The Mavericks and Celtics are a pair of throughly modern teams, but in distinctly contrasting ways, which should make for an entertaining series and also a referendum on two models of team construction. Read more »

This has been an instant classic series without an instant classic game. It has seemingly been over twice and now we get to watch two superduperstars on supremely well-constructed teams in a Game 7. Read more »

Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets are favorites to repeat while playing a style that is largely at odds with the modern NBA as it favors genius passing, post play and the mid-range. Read more »

The NBA is in an unpredictable time where there are more viable title contenders from season to season. More teams are betting everything on the present to win a title, while there are more rebuilding teams willing to oblige them. Read more »

Free agency is undeniably overloaded but it is hardly with momentous, league-altering players as it was last decade. It is musical chairs with the music at 5X speed in which most fungible players feel compelled to take the best immediate offer as teams brutely replenish the end of their roster. Read more »

Considering what the Bucks gave up to trade for Jrue Holiday, their inability to replace him if he were to sign elsewhere, coupled with their championship or bust track, he had tremendous leverage to wait until free agency. Read more »

We look at the trajectory of every team in the NBA in terms of how they rank in the category. Read more »

Freedom isn't free and the cost of freedom ranges wildly in NBA buyouts. As does its long-term consequences. Read more »

We look at the trajectory of every team in the NBA in terms of how they rank in the category. Read more »

We look at the trajectory of every team in the NBA in terms of how they rank in the category. Read more »

The Warriors, Rockets, Cavaliers, Celtics and 76ers enter 2018 as the top-5 teams in terms of players and assets. Read more »

The Cavaliers and Celtics are Eastern Conference rivals and agreed upon a blockbuster trade involving their All-Star point guards. Read more »

The best part of this deal for the Lakers is they get to preserve their 2018 cap space while acquiring their starting shooting guard of the present, and potentially the future if they're unable to sign two max players. Read more »

Otto Porter's value comes from an uncomplex combination of playing the NBA's thinnest position, off the ball efficiency, defensive versatility, and the lack of options for the Wizards to replace him and remain a top-4 team in the East. Read more »

The Rockets have provided James Harden the infrastructure of an imaginative GM and a committed owner where the dead ends that have plagued team and superstar combinations have been avoided. Read more »

The Thunder were going to get better no matter what by virtue of the Paul George trade, but they're continuing their excellent offseason run by signing Andre Roberson and Patrick Patterson to affordable deals. Read more »

Nick Young and Omri Casspi give the Warriors a pair of rotation wings who can shoot three-pointers and be versatile on defense. Read more »