THE SURPRISES
LaMarcus Aldridge being so determined to leave the Blazers - One of the truly surprising developments leading up to the free agency period was the decision of Aldridge to leave the Blazers, no matter what. He isn't even giving them a chance to make an offer first. He just moved on to setting up talks with new teams. My guess is Aldridge did not like the perception that the Blazers are Lillard's team, so he's out there looking for a team to be "his". And this is a team that made strong playoff runs the last two years, with Aldridge loggin in back to back 40 point games last year against a strong Rockets team.
Greg Monroe unwanted by the Pistons - Really? A young, strong, skilled center who averaged 15.9 points and 10.2 rebounds is someone the Pistons doesn't want? Either they know something I don't (which is extremely possible) or Stan Van Gundy has lost his mind. If he really is a misfit int he system Van Gundy wants to install, then do a sign and trade, get a good stretch four like Ryan Anderson for him. If they just let Monroe walk away and sign with (heaven forbid) the New York Knicks, the Pistons will be kicking themselves all season long, especially after Melo and Monroe kick the Pistons' butts over and over again.
THE NOT-SO SURPRISES
Lebron James/Kevin Love opting out - Sure, Lebron James is a free agent. So is Kevin Love. But both are reported to have opted out only to jack up their asking price, and are both set to return to the Cavs. Which doesn't surprise me at all, considering the late season and post season success the Cavs enjoyed. They were literally 3 injuries away (Love, Irving, Shumpert) from being this year's NBA champs. Being that close to championship must have whetted both James' and Love's appetites so much that they are willing to endure each other for another year.
Marc Gasol staying in Memphis - The big Spanish dude didn't even schedule a talk to any team not named the Grizzlies. When you have a player that committed, not to mention that good, you give him what he wants. Gasol knows he'll get what he wants (which may not be necessarily a max contract but pretty darn close) and the Grizzlies would be smart to give it to him.
THE RIDICULOUS
DeMarcus Cousins to the Lakers - Come on. The Lakers have no pieces that could possibly swing a DMC trade (not unless Byron Scott has photos of a naked Vlade Divac). Before the trade, Julius Randle, Jordan Clarkson and the #2 pick was being bandied about. That's not even close to being remotely sane. You do not trade your best player, who is an All Star, and is the best center in the league for 3 unproven young players. If you do, then you better be the frickin' owner, because if you're not, you'rre gonna get fired by the frickin' owner.
Jeremy Lin going to to New York - While some may think the world runs on poetic justice, the fact of the matter is there's an infinitesimal chance that Lin goes back to New York, and that's because of Carmelo Anthony. Anthony will never let talks of Linsanity live again and Lin going to the Knicks would most definitely do that. Lin may also be reluctant to play on a team with Melo on it, after the jersey controversy from last year. Lastly, Lin and Melo's paying style do not complement one another, and if you have to choose who you prioritize, you choose Melo. He's clearly the superior player so he gets to dictate the playing style. He knows that, Lin knows that, and Lin will be reluctant to embrace a role he knows will set him up for failure.
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