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viraljournalist · 5 years

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NBA Power Rankings - Who are the league's best teams now?

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NBA Power Rankings - Who are the league's best teams now?

In our post-Finals Power Rankings, we asked whether offseason chaos was on the horizon.

Welp.

Free agency saw Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving team up in Brooklyn, D’Angelo Russell join the Splash Brothers, Jimmy Butler take his talents to South Beach, and Tobias Harris and Kristaps Porzingis sign max deals with Philly and Dallas, respectively. And that was just the first 24 hours!

The league has changed seemingly overnight, and we’re here to make sense of where all 30 teams stand heading into a highly anticipated 2019-20 season.

Note: These rankings are based on where voters think teams belong heading into the 2019-20 season, taking into account injuries and potential further player movement. Title odds for 2019-20 were provided by Caesars sportsbook. ESPN.com’s Malika Andrews, Kevin Arnovitz, Tim Bontemps, Tim MacMahon, Royce Young and Ohm Youngmisuk contributed the following information.

More: Post-Finals rankings | Moves for every team

| Free agency news

1. Milwaukee Bucks 2018-19 record: 60-22 2020 title odds: 9-2 Previous rank: No. 1

While the fabric of the Eastern Conference has changed drastically in recent weeks, the Bucks’ core has stayed largely the same. The team re-signed starters Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez as well as key reserve George Hill. What set the team apart last season was its deep bench. Will the acquisitions of Robin Lopez and Wesley Matthews be enough to make up for the departures of Malcolm Brogdon, Tony Snell and Nikola Mirotic? A strong bench to support Giannis Antetokounmpo is essential for Milwaukee to make it out of the East finals. — Malika Andrews

Key additions: Robin Lopez, Wesley Matthews

Key subtractions: Malcolm Brogdon, Nikola Mirotic

2. Denver Nuggets 2018-19 record: 54-28 2020 title odds: 20-1 Previous rank: No. 4

While the rest of the NBA world went wild, the Nuggets made a few moves along the edges but quietly had one of the best summers of anyone. Adding Jerami Grant is one of the most underrated moves of the offseason, and they effectively are adding 2018 No. 14 overall pick Michael Porter Jr., who sat out the entire season with back issues. Assuming progression from their young rising stars, the Nuggets are firmly a favorite in the West. — Royce Young

Key additions: Jerami Grant

Key subtractions: Trey Lyles

3. LA Clippers 2018-19 record: 48-34 2020 title odds: 4-1 Previous rank: No. 5

After a year of rumors of quietly recruiting Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers landed the mysterious forward after what might have been the most intrigue-filled week in free agency in recent memory. Shocking the Lakers, the Raptors and the entire NBA, the Clippers persuaded Leonard to become a Clipper by stealthily working a trade for Paul George. Though the blockbuster move cost a historic haul of five first-round picks, two first-round-pick swaps and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Danilo Gallinari, the Clippers are now instant title contenders. Leonard and George should fit in seamlessly with a gritty supporting cast and budding Clipper culture built on a low-ego, team-first mentality. Doc Rivers’ defense could be the nastiest in the NBA with Leonard, George and Patrick Beverley forming a perimeter wall. Rivers has the best second-unit combo in Lou Williams and Montrezl Harrell, and role players such as JaMychal Green, Maurice Harkless and Landry Shamet might make the Clippers the best team in not just Staples Center this season but perhaps in the entire league. — Ohm Youngmisuk

Key additions: Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, Maurice Harkless

Key subtractions: Danilo Gallinari, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Garrett Temple

4. Philadelphia 76ers 2018-19 record: 51-31 2020 title odds: 8-1 Previous rank: No. 3

After coming within four bounces of beating the Raptors, falling with a devastating loss at the buzzer in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, the 76ers went out and made some dramatic moves this summer: re-signing Tobias Harris to a five-year, $180 million deal; executing a sign-and-trade with the Miami Heat, sending Jimmy Butler there in exchange for Josh Richardson; and signing Al Horford away from the Boston Celtics with a four-year, $113 million contract. Now, thanks to Leonard leaving Toronto and the rest of the East contenders either standing still or taking a step backward, Philadelphia seems to be the favorite to emerge from the East and reach the NBA Finals for the first time since Allen Iverson led the Sixers there in 2001. — Tim Bontemps

