The NBA has been rocked by a series of shocking events in recent months, including unprecedented trades, record-breaking franchise sales, and the unexpected firing of respected coaches. The Athletic NBA staff gathered to discuss whether these occurrences are part of new trends or anomalies in an unusual season.
The trading of superstars like Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers is seen as a rare event, but there is a growing trend of star players changing teams midseason due to more restrictive free agency rules. While some believe that superstar trades will remain outliers, others predict a shift towards trading players in the next tier of stardom.
The firing of coaches Taylor Jenkins and Michael Malone with less than 10 games left in the regular season has raised questions about whether this could become a trend. While such late-season firings are uncommon, there may be a growing impatience and impulsiveness among team owners that could lead to more abrupt changes in coaching staffs.
The rising prices of NBA franchises have also been a topic of discussion, with some experts predicting that the demand for teams will continue to grow as the league’s economy expands. While the increasing value of franchises may lead to more sales in the future, concerns about tax implications and international ownership groups entering the league have been raised.
Overall, the NBA is experiencing a period of unpredictability and change, with significant events shaping the future landscape of the league. As the dust settles on these recent developments, the league and its owners are navigating new trends and challenges in an evolving sports landscape.
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