The All-Star lineup was released, Harden was unselected again, and the Rockets made a 4-for-1 deal
The rivers and lakes are surging again, and the heroes on the NBA court have gathered together. The 2023-2024 season is halfway through, and the dust has finally settled on the All-Star roster. At this star-studded moment, heroes from all walks of life gathered together for a fierce battle.
The Western Conference All-Star roster is strong, and the starting five Tigers are James, Durant, Jokic, Doncic and Alexander. These five heroes have their own strengths, James and Durant are still powerful, Jokic is in control of the interior, and Doncic and Alexander are newly rising, which is eye-catching. In the bench list, Leonard, Anthony Davis, Booker, Edwards, Curry, George, Towns and others are all powerful masters, making the Western All-Star team more and more powerful.
The Eastern Conference All-Star lineup is also not to be underestimated. The starting five were Lillard, Haliburton, Antetokounmpo, Embiid and Tatum. They are powerful in the east. And Jaylen Brown, Mitchell, Brunson, Adebayo, Randle, Maxey, Banchero and others on the bench are also first-class masters, making the Eastern Conference All-Star team equally strong.
However, in this bright star, we do not see the name of James Harden. This season, Harden, the former Philadelphia 76ers hero, is now shining with the Los Angeles Clippers. He helped the Clippers leap to third place in the Western Conference, strong enough to surpass the entire league. Although he averaged 17.2 points, 4.9 rebounds and 8.5 assists per game, shooting 45.2% from the field and 41.3% from three-point range, he was unexpectedly selected from the All-Star team for the second consecutive season.
After losing last season, Harden ushered in an unprecedented outburst and led the team all the way. Will he be able to write a legend again this time and lead the Clippers to the top?
At the same time, the Rockets also completed a big 4-for-1 trade. According to ESPN's Woj, the Grizzlies sent center Steven Adams in exchange for guard Oladipo + 3 second-round picks from the Rockets. All three second-round picks are unprotected spots. Rocket management is convinced that Adams can impact the game with the tenacity and leadership that Coach Udoka craves.
Although Adams is reimbursed for the season due to injury, his contract expires in 2026 and his salary for the next two seasons is $12.6 million. The absence of this talented player has undoubtedly taken a toll on the team, but the Rockets management remains confident that his arrival will bring the toughness and leadership needed to the team. Oladipo, meanwhile, is yet to play this season and is on a contract that expires and is payable at $9.45 million this season. For the Rockets, they need to find a solution as soon as possible in order to remain competitive in the playoffs. According to a new report from payroll expert Bobby Marks, the Grizzlies cleverly created a $3 million trade exception in this deal, which is undoubtedly an extremely good deal.
On this upcoming all-star stage, heroes from all walks of life have shown their unique skills and are ready to start a fierce showdown. And the future of Team Rocket is like a piece of jade to be carved, which makes people full of infinite reverie.