The NBA's 2021-22 playoffs are in full swing, and with seven teams locking up second-round spots, excitement and intensity are pushed to new heights. At the same time, because big traffic players such as the Lakers and Nets are out early, rumors about the offseason will come earlier than ever.
After a disappointing season, this summer's Lakers are bound to usher in earth-shaking changes, where do the Purple and Gold Army go? I believe that every fan does not have a definite answer in their hearts. From the perspective of Zion Williams, watching Brandon Ingram shine on the playoff stage, but he can't play to give the team even a little help, Fat Tiger's heart is definitely uncomfortable. But he has a more realistic question to consider – can he renew his contract early this summer, should he keep his talent in New Orleans? Will Pelicans management happily offer a top-salary contract with both hands?
The US media "Sportskeeda" has sorted out some of the transaction rumors that everyone is concerned about, so let's take a brief look at it.
Austin Reeves, Stanley Johnson and Vernion Gabriel will remain in Los Angeles
According to The Athletic reporter Giovan Buha, Lakers management is considering team options for three young players. Given the performances of Reeves, Stanley Johnson and Gabriel last season, the team is more likely to execute their team options, which means that the three youngsters will most likely meet at the home arena.
Reeves and Johnson were among the few desperate players in the Lakers last season, and due to their talent, they may not be able to replicate the success of Alex Caruso and Pope on the defensive end. But the Lakers have only a few children in their pockets, and it is difficult to find a better replacement on the basis of the basic salary. Gabriel, as a substitute for the thick-browed brother, is also decent, and occasionally has a stroke of genius. From the perspective of the Lakers management, it is also in line with public opinion to make such a choice.
Zion Williams may be lying on a top salary of $185.7 million for five years
Zion hasn't played for the Pelicans for even 1 second this season, and the Fat Tiger, who is still recovering from plantar surgery, has played only 85 games in the three seasons since entering the league, which is much less than the number of games he missed. Worse still, when Zion Williams is caught on camera, everyone asks a similar question: How did he get fat again? Can he still play in the NBA?
Hoopshype's Josi-Gozland revealed in a related report that Zion is expected to sign a five-year, 185.7 million maximum salary contract.
Given Zion's glass physique, the Pelicans may consider adding restrictions such as attendance to the terms, but they are unlikely to let fat tigers test the waters in free agents. Because of the bird rights of Zion Williams, the Pelicans can have enough initiative in the contract extension, of course, it does not rule out that the Pelicans, after losing patience, chose to trade him out before the early contract extension, and equipped Ingram with a more suitable teammate. But one thing is for sure, even if the Pelicans don't give, there will always be teams that will give Zion a maximum salary contract, after all, he is far from cashing in on his talent.
The Cavaliers found spare tires for Garland, and the names of several guards were associated with Cleveland
The Cleveland Cavaliers are keen to add backcourt depth in the offseason. In the 2021-22 season, the Cavaliers lost Ricky Rubio and Colin Sexton due to injury, and at the same time, Rajon Rondo is also likely to choose to leave. In a report by Cleveland local correspondent Chris Fido, the Cavaliers would be interested in the names of the guards this summer.
In the text, Fido mentions Golan Dragic, Tess Jones, Raul Neto and Deron Wright, these names. But the most likely name is really leyed to send away Ricky Rubio before the trade deadline. The Spanish Golden Boy was the key to the Cavaliers' start to the season, but unfortunately he suffered injuries and season reimbursement. But his contributions and abilities are there for all to see, and the Cavaliers will find ways to bring Rubio back to Cleveland, bring him back to the culture of winning, and also allow Rubio to help Garland grow better.