As the NBA gears up for the 2024-25 season, fans are bracing for a series of high-stakes encounters and reunions. The league's recently unveiled regular-season schedule promises a mix of nostalgia, anticipation, and drama as well-known faces return to familiar arenas under new banners.
Returning Legends and New Beginnings
Klay Thompson, who spent a remarkable 13 years with the Golden State Warriors, will face his former team for the first time. The Warriors have since built a new core, signing Jordan Poole and Draymond Green to a combined $240 million deal. The emotional return of Thompson is cloaked in sentiments of a pushed exit. "Who knows what the actual numbers or official offers were, if there even was one by the end, but you can bet Thompson feels like the Warriors pushed him out the door," shared an insider.
Paul George is another star who will face his former team, the Clippers, after they declined to offer him a max contract. This showdown is sure to provide an emotionally charged atmosphere as George seeks to prove his worth.
James Harden also has a score to settle. Having forced his way out of Philadelphia, Harden will face the 76ers. His last encounter with the team was memorable—scoring 16 points and making 14 assists in a nail-biting one-point Clippers win. Philadelphia's fortunes have shifted since their 2023 Eastern Conference semifinal loss to the Boston Celtics. The aftermath saw head coach Doc Rivers being replaced by Nick Nurse, who, despite his efforts, couldn’t lead the team past the first round.
Trades and Deals Reshaping Teams
Ben Simmons will make a significant return to Philadelphia on November 22, wearing a different jersey. Another notable trade saw Obi Toppin moving from New York to Indiana, with the Pacers rewarding him with a $60 million deal.
The Atlanta Hawks made headlines by drafting Zaccharie Risacher over Alex Sarr. Meanwhile, the Oklahoma City Thunder secured Isaiah Hartenstein with an $87 million deal and traded Josh Giddey to the Bulls for Alex Caruso. The trade makes sense for Giddey, as noted by an observer: "Giddey needs the ball in his hands to be his best and he was never going to get that opportunity in Oklahoma City with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander at the helm." Giddey's recent impressive performance for Australia in the Olympics only adds weight to this observation.
In another bold move, the New York Knicks traded five first-round picks and Bojan Bogdanovic to the Nets for Mikal Bridges. They also sent R.J. Barrett and Immanuel Quickley to Toronto in exchange for OG Anunoby. Barrett's return to Madison Square Garden was noteworthy, with a 20-point performance complemented by eight rebounds and four assists, while Quickley added 12 points.
The Kings also strengthened their roster by acquiring DeMar DeRozan. As part of the deal, Alex Caruso and Andre Drummond joined the Kings without costing them any first-round draft pick—a strategic move showcasing the Kings' long-term planning.
Upcoming Reunions and Rivalries
Fans should mark March 24 on their calendars for Kyrie Irving's return to Brooklyn, a high-voltage encounter that is sure to evoke varied emotions. Russell Westbrook, who will play against the Lakers from whom he was traded, has consistently shown his characteristic intensity on the court. As noted by a sports analyst, "Westbrook goes full tilt every time he steps on any court, and this won't be the first time he's played the Lakers since he was traded. But my guess is there will always be a little extra vinegar in the tank when he plays in front of the Lakers fans from here on out."
The 2024-25 NBA season is set to be a riveting blend of personal vendettas, fresh starts, and strategic plays. The schedule not only maps out the competitive landscape but also underscores the intrinsic human stories that make the sport so compelling. With alliances and rivalries renewed, each game will be a chapter in the evolving saga of the NBA.