5. Houston Rockets 2018-19 record: 53-29 2020 title odds: 8-1 Previous rank: No. 7

The Rockets rolled the dice by reuniting Russell Westbrook with James Harden, particularly considering the hefty price of the lightly protected 2024 and 2026 first-round picks they sent to Oklahoma City along with Chris Paul. “It’s risky for sure, but I believe the upside is greater than with CP,” a team source said. Westbrook’s ball dominance and poor 3-point shooting present fit concerns, but Harden pushed hard for the trade, which the Rockets hope will allow them to be legitimate contenders through The Beard’s prime, and their window was closing because of the 34-year-old Paul’s physical decline. — Tim MacMahon

Key additions: Russell Westbrook, Tyson Chandler

Key subtractions: Chris Paul

6. Los Angeles Lakers 2018-19 record: 37-45 2020 title odds: 3-1 Previous rank: No. 8

A chaotic offseason started with Magic Johnson resigning and putting Rob Pelinka on blast as well as a coaching search that saw negotiations with Ty Lue fall apart before the Lakers hired Frank Vogel. But once the chaos settled, the Lakers landed their highly coveted second superstar and another franchise superstar big man to build around for the foreseeable future in Anthony Davis. Pelinka paid a heavy price in having to send out Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram and Josh Hart, three first-round picks, a pick swap and cash to acquire Davis and create as much cap space as possible. They then waited and failed to persuade Kawhi Leonard to come, but acted quickly in free agency by surrounding LeBron James and Davis with several experienced veterans. The Lakers believe they have addressed their mistake from a year ago by adding shooters like Danny Green, Quinn Cook, Jared Dudley and Troy Daniels. They believe they have 3-and-D guys with the additions of Green, Avery Bradley and the re-signed Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. And they added size with DeMarcus Cousins and re-signed JaVale McGee while also bolstering their backcourt depth and bringing Alex Caruso back. This is a roster built to contend for a championship, and anything short of a deep playoff run will be a disappointment. — Youngmisuk

Key additions: Anthony Davis, DeMarcus Cousins, Danny Green, Jared Dudley, Avery Bradley

Key subtractions: Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart, Tyson Chandler

7. Boston Celtics 2018-19 record: 49-33 2020 title odds: 25-1 Previous rank: No. 9

Nothing went the way it was supposed to last season for the Celtics, who entered the season as the favorites to top the East — only to be drummed out of the playoffs in five games (including four straight losses) by the Bucks. The already bitter taste in the mouths of Celtics fans was made worse after Kyrie Irving and Al Horford chose to leave for Brooklyn and Philadelphia, respectively, in free agency. Irving was replaced by All-Star Kemba Walker, which some might see as an upgrade. It will be much more difficult to make up for losing Horford. Enes Kanter will likely be Boston’s starting center, with second-year big man Robert Williams III, Frenchman Vincent Poirier and German Daniel Theis behind him. They will give Boston a few ways to play, but not nearly at the same level of skill and poise that Horford, one of the league’s most versatile bigs, did. That, in turn, puts a ceiling on just how good Boston can be — regardless of how much growth the Celtics get from young wings Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. — Bontemps

8. Portland Trail Blazers 2018-19 record: 53-29 2020 title odds: 25-1 Previous rank: No. 10

The Trail Blazers lightly reshuffled their rotation, with a few critical role players moving elsewhere. The Blazers have the core elements back, but any progression this season will come in two main ways: 1) Jusuf Nurkic getting healthy and returning to form, and 2) Hassan Whiteside fitting in and adding rim protection plus a significant new wrinkle to the pick-and-roll game. — Young

9. Utah Jazz 2018-19 record: 50-32 2020 title odds: 14-1 Previous rank: No. 13

The Jazz might be equally as good offensively and defensively, which would make Utah a bona fide contender. Poor shooting prevented the Jazz from making their playoff series against the Rockets competitive, as Utah went 26-of-110 (23.6%) on wide-open 3s, as defined by NBA.com as no defender within 6 feet. That won’t be a problem after they traded for Mike Conley and signed Bojan Bogdanovic, who should take pressure off Donovan Mitchell to create offense and open up the floor when the young star guard has the ball in his hands. It’s up to Rudy Gobert, the two-time Defensive Player of the Year, to make sure the Jazz remain elite on that end of the floor. — MacMahon

10. Toronto Raptors 2018-19 record: 58-24 2020 title odds: 50-1 Previous rank: No. 2

The Raptors didn’t have long to celebrate their stunning run to the franchise’s first title, thanks to Kawhi Leonard’s decision to leave his throne as King of the North to take up residence at Staples Center with the LA Clippers. Still, though the Raptors don’t have a championship ceiling anymore, they have a good enough roster — built around emerging young forward Pascal Siakam, the winner of this season’s Most Improved Player award — to remain a factor in the East. The Raptors do have several large expiring contracts belonging to Kyle Lowry, Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka that they could flip at the deadline for assets — or they could go into next summer with oodles of cap space to chase players who can remake their roster. Don’t expect anyone north of the border to be upset, though. They’ll be spending the season deservedly celebrating their hard-won title. — Bontemps

