A bunch of big-name players are rocking new jerseys in this 2024-25 season. Whether they were through trades or free agency, these moves have already had a huge impact on the league. Some players are thriving, like Karl-Anthony Towns with the Knicks, averaging 25.2 points and 13.0 rebounds. Others, like Paul George with the 76ers, are still adjusting to a rough start, with injuries and some inconsistency. Klay Thompson is also getting used to a new vibe with the Mavs, contributing 13.2 points but struggling with efficiency. Let’s take a look at how these guys are performing so far and what their stats say about their transitions.

Karl-Anthony Towns

Karl-Anthony Towns has been doing his thing for the Knicks this season. Since coming over from the Timberwolves, he's been putting up some solid numbers: 25.1 points, 13.1 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game. His shooting has been impressive, hitting 52.8% from the field and 45.2% from deep, giving New York a reliable offensive weapon that can stretch the floor. Towns' ability to score from multiple areas, whether it's in the post, mid-range, or from beyond the arc, has been crucial for the Knicks' attack.

That said, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. While Towns has been putting up great numbers on offense, his defense has still been a bit of a question mark. His defensive stats aren't too flashy, and he’s been inconsistent on that end of the floor. He’s not the rim protector many expected him to be, and while he’s capable of holding his own in the post, he’s struggled a bit in pick-and-roll situations and with defending quicker, smaller players. The Knicks have worked hard to make him more versatile defensively, but it’s still clear that this is an area that could use improvement.

As for the Knicks, they’re currently sitting at 13-8, which is 4th in the Eastern Conference. Towns has been a big reason for their success this season, but his fit still feels like it’s a work in progress. He’s been excellent on offense, but it’s going to take some time for him to fully mesh with the team’s defensive-first system under Tom Thibodeau. If he can improve on defense and stay efficient on offense, the Knicks could be in for a deep run.

Grade: A-

Paul George

Paul George’s 2024-25 season with the Philadelphia 76ers has been an absolute rollercoaster. After moving from the Clippers to Philly, it looked like PG could still be a strong contributor for a team in contention, but instead, he’s been battling injuries and inconsistency, both of which have plagued his season so far. Through the first few weeks, George has averaged 15.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game, shooting a rough 40.7% from the field and an even worse 33.8% from three.

But that’s not the worst of it. George’s injuries have seriously hindered his impact. He suffered a hyperextension in his left knee during the preseason, which caused him to miss the first few games of the season. He came back on November 4th, only to be hit with another setback on November 20th. In that game against the Memphis Grizzlies, George injured the same left leg again, leaving the court with noticeable discomfort. While he performed great with 29 points against the Hornets last game, this recurring issue is definitely raising red flags about his long-term health.

In the few games he’s been able to play, George has shown flashes of his usual defense, even averaging 2.1 steals per game, but his shooting has been abysmal. He just hasn’t been able to find a rhythm with Philly’s offense, and the team as a whole has struggled mightily, sitting at a terrible 5-14 record as of early December. George’s role alongside Joel Embiid has been shaky, and his ability to create shots efficiently has been a real issue. If he can’t stay healthy and get back to playing at a high level, this season could easily be written off as a disaster for both him and the 76ers.

Right now, it feels like Paul George’s move to Philly has been a huge disappointment. The injuries, combined with the lack of cohesion with his new team, have been a major setback. Unless he can bounce back and find consistency, both individually and as part of Philly’s offense, it’s hard to see a positive outcome in the immediate future.

Grade: D

Klay Thompson

After making the move to the Dallas Mavericks in the offseason, Klay Thompson has been an interesting piece of the puzzle alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. In 17 games, Klay is putting up 12.7 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game. The shooting has been a bit off compared to his prime days with Golden State—38% from the field and 36% from three-point range. This is a noticeable dip, especially for a guy who's known for his "Splash Brother" status.

Still, it’s not all bad. The Mavericks are sitting at 14-8, which is decent, and Thompson’s ability to stretch the floor and provide some veteran leadership alongside Luka and Kyrie is valuable. He’s had moments where he’s looked like his old self—like that 22-point game back in November where he hit 50% of his threes in his return to Golden State. But then there are other games where he can go quiet, like a recent outing against the Nuggets where he missed all eight of his shots and didn’t score a point.

