The NBA has officially revealed the complete 2024-25 regular-season schedule, bringing with it a blend of highly anticipated matchups and storylines set to captivate fans. The season is not just about basketball, but also about the emotional returns and newfound rivalries that will unfold on the court.
Familiar Faces, New Places
One of the standout narratives involves Klay Thompson. After a storied 13-year career with the Golden State Warriors, Thompson finds himself on the opposite side of the court. His long-awaited clash against his former team is sure to be a significant moment. Reflecting on his exit, one observer noted, "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."
The Warriors themselves have been busy, securing their future by signing Jordan Poole and Draymond Green to a hefty $240 million combined deal. While the team looks to maintain stability post-Thompson, all eyes will inevitably be on how they perform against their once-reliable shooting guard.
New Rivalries Emerge
Paul George is set to face the Clippers for the first time since the franchise decided against offering him a max contract. This matchup is bound to be emotional and potentially contentious, given the high stakes and personal history involved.
James Harden, who forcefully exited Philadelphia, will take on the 76ers. The backdrop of their previous encounter adds to the intrigue—Harden had then posted a strong performance, scoring 16 points and contributing 14 assists in a narrow Clippers win. Meanwhile, the 76ers are still dealing with the aftermath of their 2023 Eastern Conference semifinals loss to the Boston Celtics, which resulted in the firing of head coach Doc Rivers and the subsequent hiring of Nick Nurse. Despite these changes, the team failed to advance past the first round under Nurse’s leadership.
Key Trades and Big Moves
Ben Simmons will make his return to Philadelphia on November 22, rekindling memories of his time with the 76ers. Similarly, Obi Toppin, who was traded from the New York Knicks to the Indiana Pacers, has secured a $60 million deal with his new team.
The Atlanta Hawks made waves by drafting Zaccharie Risacher over Alex Sarr, a decision that will likely be scrutinized as the season progresses. On the other hand, the Oklahoma City Thunder have also been active, signing Isaiah Hartenstein for $87 million and trading Josh Giddey for Alex Caruso. An observer commented on the trade, "It made sense. Giddey needs the ball in his hands to be his best, and he was never going to get that opportunity in Oklahoma City with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander at the helm."
Notable moves also include the Knicks trading five first-round picks and Bojan Bogdanovic to the Nets for Mikal Bridges, alongside sending R.J. Barrett and Immanuel Quickley to Toronto in exchange for OG Anunoby. Barrett notably scored 20 points, with eight rebounds and four assists, upon his return to Madison Square Garden, supported by Quickley's 12 points in the same game.
Veterans on New Teams
The Kings have bolstered their roster by acquiring DeMar DeRozan. In a savvy move, they secured him without relinquishing a single first-round draft pick in the process. As part of the transaction, the Kings received Alex Caruso and Andre Drummond.
Kyrie Irving's return to Brooklyn on March 24 is another game circled by fans and analysts alike. Furthermore, Russell Westbrook will face off against the Lakers, a team he once called home. A sports analyst remarked, "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."
As the NBA season approaches, these storylines promise to deliver not just high-level basketball, but also the dramatic narratives that make the sport so compelling. Each game is set to be a chapter in a larger story, as familiar faces in new places look to carve out their legacies in different jerseys. It's a season that holds much in store, both on and off the court.