NBA stars on new teams for the 2018-19 season

Nobody drives attention around the NBA like LeBron James. When he first left Cleveland, he turned it into a big, maligned TV event. This time, he sent out a simple message saying he had decided to sign with the Lakers. The Western Conference gets richer, and the Cavaliers have to scramble to regroup once again.

Kawhi Leonard was expected to be the next star for the Spurs. Then, he got injured, and he and the team seemed to fall into a never-ending squabble. That beef ended when Leonard, one of the best defensive players in the NBA, was traded to the Raptors. If Kawhi is motivated, he could take Toronto to all new heights.

So who got traded for Kawhi? Well, the main name was DeMar DeRozan. The score-first wing can fill up the bucket, and he finally has learned to shoot the three. He’s no Kawhi, and DeRozan was also bummed to be traded, but there will be a big role available in San Antonio for the new Spur.

Back in the day, Carmelo Anthony changing teams would be a big deal. Now, people are wondering if the Rockets are going to be WORSE for adding Melo. Still, he’s a huge name, and he can contribute offensively. Defensively, on the other hand…

Man, can the Warriors ever catch a break? They’ve won three of the last four titles, and now they’ve added DeMarcus Cousins. Boogie is coming off an Achilles injury, which could slow him down, but he’s still a big addition to a Golden State team that didn’t need him to be great.

After floating around for a little while, Tyreke Evans has turned himself into the kind of forward teams want to have. Last year, he averaged 19.4 points per game, his most since his Rookie of the Year winning campaign. That got him a nice new deal with the up-and-coming Indiana Pacers.

Jordan is finally a Maverick. A few years ago, it seemed like he was heading to Dallas. Then, chaos happened, and he remained a Clipper. This time, he’s finally gone, and he brings his defense and rebounding with him.

Howard seems to have a toxic personality, but he keeps finding homes because he can rebound and play defense. The latest team to take a shot on the multi-time Defensive Player of the Year is Washington, who are hoping to make a run in the East. Howard could help. Or he could be traded before the season is over. Anything seems possible.

Schroeder has seemingly wanted out of Atlanta for years. Now, he’s finally gotten his wish as the Hawks head into a major rebuild. The mercurial point guard will try and get along with Russell Westbrook and the Oklahoma City Thunder. Good luck with that.

There was no longer space for Chandler in Denver, where he has spent the bulk of his career. Thus, the Nuggets traded him to the 76ers. Hey, Philly is a team on the rise with some great young talent. Maybe this was the best thing for all parties involved.

Kenneth Faried had completely lost his role with the Nuggets. It was only a matter of when, not if, he was moved. He will try and reboot his career with the Nets.

With Dwight Howard now a Wizard, there was no longer room for the Polish Hammer. He got dealt to the Clippers, who just lost DeAndre Jordan at center. There should be a meaty role for Gortat, if his 34-year-old legs are up for it.

Ariza’s defense was huge for the Rockets, but they simply couldn’t afford to keep him. Instead, he’s signed a one-year deal for $15 million with the Suns. He’s clearly looking for playing time (and cash) over the chance to win. Ariza could have had a title with Houston. He won’t sniff the playoffs in Phoenix.

Rajon Rondo, once a much-respected player, doesn’t have the same reputation he used to have. Despite that, he’s joined the motley crew that’s been built around LeBron with the Lakers. He will likely only be around for a year, but it should be an interesting year.

One guy who has left the Lakers is Julius Randle. The hefty big man is now playing wingman to Anthony Davis down in New Orleans. This is the most talent that Randle has ever had around him, and Davis is a true elite player. It will be interesting to see what he does in his new role.

Poor Thomas has tumbled from his greatest heights. He was expecting a huge payday after a big season with the Celtics, only to get injured. He never took off after being traded to Cleveland, and now he’s signed with the Nuggets to try and rehabilitate his value.

It was expected that, like Isaiah Thomas, Jabari Parker would have to rehabilitate his value. Instead, the second-overall pick got a two year deal worth a whopping $40 million from the Bulls. Can he possibly live up to it?

The glory days of the Spurs are over. Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili are now retired, and Parker has left San Antonio. Now, he’s a Hornet, which is definitely going to feel weird.

Brook Lopez was en route to becoming a dinosaur, but then he learned to shoot threes. He had a limited role with the Lakers last season, but that turned out to be his only campaign with Los Angeles. Lopez signed a deal with the Bucks, an intriguing team on the rise.

Carter is not the player he used to be. How can he be, as he’s 41 years old. Despite that, he’s still kicking, as he signed with the Hawks this offseason to keep playing the game he clearly loves.

Lance Stephenson has had an up-and-down career. He seemed like the next big thing, then he fell off a cliff, and last year he rehabilitated his value a bit. Now, he’s a Laker, which means he’s LeBron’s teammate. The same LeBron he once tried to antagonize by blowing in his ear.

Austin Rivers gets a lot of crap because his dad is Doc Rivers, and people felt like he was only in the NBA because of nepotism. However, Rivers isn’t a Clipper anymore. He’s a Wizard now, having been traded for Marcin Gortat. He will rise or fall by his own merits.

All the talk about the big Spurs-Raptors trade has largely focused on Kawhi and DeRozan. However, don't forget about Green, who also went from San Antonio to Toronto. Green has the potential to be a strong 3-and-D wing for the Raptors, and if he can hit threes and spread the floor, he will make a sizable impact of his own.

Anderson can’t play defense, but the man can shoot. That allowed him to space the floor, when he isn’t being played off it because of his defensive issues. In Phoenix, he is going to get the chance to start, which means he will likely get to stuff the stat sheet.

Jahlil Okafor has never been a star in the NBA. He was a stud at Duke, but his NBA career has been a disappointment after he was drafted third overall. However, he’s gotten into shape, and he’s been open about getting his mental health in order. He’s signed with the New Orleans Pelicans, and there is still a chance for him to have a real NBA career. It would certainly make for a great story.