NBA: 7 big talking points heading into the 2019-20 season

Exploring seven of the biggest talking points heading into the start of the 2019-20 NBA season

During the offseason, the NBA experienced seismic change. NBA Finals MVP, Kawhi Leonard left the Toronto Raptors in free agency for the LA Clippers, where he will team up with Paul George.

George forced a trade from the Oklahoma City Thunder to the Clippers. The Thunder in exchange received five first-round picks, two first-round pick swaps, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Danilo Gallinari. The Thunder then acquiesced to Russell Westbrook’s desire to be traded in light of the Paul George trade.

The Thunder sent Westbrook to the Houston Rockets, where he will be reunited with James Harden. In exchange, the Thunder received veteran point guard Chris Paul, two first-round draft picks and two first-round pick swaps.

Kyrie Irving left the Boston Celtics in free agency to sign with the Brooklyn Nets, where he will team up with Kevin Durant, who left the Golden State Warriors in a sign-and-trade. The Celtics then acquired Kemba Walker in a sign-and-trade with the Charlotte Hornets, sending Terry Rozier to the Hornets in the trade. The Warriors were able to acquire All-Star D’Angelo Russell from the Nets in a sign-and-trade for Durant rather than lose Durant with no compensation.

Anthony Davis was able to force his way to the Los Angeles Lakers in a trade that sent Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart and Lonzo Ball, along with three first-round picks to the New Orleans Pelicans.

Jimmy Butler forced his way to the Miami Heat in a sign-and-trade deal that sent Josh Richardson back to the Sixers. With the cap space created from the trade, the Sixers were able to sign free agent Al Horford from the Celtics.

The Clippers and Lakers offseason moves have catapulted them from 8th and 10th place in the Western Conference respectively last season, to the two teams most heavily favored to win the NBA Championship this year.

Probably the biggest change in the league is that dominance of the Warriors seems to have receded with Durant now in Brooklyn and Klay Thompson on the self for the better part of this season due to an ACL injury.

With all of the changes throughout the league during the offseason, the championship race appears to be as wide open this upcoming season as any season in recent memory.

The level of player movement and the newly found competitiveness will captivate us throughout the season that is sure to be filled with excitement beginning Tuesday night. As a new era sets to tip-off, let’s take a look at seven of the biggest talking points that will dominate headlines throughout the 2019-20 NBA season.

Twas the night before tip-off and all through the league,

Not a player was stirring not even Jeff Teague.

The high tops were hung by the lockers with care,

In hopes Larry O’Brien soon would be there.

The players were nestled all snug in their bed,

While visions of cross overs danced in their head.

When out on the court there arose such a clatter,

I sprang from the locker to see what was the matter.

When what to my wondering eye did appear,

But a freak called Giannis yelling Fear the Deer.

With a little old point guard so lively and quick,

I knew in a moment he must be a Knick.

More rapid than eagles his ballers they came,

And he whistled and shouted and called them by name.

Now Kanter, now Kleber, now Korver now Brogdon,

On Curry, on Murray, on Butler and Harden.

To the top of the key, to the rim with the ball,

Now cross over, drive and slam dunk for all.