Offseason narratives for the NSL

It’s the quietest time on the NSL calendar, the draft is done, the next iteration of 2k is only days away, HoopsHype is reporting about the tradability of said contracts if they were ever to become available (pointless words) and the NSL trading landscape appears baron. It’s dead. All we can do if declare out hopes for the coming season, overly-critique inconsequential trades and plan what our likely moves will be when the heavens open once more and the league comes to life, raining trades.  Over the coming weeks and in the lead up to Free agency there will be a number of interesting narratives to follow from a fellow competitor’s standpoint and for the diehard NSL fan. We will be clutching at whatever straw we can to find meaning from the worst part of the season- the deep offseason. Here are some of the narratives we expect to see unfold over the coming weeks.

 The Portland Fire Sale

For the first time ever, the Portland Trailblazers find themselves at the beginning of a rebuild. How long will it last will be dependent of the man at the helm and most people who have seen this script think it will end sooner rather than later. The Blazers are positioned incredibly well for their next chapter, starting the race with 11 first round picks in the next 2 drafts (6 in 2025 and 5 in 2026). To accompany the treasure-trove of picks, there remains bright prospects and win-now players on the roster like O.G. Anunoby, Herb Jones, Bogdan Bogdanovic and Keegan Murray (to name just some) who have been rumoured to have been the market in trade talks at various stages of the offseason. GM Jmac could move all mentioned above if he finds the right prices, he could hold them, he could compress them into something bigger. The options are endless. One thing we can expect is maximum return and a buying window that is timed expertly. The league will watch on with gritted teeth.

Lakers- Sellers or Buyers?

The Lakers put together one of the best-timed switches of form last season, turning a perennial cellar dweller roster into one that has the potential to contend for the long-term. However, the trade block continues to be updated with posts insinuating the availability of superstars Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant. Most onlookers were expecting at least one more year of Lakers chasing ultimate glory after their narrow defeat in the Finals last season at the hands of Daz’s Bucks. Surely the band runs it back for one last tour?

It’s no secret that GM Justin sees Cunningham as the future of the franchise and with multiple exciting prospects on the roster next to Cade, it might be fun to see if there are some more young stars that could join the ranks. But are the buyers on the market with the assets to get the job done? Toronto have already pushed the chips in on Kawhi, Portland have already sold off their stars and taken the picks off the market. Where will the assets required to pry Durant of Curry come from for LA?   

DeRozan/ PG13/ Klay Sweepstakes

The big-name free agents come in the form of Small Forwards this off-season. Paul George, Klay Thompson and Demar DeRozan are all unrestricted free agents, each changing franchise in the NBA this summer. It’s fascinating to look at their NSL affiliates to see how they fit in their respective team’s plans and whether there’s a possibility at another big free agent move in the NSL.

The biggest name, Paul George, looks all but set to stay with the Bucks as incoming GM Ethan looks to wine, dine and beg his star to stay. All PR reports suggest they’re on the same page and with a max bid, George will likely continue his tenure with the defending champs.

Klay Thompson and DeRozan are the interesting pieces, both moved in the NBA and will need to garner a max bid from their respective teams to give any hope in securing their services going forward. NSL Charlotte and NSL Denver are both formidable rosters with the right pieces to complement their free agents, however there appears to be a sneaky chance that one or both could be enticed on the open market. It will be a nervous wait for GM Craig and GM Digga as the big-name free agents go up for bidding on the big day.

Clippers Cap Situation

Sneaking under the radar with one of the best young rosters in the league is GM Andrew and his LA Clippers. After drafting young stars Paolo Banchero, Jalen Williams and Trey Murphy III, the Clippers find themselves at an important juncture. They can add superstar level talent while their stars are on rookie deals as they approach free agency with a max slot under the salary cap. They will almost certainly be in the mix for a steal with one of the big named free agents and if they miss out, might find themselves with the room to acquire a star via trade with their draft capital. They question is who will they target? Do they have any need for size on the wing or do they have those bases covered already? Does a wing like Derozan, Klay or Paul George suit their direction or will they be chasing another big fish just below the surface of the big name free agents?