The NBA has officially unveiled its full 2024-25 regular-season schedule, marking the return of some familiar faces to new arenas. Among the most anticipated matchups is Klay Thompson's game against his longtime team, the Golden State Warriors, with whom he spent 13 years before his departure.
"Who knows what the actual numbers or official offers were, if there even was one by the end, but you can bet Thompson feels like the Warriors pushed him out the door," noted a league insider about Thompson's exit.
Big Signings and Trades
The Warriors have made significant moves in the offseason, signing Jordan Poole and Draymond Green to a combined $240 million deal. These decisions were pivotal in shaping the team's new direction, while others like Paul George and James Harden also found themselves making headlines.
Paul George is set to play his first game against the Clippers, the team that declined to offer him a max contract. Meanwhile, James Harden will face the 76ers, following his dramatic exit from Philadelphia. In their last encounter, Harden notched 16 points and 14 assists in a one-point Clippers victory over the 76ers.
76ers' Tumultuous Year
The 76ers had a challenging end to the 2023 season, losing in the Eastern Conference semifinals to the Boston Celtics. This defeat led to the firing of head coach Doc Rivers, who was replaced by Nick Nurse. Despite the change in leadership, Nurse could not guide the team past the first round, leaving fans and analysts to wonder about the franchise's future.
Noteworthy Dates and Returns
As part of the schedule reveal, November 22 is highlighted when Ben Simmons returns to Philadelphia. It will surely be an emotional night for Simmons, who once donned the 76ers' jersey.
Obi Toppin, now in Indiana after being traded from New York, secured a $60 million deal with the Pacers. His transition is one of several in a busy offseason that also saw the Atlanta Hawks draft Zaccharie Risacher over Alex Sarr and Isaiah Hartenstein receive an $87 million deal with the Thunder, who later traded Josh Giddey for Alex Caruso. Giddey, who shone for Australia in the Olympics, needed the ball in his hands to be at his best, which he was unlikely to get with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading Oklahoma City.
Knicks' Bold Moves
The New York Knicks made bold moves, trading five first-round picks and Bojan Bogdanovic to the Nets for Mikal Bridges. In another significant trade, R.J. Barrett and Immanuel Quickley were sent to Toronto in exchange for OG Anunoby. Barrett's return to Madison Square Garden saw him score 20 points with eight rebounds and four assists, while Quickley contributed 12 points.
Kings' Strategic Acquisition
The Sacramento Kings made headlines by acquiring DeMar DeRozan. The deal, which included Alex Caruso and Andre Drummond moving to the Kings, remarkably did not involve a single first-round draft pick.
Anticipated Matchups
Looking at the calendar, certain matchups stand out. Kyrie Irving's return to Brooklyn on March 24 is a must-watch, given the history. Similarly, Russell Westbrook will face the Lakers, the team that traded him. "Westbrook goes full tilt every time he steps on any court, and this won't be the first time he's played the Lakers since he was traded. But my guess is there will always be a little extra vinegar in the tank when he plays in front of the Lakers fans from here on out," commented a sports analyst.
The upcoming NBA season is set to be full of drama, reunions, and high-stakes games. Fans around the globe are eagerly awaiting tip-off, as teams have dramatically reshaped rosters in the hopes of capturing the championship. The schedule release has only fueled the excitement, laying the groundwork for what promises to be an unforgettable season.