The Warrior’s ship was a catalyst for the several dramatic changes in the 2017 summer, every team wants another star player to give the Warriors’ super team some more competition. When the same two teams compete in the finals for three years in a row, trades are a must.

Dwyane Wade to Cavs: After a pretty upsetting season for the Bulls last year, both Jimmy Butler and Dwyane Wade have been traded for the upcoming season. Butler was traded to the Timberwolves, and no one really expected Wade to stay in Chicago, it was clear that his term in Chicago was more of an interim move in the first place. So, what will Wade bring to the Cavs? The reuniting of LeBron James and Wade is pivotal. Injuries will likely be a huge drawback for the Cavs this year, Isaiah Thomas’ hip injury could possibly keep him off the court till January and Kevin Love’s shoulder held him back in the previous season, and not to mention that LeBron has sat out for three preseason games in a row. How will Wade help the team when he struggled with a fractured elbow and knee injuries last season? After Kyrie made his unhappiness as James’ right-hand-man public, the Cavs needed a strong secondary role for James if the team wants to hold their own in the postseason- that’s what this is all about right? The ring? With a potential super team in Cleveland consisting of Wade, Derrick Rose, Isaiah Thomas, James and Kevin Love, it is crucial that these new players bring their all to the table, that is, if they want to hold their own against the Warriors, and if they want to make their 4th straight finals appearance.

Kyrie Irving to Celtics: After losing in the finals series 4-1 against the Golden State Warriors in the 2016-17 season, Cleveland Cavaliers’ point guard Kyrie Irving requested a trade for the upcoming season. Irving will be joining former Utah Jazz small forward Gordon Hayward to play for the Boston Celtics for the 2017-18 season. Why would the strongest teams in the Eastern Conference trade after the notable five game conference final in the 2016-17 season? It is fair to say that Kyrie was tired of being number two (both on and off the court). So, how will this trade affect conference competition? It won’t. Trading Isaiah Thomas for Kyrie will keep competition pretty stagnant in the East, unless Kyrie becomes the “true point guard” that he is chasing, I wouldn’t expect anything dramatic as far as rivalries go (that is, besides the inevitable awkward tensions).

Chris Paul to Rockets: The LA Clippers trade Chris Paul to the Houston Rockets for Patrick Beverley, Lou Williams, Sam Dekker, Montrezl Harrell, Darrun Hilliard, DeAndre Liggins, Kyle Wiltjer and a first round pick for next year. What makes this trade so important? Harden and Paul are both at their peak, and together the duo could give the Warriors more conference competition. Paul is the epitome of a well-rounded point guard and is an ideal leader, but what position does that put Harden in? Because of Harden’s excellent shot from the three and dominating assists, and lack of another strong ball handler, Harden was put at the point last season, but with Paul coming into the picture, we can expect to see some position changes. In the conference finals against the San Antonio Spurs last season, Harden was clearly worn out by the end of the series, resulting in the loss, but with another guard in the picture, there will always be at least one hall of fame point guard on the court at all times. The pressure of facilitating the game no longer falls onto just one person, this will be vital for the Rockets this upcoming season.

Paul George to Thunder: Oklahoma City acquired two new components, Carmelo Anthony and Paul George, to accompany Russell Westbrook, the reigning MVP, for the upcoming season. Westbrook basically carried the Thunder last season, landing them a spot in the playoffs, but falling short to the Rockets in the first round. The Eastern Conference was notably not competitive last year, and with Paul George leaving the Pacers, the lack of competition for  Cleveland will only escalate. On the other hand, the Western Conference will likely see the same teams in the playoffs this season, but with some potentially different outcomes. The Warriors winning is no longer a given when teams like the Rockets and Thunder are gearing up, so there is a possibility for new division and conference champs.