The dust has settled on the NBA Draft this year. That means that the turbulent trade and free agency season has begun, promising to shake up the foundations of the NBA for next season. With a plethora of trades already made and a number of free agents finding a home for season 2023/24, there is no doubt more to come.
Outside the league itself, some of the most heavily affected parties in the trade season are the video games that are set to be released next. This year, NBA 2K24 is expected to be released in early September, and will no doubt feature teams that are a stark contrast to the squad of their predecessor. Across the free agency and within teams shopping for new talent, here are some players that will significantly alter a team's overall rating for NBA 2K24.
5 Brook Lopez
Despite being past his peak age, 35-year-old Brook Lopez is still asserting himself as a valuable asset to any team. After playing almost every game for the Milwaukee Bucks, who finished atop the Eastern Conference last season, the big man now sets his sights on new pastures in the free agency. Even at 35, Lopez is still improving on multiple aspects of his game and has established himself as one of the league's top shot blockers last season.
Lopez brings toughness, size, and some of the best defense seen in the Center position, which will be welcomed in any franchise, including interested teams like the Houston Rockets. Should he decide to take his services elsewhere, expect that this will have a slight impact on how the Milwaukee Bucks are rated in the next game, as well as Lopez providing a significant boost to whoever acquires his signature for NBA 2K24.
4 Kristaps Porzingis
Affectionately dubbed the "Unicorn" by All-Star Kevin Durant on account of his length, rim protection, and shooting ability, Kristaps Porzingis' recent trade from the Washington Wizards to the Boston Celtics will have major implications on both teams in NBA 2K24. While this is a great pickup and will likely nudge Boston further up in rating, his former club will be feeling the effects of his absence.
Washington appears to be planning a major rebuild after parting ways with Porzingis and their franchise player Bradley Beal. Their team's success seems to be in the hands of the re-signed Kyle Kuzma and recent acquisition Jordan Poole. However, after a stellar season with the Wizards, Porzingis' absence will no doubt be felt as perhaps their biggest contributor on both ends of the court. Unfortunately for Wizards fans, it is expected that the team they field in NBA 2K24 won't stand as tall as their previous in-game lineups.
3 Bradley Beal
It's a tough pill to swallow for Washington Wizards fans, but Bradley Beal has played his last game in red, white, and blue colors for the capital city. After nearly 700 games as a Wizard, Beal takes his services to Arizona to bolster the powerhouse Phoenix Suns alongside Devin Booker and Kevin Durant.
Beal replaces the Suns' former guard Chris Paul, who now joins the Golden State Warriors, and will likely mean a slight boost in Phoenix's overall rating. While Paul is no pushover and is certainly still one of the league's best playmakers, Beal's ball-handling and scoring will contribute more efficiently as the Suns chase the elusive championship they so desperately desire.
In the context of NBA 2K24, the greatest impact that Bradley Beal will have on team ratings will be with his former club. The loss of their two best scorers, Beal and Porzingis, will no doubt have a huge impact on how their expected performance will be evaluated for next season. With two big holes to fill in their starting lineup, the Wizards' team rating is expected to plummet without Beal.
2 Fred VanVleet
The time is upon the Houston Rockets to take their very young core and $60+ million of cap space, and create a team worthy of the league's respect. After a lack luster season that saw them finish with a 22-60 record, tied with the last-placed San Antonio Spurs, it was clear that the young squad needed some experience to help steer the ship. Cue Fred VanVleet.
The fan-favorite Toronto Raptors guard has agreed to join the Houston franchise, bringing 6 seasons of experience that saw him win a championship and be selected in the All-Star team in 2021. VanVleet's acquisition is a great step in the right direction as they bring in a playmaker, scorer and locker room leader, which should reflect in a better rating for the Rockets. Houston fans can rejoice, as their NBA 2K24 team is already looking stronger than it has in years.
1 James Harden
Every eye in the league is trained on James Harden this off-season, as it appears the multiple-time All-Star may be ready to explore other teams in his bid for a championship ring. After making his intentions clear to the 76ers front office, several teams have expressed their interest in the guard. With the Los Angeles Clippers the front-runners and the likes of the New York Knicks and Miami Heat not far behind, his involvement in any new team will call for big changes in team ratings.
The 76ers will want to get value for their money if they are to part ways with Harden, as he was a key component to the success of the Philadelphia squad alongside the reigning MVP Joel Embiid. If the 76ers lose Harden, expect that Philadelphia's team rating will drop unless they find another guard of his caliber. For the Clippers, Knicks, and Heat, the acquisition of Harden would guarantee them a significantly higher rating in NBA 2K24.
NBA 2K24 is currently in development and is expected to be released in early September 2023.