For Dallas, Klay's still a key figure in their rotation, but it's clear he’s not the same player he once was. If he can find consistency, he could be the missing link the Mavs need to go deep in the playoffs. But for now, he’s kind of floating between flashes of brilliance and frustrating off-nights.

He’s been solid but not spectacular. Klay’s got to find more consistency if the Mavericks want to make a real playoff push this season.

Grade: C+

Russell Westbrook

Russell Westbrook’s role with the Denver Nuggets has been pretty interesting so far this season. After a summer move to Denver, he's been putting up 11.7 points, 6.0 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game in 19 contests. Not exactly the Westbrook of old, but he’s definitely been an important piece coming off the bench. His shooting is still a bit up and down—38.5% from the field and 36.1% from three—but that’s been his game for a while now. What matters most, though, is what he brings to the Nuggets when Nikola Jokic isn’t on the floor.

Denver has had some struggles early on, sitting at 11-8, but Westbrook’s been a big help during games where Jokic has been missing. When the MVP is out, Westbrook steps up as a primary ball handler and playmaker, and that’s really where he’s been valuable. He had a huge triple-double against the Memphis Grizzlies recently, showing he still has that ability to take over a game when needed. That’s the kind of flash that makes you remember why he was once an MVP.

That said, Westbrook's still a bit inconsistent. There are nights where he's been on fire, and others where he can’t hit anything. The Nuggets have been trying to get that right balance, and while Russ is contributing, he’s not always the most efficient. Still, when Jokic is in the game, Westbrook's ability to stay active and make plays for others—whether it’s pushing the pace or setting up teammates—is a big plus. Denver needs him to keep providing that spark when Jokic rests, and if he can do that more consistently, it’ll make the Nuggets a tougher team overall.

Grade: B-

DeMar DeRozan

DeMar DeRozan made a big move to the Kings this past summer, joining them in a sign-and-trade deal with the Chicago Bulls. The Kings were looking to add a veteran scorer to their mix, especially to help De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis. They sent a package of players and draft picks to Chicago to bring DeRozan aboard, hoping his experience and scoring could give them the extra push they need.

So far, DeRozan has been solid for the Kings. In 17 games, he’s putting up 22.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game. His shooting has been efficient, hitting 46.2% of his shots from the field and 27% from three. While he’s not the biggest three-point threat, his mid-range game and ability to get to the basket still make him a dangerous scorer.

The Kings’ record isn’t where they’d like it to be, sitting at 10-12, but DeRozan has been one of the few bright spots in an otherwise inconsistent season. He’s been a steady presence, especially in close games, and his leadership has helped guide the younger guys through some tough moments.

DeRozan signed a three-year, 74 million dollar deal with the Kings, with a player option for the third year. The deal was part of the sign-and-trade, and it gives DeRozan flexibility depending on how the season and the team’s direction play out.

Grade: B

Chris Paul

Chris Paul landing with the Spurs this offseason wasn’t something anyone saw coming, but it’s turned out to be a pretty solid move. After getting waived by the Warriors, San Antonio signed him to a one-year, $11 million deal. The idea was simple: bring in a veteran to guide the young guys—especially Victor Wembanyama—and add some structure to a team that’s still figuring itself out.

In 21 games so far, CP3 has been doing what he does best—running the show. He’s averaging 10.3 points, 8.2 assists, and 3.7 rebounds, while shooting 43.5% from the field and 36% from deep. The scoring’s not what it used to be, but his playmaking is still elite, and he’s been the calming presence this young squad needed.

The Spurs are sitting at 11-9, 10th in the Western Conference. It’s not a bad spot for a team in rebuild mode, and Paul’s leadership has definitely helped them stay competitive. He’s been a huge influence on Wembanyama, making sure the rookie gets comfortable in the NBA, and he’s been keeping the offense running smoothly when things get chaotic.

Chris Paul’s not the superstar he once was, but he’s been exactly what the Spurs needed—a vet who knows how to keep things under control. His numbers don’t jump off the page, but his impact on and off the court has been huge for this team. It’s not flashy, but it works.

Grade: B

San Antonio Spurs Were "Uncertain" About Chris Paul's Leadership

Read More

San Antonio Spurs Were "Uncertain" About Chris Paul's Leadership

Read More

Julius Randle

Julius Randle's offseason move to the Timberwolves was supposed to be a game-changer, bringing his scoring prowess to complement Anthony Edwards. But so far, it's been a bumpy ride. In 20 games, Randle's putting up decent numbers—21.0 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game with shooting splits of 50% from the field and 44% from three. On paper, that looks solid, but the team's chemistry tells a different story.

