NBA
Like every summer, free agency promises unexpected moves in the NBA. For the past week, the Kevin Durant soap opera has panicked the League. But before this year, other editions have been talked about. The clash between Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant in 2004, LeBron James’s “The Decision” announcing his departure to Miami or Kevin Durant’s trades… Le 10 Sport looks back on the biggest free agency issues.
The summer of 1996 did not disappoint. Despite four seasons at the top with the Orlando Magic, Shaquille O’Neal asks for his departure and the Los Angeles Lakers take the bet. Cherry on the cake, Kobe Bryant is drafted the same summer. The beginning of a period of dominance for the Californian franchise. At the same time, Dikembe Mutombo leave the nuggets to rally Atlanta. At stake, a check for $ 55M over five years and three titles of best defender of the year in addition. If he did not change franchise in 1996, Michael Jordan took the opportunity to extend his lease with the Chicago Bulls with a $33M contract.
Kobe Bryant pushes the Shaq out
Eight years later, the duo between Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant is back. While their relationship is no longer in good shape, the Black Mamba is announced on departure. Things take a long time to settle down but it’s finally the Shaq who is going to pack his bags direction miami. For the Lakersthere is no regret to have since Kobe Bryant will once again lead them to a championship title NBA. The same year, Steve Nash is making a comeback to Suns where he won two MVP titles. Collectively, success is not the same for phoenix which does not manage to pass the course despite the level of Steve Nash.
“The Decision”, LeBron James goes to Miami
The 2010 free agency will mark a turning point in NBA. While he fails to take the Riders until the title, LeBron James decides to leave Cleveland to join miami and announces his choice in a documentary that will make people talk, entitled ” The Decision “. In the aftermath, chris bosh take the same path. With Dwyane Wade, they will form an exceptional trio, the beginning of the famous “superteams”. With his triplet, the Heat will reach the finals four times in a row NBA with two titles to the key. For LeBron James, these titles come to inflate its collective prize list which was, until now, empty. Still to the east, New York Knicks sign Amar’e Stoudemire from phoenixjust before the arrival of carmelo anthony some months later.
6 years ago to the day, Kevin Durant became a Warriors player. 💛The sequel in 3 years:- 3x NBA Finals- 2x NBA Champion- 2x Finals MVP- 3x All-Star- 3x All-Nba Team – 5,374 points pic.twitter.com/jUQvUsZedU
— Kevin Durant FR 🇫🇷 (@KDurant_FR) July 4, 2022
Kevin Durant goes to the Warriors to finally win
Six years later, Kevin Durant starts his show. Barred by competition from Warriors that crush everyone, K.D. decides to leave the Thunder to join… the Warriors. After a season in 73-9, Golden State strengthens with Kevin Durant and looks untouchable. They will also win the next two titles. Next to Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, During still manages to stand out, especially in the playoffs. Less bling, Al Horford signs him a contract of 113M$ over four years at Boston with the aim of returning to the Finals NBA. The Celtics will have to wait until 2022.
KD at the Nets, Kawhi Leonard at the Clippers and Butler at Miami
In 2019, Kevin Durant is still talking about him. Eager to establish himself as the undisputed leader, the double champion NBA leave the Warriors and join the netat the same time as Kyrie Irving who lets go Boston after a failed adventure. James Harden will join them two years later to form a trio of stars who will play… 13 games together. At the same time, Kawhi Leonardjust titled with the Toronto Raptorsdecides to join the Clippers along with Paul George. To the East, Jimmy Butler join him on Miami Heat coming from 76ers. One year later, miami will play the Finals NBA.