Moves as Watson and Finney-Smith Find New Teams

Blockbuster Moves Start the Offseason

The NBA offseason produced massive player movement from the start. Things kicked off on June 22 when Aaron Wiggins moved to the Atlanta Hawks.

Shortly before the draft, Giannis Antetokounmpo was traded from the Milwaukee Bucks to the Miami Heat. The Charlotte Hornets also made headlines by sending LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves the morning after the draft.

Watson Lands in Cleveland in Multiteam Deal

On August 19, a four team trade sent Peyton Watson and Cam Whitmore to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The LA Clippers received guard Max Strus, while the Denver Nuggets gained Julian Reese, an unprotected 2031 first round pick from Cleveland, and a 2032 second round pick from Sacramento. The Washington Wizards acquired Tre Mann, a 2027 second round pick, and cash considerations.

Watson had a career best season at 23 years old. The forward hit 41 percent of his three pointers while posting top numbers in points, rebounds, and assists. A hamstring strain kept him out of the playoffs, but Cleveland still committed to him on a deal worth around 90 million dollars over four years. To make the move work, the Cavaliers gave up Strus, who shoots 37 percent from distance, along with future draft assets.

Hawks Add Finney-Smith to Roster

Atlanta made another trade on September 22, sending Buddy Hield, Ryan Nembhard, and cash to the Charlotte Hornets for forward Dorian Finney-Smith.

This swap helped the Hawks manage their roster numbers. Finney-Smith will earn 14.2 million dollars this season, compared to 11.8 million dollars combined for Hield and Nembhard. The 33 year old forward averaged only 3.3 points per game last season after ankle surgery, but Atlanta is backing him to regain his defensive form.

Charlotte gains Hield, who is a career 39.5 percent shooter from distance. His long range shooting could fit coach Charles Lee, whose team led the league in three point makes last season.