11. Golden State Warriors 2018-19 record: 57-25 2020 title odds: 14-1 Previous rank: No. 6

Not long after losing a physically and emotionally devastating NBA Finals to the Toronto Raptors, the Warriors watched Kevin Durant head East to join forces with Kyrie Irving in Brooklyn. But the Warriors did their best to recover by adding rising All-Star guard D’Angelo Russell to help Stephen Curry with the scoring load until Klay Thompson returns from his knee injury. Willie Cauley-Stein is still only 25 and will have every opportunity to show what he can do as Golden State’s new center with DeMarcus Cousins in Los Angeles. Steve Kerr will also try to incorporate new Warriors Alec Burks and Glenn Robinson III. Though Golden State’s stranglehold on the Western Conference is over, the Warriors still have Curry and Draymond Green — two proud All-Stars motivated to show that any idea of Golden State’s demise is premature. –– Youngmisuk

Key additions: D’Angelo Russell, Willie Cauley-Stein, Glenn Robinson III, Alec Burks

Key subtractions: Kevin Durant, Andre Iguodala, DeMarcus Cousins, Shaun Livingston

12. Brooklyn Nets 2018-19 record: 42-40 2020 title odds: 20-1 Previous rank: No. 12

Brooklyn completed its remarkable turnaround over the past few years by signing Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant and DeAndre Jordan in the opening hours of free agency, lifting a franchise that had been left for dead in the wake of trading four first-round picks to the Celtics back in 2013. If Durant were healthy, the Nets would likely be the favorites in the East. But he is not, having torn his Achilles during the NBA Finals, and will miss — at a minimum — most of next season. In the meantime, the Nets will hope that things go differently for Irving than they did in Boston last year, when he and the team’s young players struggled to mesh and the Celtics disappointed. Brooklyn’s roster has a similar composition, including emerging wing Caris LeVert, that will try to push the Nets along until Durant can return — whether that’s sometime late next season or in 2020-21. — Bontemps

13. San Antonio Spurs 2018-19 record: 48-34 2020 title odds: 40-1 Previous rank: No. 15

The Spurs were snakebitten by Marcus Morris changing course and signing with the Knicks, because they not only lost him but also traded Davis Bertans to clear the way. They made a few minor moves, but getting Dejounte Murray healthy has been the primary offseason objective. The Spurs are the Spurs, so therefore they will be good, but as the West reloaded, nothing sizable enough changed that will boost San Antonio up the standings. — Young

14. Miami Heat 2018-19 record: 39-43 2020 title odds: 40-1 Previous rank: No. 22

The Heat in recent seasons have generally been better than the sum of their parts, and for the first time in a while, they’ll feature an NBA star in his prime: Jimmy Butler. The union of the intense, workaholic Butler and the intense, workaholic Heat organization would seem to be an NBA match made in heaven. Miami will feature its typically stingy, well-prepared defensive schemes and likely cobble together some clever, unorthodox looks on offense to compensate for any lack of shooting. — Kevin Arnovitz

15. Indiana Pacers 2018-19 record: 48-34 2020 title odds: 40-1 Previous rank: No. 14

The Pacers’ splashiest free-agency acquisition was former Rookie of the Year Malcolm Brogdon, who signed a lucrative three-year, $85 million contract with Indiana. Until Victor Oladipo returns from the quad injury that ended his 2018-19 season, much of the Pacers’ offense will likely run through Brogdon. The Pacers were the No. 4 seed in the 2019 playoffs. For them to be ranked that highly again, Domantas Sabonis must continue to evolve. Most importantly, when and how Oladipo returns will heavily influence Indiana’s chances. — Andrews

16. Detroit Pistons 2018-19 record: 41-41 2020 title odds: 250-1 Previous rank: No. 19

Despite being strapped for cap room, the Pistons added two proven guards to their roster in free agency: Derrick Rose and Markieff Morris. The No. 8-seeded Pistons were swept in the 2019 playoffs largely because the No. 1-seeded Bucks’ depth allowed for their starters to stay fresh. The Pistons, on the other hand, struggled to put out a seven-man rotation. In the playoffs, head coach Dwane Casey relied on heavy minutes from Andre Drummond and the injured Blake Griffin. Morris is another big body who will help ease the load of Griffin and Drummond, and Rose has the talent and experience to lead Detroit’s second unit. If Griffin can stay healthy, the Pistons have a strong chance of making another playoff push. — Andrews