The Timberwolves are sitting at 10-10, 11th in the Western Conference, which is underwhelming for a squad with playoff aspirations. Randle's fit alongside Rudy Gobert has been particularly problematic. There was a notable incident where Randle ignored Gobert's calls for the ball, leading to a three-second violation and visible frustration from teammates like Anthony Edwards. These on-court tensions highlight the awkward fit between Randle and Gobert, as both players operate best in similar areas, causing spacing issues and disrupting offensive flow.

The trade that brought Randle to Minnesota, sending Karl-Anthony Towns to the Knicks, was meant to shake things up. However, questions have been raised about team dynamics and whether Randle's style meshes with the existing roster. His tendency to dominate the ball has sometimes stalled the offense, and his defensive lapses haven't helped a team already struggling on that end.

While Randle's individual stats are respectable, his integration into the Timberwolves has been far from seamless. The lack of cohesion and ongoing chemistry issues suggest that this partnership isn't clicking as hoped. If things don't improve, the Timberwolves might need to reconsider their roster construction to find a better balance.

Grade: C-

Mikal Bridges

Mikal Bridges joining the Knicks this offseason was a pretty big move. The team made a splash by trading with the Nets to get him, bringing in a versatile wing who could lock down on defense and provide some scoring. On top of that, it was all about the Villanova reunion, pairing him back up with Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart. The Knicks gave up a lot—players and a boatload of picks—to make it happen, so expectations were high.

So far, Bridges has been... okay. In 21 games, he’s averaging 16.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.2 assists while shooting 47.2% from the field. The three-point shot hasn’t been falling like it usually does (just 33%), but he’s still finding ways to contribute. Defensively, though? It hasn’t been as dominant as advertised. The Knicks as a team have been struggling on defense, ranked 22nd in defensive efficiency, and Bridges hasn’t been able to completely turn that around. There have been flashes—like when he locked down the Bucks’ stars in a win—but overall, he’s not making the same defensive impact we’re used to seeing from him.

The Knicks are sitting at 12-8, which is a solid start, and Bridges has had some big moments. The highlight? That fresh 31-point explosion against the Pelicans where he drained seven threes and looked like the offensive threat the Knicks need him to be. But between the shaky defense and inconsistent shooting, he’s still finding his groove in New York.

Bridges has been a decent fit so far, but there’s room for improvement, especially on defense where he was expected to shine. He’s been a reliable presence, but he hasn’t fully lived up to the hype yet. If he can lock back in on defense and get more consistent on offense, he’ll be a real difference-maker for this team. For now, he’s good, but there’s another level he needs to hit.

Grade: B

Alex Caruso

Alex Caruso joining the Thunder this summer was one of those trades that made everyone do a double take. The Thunder sent Josh Giddey and some picks to the Bulls to bring in Caruso, a move that definitely raised a few eyebrows. Giddey was a big part of their young core, but the Thunder clearly wanted to add some grit and defensive intensity, and that’s where Caruso shines.

So far, Caruso’s been doing his thing as a role player. In 13 games, he’s putting up 5.0 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in about 20 minutes per game. Yeah, those numbers don’t pop, but that’s not what he’s here for. He’s been a defensive menace, locking down opposing guards, forcing turnovers, and bringing that trademark hustle every single night. His shooting? Not great—just 35.6% from the field and 30% from three—but again, defense is his calling card.

The Thunder are sitting pretty with a 16-5 record, leading the Western Conference, and Caruso’s been a big part of their defensive success. He’s letting Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren do their thing on offense while focusing on making life miserable for whoever he’s guarding. It’s not flashy, but it’s effective.

Caruso’s been solid in his role, but trading Giddey for him is still a tough pill to swallow. He’s doing exactly what he was brought in to do—defend, hustle, and make the Thunder tougher—but for a team with championship aspirations, his limited offense could be an issue down the road. For now, though, he’s helping the Thunder win games, and that’s what matters.

Grade: C+

Buddy Hield

Buddy Hield joining the Warriors this offseason felt like a perfect match. The Dubs pulled off a sign-and-trade with the Sixers to bring him in, filling the hole left by Klay Thompson’s departure. The Warriors locked him up with a multi-year deal worth $21 million over the first two years, betting big on his ability to light it up from deep.

