All the NBA stars who changed teams in the wildest offseason ever
Maddie Meyer/Getty Images
The 2017 NBA offseason was almost as compelling as the season on the court.
While many initially though the reign of the Golden State Warriors would lead teams to look toward rebuilding for championships further down the line, instead the 2017 offseason saw multiple teams stocking up with new weapons hoping to take down the dynasty.
We also saw dramatic breakups and reunions from some of the biggest names in the league, which will lead to some extremely interesting matchups early in the season when former teammates meet again on the court for the first time.
Below we break down the biggest moves you might have missed or forgotten about.
Kyrie Irving
Last year: Cleveland Cavaliers
New team: Boston Celtics
One thing to know: Kyrie Irving's departure from Cleveland was the most dramatic of the offseason. Apparently tired of playing second-fiddle to LeBron James, Irving sought out a trade and ended up moving to the Cavs biggest challenge in the East — the Boston Celtics. While basketball fans are surely looking forward to a potential rematch of the Eastern Conference Finals, they'll get their first taste of the new-look Cavs-Celts rivalry in the very first game of the NBA season.
Isaiah Thomas
Last year: Boston Celtics
New team: Cleveland Cavaliers
One thing to know: In exchange for Irving, the Celtics had to give the Cavaliers their own All-Star point guard Isaiah Thomas. Thomas was loved throughout the city of Boston, working his way into becoming a superstar big enough for any moment. With the Cavaliers, he'll look to help LeBron to yet another championship run once he's recovered from a lingering back injury.
Carmelo Anthony
Last year: New York Knicks
New team: Oklahoma City Thunder
One thing to know: After years trapped in New York, Melo is finally free from the clutches of the triangle. Joining up with Thunder superstar and reigning MVP Russell Westbrook, it will be interesting to watch how the two interact on the court, and who takes the final shot when the game is on the line.
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