17. New Orleans Pelicans 2018-19 record: 33-49 2020 title odds: 75-1 Previous rank: No. 24

The Pelicans can be competitive this season and a contender in the future thanks to some lottery luck and great work by new executive VP David Griffin. No. 1 overall pick Zion Williamson and the haul of high-profile young talent and draft picks the Lakers gave up for Anthony Davis represent the promise of a bright future in the Big Easy. Adding big man Derrick Favors and knockdown shooter JJ Redick — and keeping terrific two-way guard Jrue Holiday — provide hope of winning now. — MacMahon

18. Dallas Mavericks 2018-19 record: 33-49 2020 title odds: 100-1 Previous rank: No. 17

The Mavs failed to add a proven starter in free agency despite entering the summer with almost $30 million in salary-cap space. Guards Seth Curry and Delon Wright, who have been quality reserves, came to Dallas as consolation prizes. Over the past 13 months, the Mavs have managed to add two potential long-term superstar pillars in Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis, but the goal of making a major leap into the playoffs this season appears quite ambitious in the loaded West. — MacMahon

Key additions: Seth Curry, Boban Marjanovic, Delon Wright

Key subtractions: Dirk Nowitzki

19. Orlando Magic 2018-19 record: 42-40 2020 title odds: 125-1 Previous rank: No. 20

Will the Magic take the next big step forward after their first playoff appearance in seven years, or will 2019-20 be a consolidation season? Orlando is loaded up front, with power forwards and centers in deep supply (and that was the case before the Magic signed Al-Farouq Aminu and drafted Chuma Okeke, who is recovering from an ACL injury). The Magic’s fortunes rest on their capacity to get more out of their guards, with the highest ceiling belonging to Markelle Fultz. The Magic are cautiously optimistic the former No. 1 overall pick could give them some of the perimeter shot creation they desperately need. — Arnovitz

20. Sacramento Kings 2018-19 record: 39-43 2020 title odds: 150-1 Previous rank: No. 16

Luke Walton was hired to help develop De’Aaron Fox, Marvin Bagley III and Buddy Hield. But Vlade Divac spent money in free agency to keep and add some veterans around Sacramento’s promising young core. The Kings kept Harrison Barnes with a four-year, $85 million deal. They replaced Willie Cauley-Stein with Dewayne Dedmon on a three-year, $40 million deal and added veterans such as Trevor Ariza and Cory Joseph. Walton should have a mix of young up-and-coming players to go with veterans who can help stretch the floor. Unfortunately, they reside in a division that has two of the most formidable pairings in the NBA in the Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard and Paul George and Lakers’ LeBron James and Anthony Davis, plus the Warriors. — Youngmisuk

Key additions: Trevor Ariza, Dewayne Dedmon, Cory Joseph

Key subtractions: Willie Cauley-Stein, Alec Burks, Frank Mason III

21. Minnesota Timberwolves 2018-19 record: 36-46 2020 title odds: 500-1 Previous rank: No. 23

For a minute there, it appeared the Wolves would be making a major addition in D’Angelo Russell, and who knows, maybe they still will at some point. But it hasn’t been a great summer so far, as they decided not to match on Tyus Jones and didn’t make any significant upgrades elsewhere. There are roster-building roadblocks, such as Andrew Wiggins and his contract, but there is still a young core worth adding to, or eventually it will lead to another reboot. — Young

22. Atlanta Hawks 2018-19 record: 29-53 2020 title odds: 200-1 Previous rank: No. 21

There’s a lot of shine to the Hawks’ rebuilding project, and even whispers that the upstart Hawks could sniff the postseason next spring in a conference where 80% of success is just showing up. Joining the existing young core led by Trae Young and John Collins will be a pair of rookie forwards drafted in the top 10, a couple of functional veterans on the perimeter and a reclamation project in Jabari Parker. The biggest challenge ahead for Atlanta will be crafting a defense that can compete with the grownups if and when those games in March and April carry playoff implications. — Arnovitz

23. Chicago Bulls 2018-19 record: 22-60 2020 title odds: 125-1 Previous rank: No. 29

The Bulls drafted guard Coby White and added Thaddeus Young and Tomas Satoransky to the roster. Still, it’s hard to envision Chicago finishing in the top half of the Eastern Conference. Perhaps it can squeak out a playoff appearance — but with the East becoming even more competitive, it is a tall task. Expect this to be another development year for the Bulls. Their young core of Wendell Carter Jr., Zach LaVine, Otto Porter Jr. and Lauri Markkanen has some growing to do. And if an improbable playoff run does materialize, it will require that the Bulls stay healthy. Carter’s offseason abdominal surgery isn’t a good start. — Andrews

Key additions: Coby White, Thaddeus Young, Tomas Satoransky

Key subtractions: Robin Lopez

24. Oklahoma City Thunder 2018-19 record: 49-33 2020 title odds: 150-1 Previous rank: No. 11

With an apparent plan taking shape of disassembling the house and preparing to rebuild a new one, it would seem the Thunder will take a significant step back. But if Chris Paul decides he wants to stay with OKC — a hefty “if” right now — the Thunder can still be a reasonably competitive team in the West. A core of Paul, Steven Adams and Danilo Gallinari can win games, but the question is how long they might remain part of it. — Young

25. Phoenix Suns 2018-19 record: 19-63 2020 title odds: 1000-1 Previous rank: No. 28

Phoenix got the hot coach in Monty Williams, but the rest of its summer has been a head-scratcher. The Suns traded away T.J. Warren and his reasonable contract along with the No. 32 pick to Indiana to create cap space. They then traded a 2020 first-round pick from Milwaukee to Boston for the No. 24 pick (Ty Jerome) and center Aron Baynes. They traded away former No. 4 overall pick Josh Jackson and De’Anthony Melton along with two second-round picks to Memphis. Phoenix kept Kelly Oubre Jr. for $30 million over two years and signed Ricky Rubio to a $51 million, three-year deal to become its starting point guard. But it certainly feels as if Devin Booker is staring at yet another long season.– Youngmisuk

Key additions: Ricky Rubio, Dario Saric, Aron Baynes, Cameron Johnson

Key subtractions: Josh Jackson, T.J. Warren

26. Memphis Grizzlies 2018-19 record: 33-49 2020 title odds: 1000-1 Previous rank: No. 27

The Grizzlies have fully committed to rebuilding around young centerpieces Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ja Morant. Memphis’ reshuffled front office has laid the foundation for the rebuilding project by collecting young talent and future first-round picks through trading all-time Grizzlies great Mike Conley and moves made possible by that deal, such as getting a pick from Golden State by using a trade exception to take Andre Iguodala, whom Memphis hopes to flip for another asset. — MacMahon

27. Washington Wizards 2018-19 record: 32-50 2020 title odds: 500-1 Previous rank: No. 25

The Wizards are less in a rebuilding mode than a holding pattern as they navigate the future of their pricey starting backcourt — John Wall, who is recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon and unlikely to see much if any action in 2019-20, and Bradley Beal, one of the league’s elite shooting guards, who is coveted by contenders across the league. It’s likely to be a long winter in Washington while the Wizards weigh their options, develop Troy Brown and Rui Hachimura and buy time. — Arnovitz

28. New York Knicks 2018-19 record: 17-65 2020 title odds: 200-1 Previous rank: No. 18

This summer was expected to be triumphant — finally — for the Knicks. Instead, all they could do was watch as Irving and Durant chose to go across the East River and join the rival Nets. The fact the Knicks followed that up by signing a series of solid but unspectacular players — Julius Randle, Bobby Portis, Marcus Morris, Elfrid Payton and Wayne Ellington — to short-term deals did little to erase the bitter feelings with which their fans were left after the front office traded Kristaps Porzingis and then struck out on stars in free agency. Now the Knicks will struggle once again, while the Nets are the exciting team within the five boroughs. There will at least be one difference between last year and this one at Madison Square Garden, however: the presence of No. 3 overall pick R.J. Barrett, plus last year’s picks — first-rounder Kevin Knox and second-rounder Mitchell Robinson. — Bontemps

29. Charlotte Hornets 2018-19 record: 39-43 2020 title odds: 1000-1 Previous rank: No. 26

The Hornets will enter the 2019-20 season absent their top two win-shares leaders from last season and largely the same nucleus of league-replacement frontcourt talent whose contracts, one day, will expire. Depending on your appraisal of Terry Rozier, the bees either have a respectable young replacement for Kemba Walker at point guard or have once again forked over a contract of excessive value and length to a player without the body of work to justify it. Perhaps Charlotte can get a breakout season from one of its prospects: the tantalizing and sometimes confounding Malik Monk, or the promising forwards plucked in the past two drafts: Miles Bridges and PJ Washington. — Arnovitz

30. Cleveland Cavaliers 2018-19 record: 19-63 2020 title odds: 1000-1 Previous rank: No. 30

The youngster development continues in Cleveland. Watching Collin Sexton and Cedi Osman take their next steps could be entertaining, but a 2020 playoff run seems far-fetched for the Cavaliers. While top-tier Eastern teams such as the Nets, Bucks, Celtics and Pacers added big names to their rosters, the Cavs stayed relatively quiet in free agency. Cleveland continued to add to young talent, drafting Darius Garland with the No. 5 pick. It’ll also be adjusting to first-year coach John Beilein. Realistically, this year will be about chemistry building, not pursuing a playoff spot. — Andrews

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nbatrades · 8 years

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Chicago Bulls Deal Mike Dunleavy to Cleveland

On July 7th, 2016, the Chicago Bulls traded forward Mike Dunleavy and the draft rights of Vladimir Veremeenko to the Cleveland Cavaliers for the draft rights of Albert Miralles.

After a two-year stay with the Milwaukee Bucks, Mike Dunleavy signed a two-year, $6 million deal with the Chicago Bulls. Initially pegged as a reserve behind All-Star Luol Deng, Dunleavy became a starter midway through the 2013-14 season after Deng was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers. He finished the year with 11.3 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 2.3 APG, 0.8 SPG and 0.6 BPG in 82 games (61 starts) and 31.5 MPG.

The Bulls dealt wth injuries as star Derrick Rose suffered a torn meniscus in his right knee that required surgery after 11 games. Chicago started off slow with a 9-16 record. At 14-18 they traded Deng and looked to be out of the playoff race. Behind an MVP-like effort from Joakim Noah and contributions from Dunleavy, Jimmy Butler and Carlos Boozer, the Bulls went 34-16 the rest of the year and finished fourth in the East at 48-34.

In the opening round, the Bulls faced the Washington Wizards. The first game saw Chicago have a 12-point lead in the second half. The Wizards came back with a 28-14 run to close out the game 102-93. The second contest went to overtime, but the Wizards managed to take a 2-0 lead after Bulls guard Kirk Hinrich missed two free-throws that would’ve tied the game with 2.4 seconds left.

Washington had a 2-0 lead and seemed ready to take care of business and close out Chicago. Dunleavy would have an answer as he nailed 8 threes and scored 35 points as the Bulls won 100-97. In the fourth game, the Wizards gained a 20-point lead after the third quarter and held on for a nine-point victory.

Washington won the series in a sluggish 75-69 Game Five outcome. Chicago’s offense couldn’t get going as they shot 25-for-75 (33%) on field goal attempts. Dunleavy was solid for the series with 13.2 PPG on 47.2% shooting from the field and 46.2% from three. The 6′9″ forward also managed 3.6 RPG and 2.4 APG in 5 contests and 32.6 MPG.

Chicago underwent massive changes for the 2014-15 season. In the offseason, the Bulls used the amnesty clause to waive forward Carlos Boozer. Chicago acquired rookie Doug McDermott in the draft and signed Pau Gasol, Nikola Mirotic and Aaron Brooks in free agency. With Derrick Rose returning and the newly acquired Gasol in the fold, the Bulls were expected to be a top team in the East and a legitimate challenger to LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Chicago was a top team early on with a 22-9 record. They hit some turbulence along the way, but still managed to reach a 50-32 record behind All-Star seasons from Gasol and Jimmy Butler. Dunleavy missed a month of action with a right ankle injury. He was productive as a full-time starter with 9.4 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 1.8 APG and 0.6 SPG in 63 contests and 29.2 MPG.

Dunleavy didn’t produce sexy numbers, but when he was on the court Chicago was extremely effective. The Bulls had a plus-5.4 Net Rating per 100 possessions with Dunleavy on the court while holding just a plus-1.5 Net Rating when Dunleavy sat.

Earning the third seed, Chicago was placed in a first round matchup with division foe the Milwaukee Bucks. Rose and Butler combined for 48 points and 13 assists as Chicago won Game One 103-91 and took a 1-0 lead. In the second game, Butler put up 31 points as Chicago was victorious by nine points.

Game Three was much closer, but Chicago managed to take a 3-0 lead behind 34 points from Rose in a 113-106 double overtime game. Facing elimination, Milwaukee finally won a game.

The fourth game was close. Pau Gasol converted a three-point play to tie the game at 90. After a Bucks miss, Rose turned the ball over. Bucks forward Khris Middleton picked up the ball and Milwaukee called a timeout with 1.3 seconds left. After the timeout, Bucks forward Jared Dudley found guard Jerryd Bayless open under the rim after Rose lost track of Bayless. Bayless made the layup at the buzzer to give the Bucks a win and make the series 3-1.

In a surprise, the Bucks took Game Five in Chicago 94-88 with guard Michael Carter-Wlliams starring with 22 points, 8 rebounds and 9 assists. Chicago took care of business in Game Six. They jumped on Milwaukee with an 8-0 run to start and led 34-16 after the first quarter. The Bucks never threatened as Chicago won 120-66 in a rout.

For the series, Dunleavy contributed 10.5 PPG, 4.0 RPG and 3.0 APG. The forward also shot 50% from the field and 54.8% on three-point attempts.

The second round saw Chicago matched up with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Chicago had an advantage with Cavs forward Kevin Love out for the rest of the postseason and J.R. Smith suspended for the first two games of the series.

Chicago never trailed and led by as much as 16 in the 99-92 win in the series opener. Cleveland evened the series with a 106-91 rout in the second game. The series scene shifted to Chicago, and Game Three was highly contested.

Chicago had a 96-93 lead late, but J.R. Smith knocked down a game-tying three to make it 96–96. After a Bulls timeout, Rose banked in a trey from deep at the buzzer, giving the Bulls a 99–96 win and a 2–1 series lead.

In Game Four, Chicago had an 11-point lead in the second half. Facing a seven-point deficit to start the fourth quarter, Cleveland went on a 19–5 run to take an 80–73 lead with 4:04 left. Jimmy Butler hit a three to make the game 84-82 with 27 seconds left. Cleveland subsequently called three timeouts after failing to inbound the ball.

After they managed to get the ball in, Cavs forward LeBron James committed an offensive foul on Dunleavy. Chicago got the ball back and Rose tied the game with a layup with 8 seconds remaining.

On the final possession, Cavs coach David Blatt nearly called timeout. If the officials had noticed, Cleveland would’ve lost possession and been charged a technical foul — After the game, the NBA officiating report acknowledged that Blatt should have been charged with a timeout.

James’ shot was blocked and the ball went out of bounds with 1.5 seconds remaining. Cavs guard Matthew Dellavedova inbounded the ball to James who nailed a jumper just inside the corner three-point line to give the Cavs an 86-84 win and tie the series 2-2.

The fifth game saw the Cavs build a 17-point lead in the fourth quarter and barely hold on for a 106-101 victory after a late Bulls rally. In Game Six, the Cavs closed the first half on a 20–4 run. Cleveland was up by 14 at halftime and never lost the lead. The Cavs led by as much as 27 in a 94-73 blowout that eliminated Chicago. For the series, Dunleavy amassed 11.3 PPG, 4.0 RPG and 2.2 APG, while shooting 47.9% from the field and 40% from beyond the three-point line.

Going into the 2015-16 season, Chicago ran it back with a similar roster, but made a move by firing coach Tom Thibodeau and bringing in Iowa coach and former NBA player Fred Hoiberg.

The Bulls had a 22-12 start under Hoiberg, but a season-ending injury to Joakim Noah, inconsistent team performances and a style clash between coach and players led to the Bulls going 20-28 the rest of the way and finishing out of the playoff race with a 42-40 record.

Dunleavy had back surgery before 2015 training camp and missed the first 49 games. Overall, the former Blue Devil appeared in 31 contests (30 starts) and put up 7.2 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 1.3 APG and 0.5 SPG in 22.7 MPG.

After the season, Chicago underwent more changes. The team dealt Rose to the New York Knicks and lost Noah and Gasol in free agency. Chicago looked to rebuild, but went in an opposite direction when they negotiated a two-year, $47 million deal with Heat guard Dwyane Wade.

To make the salary math work and fit Wade’s salary on the roster, Chicago had to trade Jose Calderon to the Los Angeles Lakers and Dunleavy to the Cleveland Cavaliers. For Dunleavy, it was the perfect opportunity to join the Cavaliers and compete for a championship.

Dunleavy finished his Bulls tenure with 9.9 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 1.9 APG and 0.7 SPG in 176 games. He shot 43% on FGs, 39% from three and 83% from the charity stripe.

In the trade, Cleveland and Chicago swapped the draft rights to foreign players Albert Miralles and Vladimir Veremeenko respectively. Both players have never played in the NBA. Miralles was drafted by the Toronto Raptors in the second round of the 2004 draft.

His draft rights were traded to the Miami Heat on the same night, traded to the Boston Celtics the next year, dealt to the Milwaukee Bucks in 2011. Cleveland had acquired Miralles in the sign-and-trade involving Matthew Dellavedova and re-routed Miralles rights to Chicago on the same day.

Veremeenko had been selected in the second round (48th overall) of the 2006 NBA Draft by the Washington Wizards. His draft rights had been traded to the Chicago Bulls in a 2010 deal that saw Kirk Hinrich and Kevin Seraphin go to the Wizards.

Dunleavy was brought in to provide spacing and three-point shooting to Cleveland’s bench. Though he provided some shooting, Dunleavy saw the least amount of playing time in his career since his rookie season.

Dunleavy was traded to the Atlanta Hawks in January of 2017 with Mo Williams and a top-ten protected first round pick in 2019 for sharpshooter Kyle Korver. He saw action in 23 contests (2 starts) and produced 4.6 PPG, 2.0 RPG and 0.9 APG in 15.9 MPG.

Veremeenko's rights were dealt by Cleveland two years later to the Los Angeles Clippers for forward Sam Dekker, the rights to Renaldas Seibutis and cash considerations.

Mike Dunleavy on the trade (via Chicago Tribune):

“Obviously I knew if [the Bulls] needed to get cap room, I would be a guy they could move. It came together pretty quickly. When I woke up Wednesday morning, I definitely didn't think I would get traded that night. But it certainly ended up well. I was very appreciative of the Bulls to send me to a place like Cleveland.”

Trying to make things work with the Bulls:

“I was committed to the Bulls last summer. I really wanted to try to make it work there. Things didn't work out the way we all envisioned. I guess I was destined to end up in Cleveland at some point with my travels around the Central Division.”

On joining the 2016 NBA Champion Cavs:

“They already have reached the mountaintop and I wasn't a part of it. So I'm sure there will be a lot of envious moments on my end next year when they have ring night. It will make me hungrier to help them get another one.”

On the Cavaliers after joining the team in training camp (via Cleveland.com):

“Pretty humble group for coming off winning a championship and going to the Finals two years in a row. They like to joke around and have a good time, but when it gets down to doing work they're serious, put the time in and you don't always see that with teams.

“I've been on a lot of teams where guys come and go, show up five minutes before practice and leave right after. We have our best players here an hour and a half early and stay an hour and a half late. Quite honestly, that's kind of new to me.”

How the trade process worked out:

“I found out D-Wade was going to Chicago so at that point I knew I was going to have to get traded and things were up in the air for me for a few hours because I didn't really know where I was going. Finally got a phone call from the Bulls telling me I was coming to Cleveland.”

How the trade worked out:

“Couldn't have worked out any better for in terms of what I'm looking for at this stage of my career. Just really happy about it and looking forward to rocking and rolling this year.”

How he feels healthy after dealing with injuries the previous year:

“I feel good. Last year at this time was not so good. But I got that behind me. I feel great, a whole lot better than I did last year. Looking forward to a healthy season.”

Cleveland Cavaliers general manager David Griffin on Mike Dunleavy in press release (via Cavs.com):

“We are very pleased to be able to welcome Mike to our Cavaliers family. His size, shooting, basketball IQ, and versatility make him a great fit for our group on the floor. While his experience, professionalism, grit, and team first character will be key for us in the locker room.”

Cavaliers head coach Tyronn Lue on Dunleavy’s role in training camp conversation (via The Morning Journal):

“He’s going be a great spot-up shooter, being the player he’s always been. Roles are going to change during the course of the season, just like they did for us last season. He’s a veteran guy that can pass the basketball and shoot the basketball. He’ll get open shots on the floor with LeBron, Kyrie (Irving) and Kevin (Love).”

What Dunleavy brings (via Cleveland.com):

“Gives us great shooting. Dunleavy over the last two years I think is shooting 52 percent on open shots. He's a guy who can straight-line drive and then when he gets to the basket he'll make a play or make a pass. Defensively he's always in the right spots.

“I talked to Thibs (former Chicago coach Tom Thibodeau, now in Minnesota) about him. He's an underrated defender because he's a great team defender and whatever you do, he's always going to be in the right spot or the right place. I just think when you're playing with guys like Kyrie, Kevin and LeBron, you can get all those you want. If you can shoot the basketball, you can be very valuable.”

Image via USA TODAY SPORTS/Ken Blaze

#Mike Dunleavy Jr #Cavaliers #Bulls #Vladimir Veremeenko #Albert Miralles #2016*17 Season #2016

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