And so far, Buddy’s been doing what he does best—getting buckets. Through 20 games, he’s averaging 14.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists while shooting an insane 43.8% from three. His shooting has opened up the floor for Steph Curry to cook, and defenses are having a hard time keeping up with the firepower on this squad.

The Warriors are sitting at 12-8, 4th in the Western Conference, and Hield’s been a huge part of their early success. He’s had some big moments already, like dropping 22 points in just 15 minutes during the season opener and going off for 27 points against the Jazz, draining six threes in one half. He’s not just fitting in—he’s thriving.

Off the court, Buddy’s transition has been smooth as butter. He fits right into the Warriors' system and culture, and the fans have embraced him. While his defense isn’t anything to write home about, his shooting and spacing have been exactly what this team needed.

Buddy Hield has exceeded expectations, providing the Warriors with elite shooting and fitting seamlessly into their system. His performance has been pivotal in the team's early success, making the acquisition appear to be a strategic masterstroke. As the season progresses, maintaining this level of play will be crucial for the Warriors' aspirations.

Grade: A-

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope came to the Magic this offseason on a three-year, $66 million deal, and the idea was simple: add shooting, defense, and veteran leadership to a young and talented squad. The problem? KCP has been seriously underwhelming so far. Offensively, he’s been almost invisible, and his shooting has been a major letdown.

In 22 games, KCP is averaging just 8.6 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.8 assists while shooting a rough 31% from deep and 41.1% overall. For someone brought in to be a reliable floor spacer, those numbers are way below what the Magic need. With guys like Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero creating opportunities, KCP should be thriving as a catch-and-shoot option. Instead, he’s been a non-factor most nights, which is frustrating for a team with playoff aspirations.

To his credit, his defense is still solid, but that’s not enough to justify the contract or his role. The Magic have started strong with a 15-8 record, but it’s been more about their young core stepping up than anything KCP has done. If Orlando wants to keep this momentum and make noise in the playoffs, they’re going to need more out of him on both ends.

Grade: C-

Josh Giddey

Josh Giddey’s trade to the Bulls this offseason raised a few eyebrows, especially since he was such a big part of the Thunder’s young core. But the Bulls saw an opportunity to add a versatile playmaker to their roster, and Giddey’s been solid—just not spectacular—so far this season. He’s averaging 12.1 points, 6.9 assists, and 6.3 rebounds in 22 games, showing off the all-around game that made him so intriguing in OKC.

But the Bulls haven’t exactly been lighting it up. At 9-13, they’re stuck in the middle of the pack, sitting 9th in the Eastern Conference. Giddey’s playmaking has been a bright spot, and his ability to create for teammates has been a big help for guys like Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic. But his scoring efficiency has been inconsistent, and his lack of a reliable jumper is still holding him back.

Defensively, Giddey has struggled to keep up with quicker guards, which has added to Chicago’s problems on that end. The Bulls brought him in to be a key piece of their rebuild, but so far, it feels like he’s still finding his place on a team that’s trying to figure out its identity.

Giddey’s doing a little bit of everything, but the Bulls need more from him if they’re going to climb out of the bottom half of the East. He’s young, so there’s room to grow, but right now, his impact has been more steady than game-changing.

Grade: B-

Tobias Harris

Tobias Harris landing in Detroit was supposed to give the Pistons a steady veteran presence and some offensive firepower. Instead, it’s been a mixed bag. Through 22 games, Harris is averaging 13.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 2.5 assists—not bad on paper, but the efficiency has been rough. He’s shooting just 44% from the field and a brutal 31% from three. For a guy whose role is to space the floor and knock down shots, those numbers aren’t cutting it.

The Pistons, surprisingly, haven’t been awful. At 9-13, they’re hanging around the playoff race in the East, and young players like Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey are stepping up. But Harris? He’s been more of a passenger than a driver. His lack of consistency has made him feel like a weak link on a team that’s trying to build something. Sure, he’s grabbing rebounds and doing some little things, but for someone on a hefty contract, you need more than just "decent."

Defensively, Harris has been passable, but he’s not doing anything to make up for his offensive struggles. The Pistons didn’t bring him in to play mediocre ball—they need him to be a guy who can step up in tight games, and that hasn’t been the case.

Harris has been underwhelming, plain and simple. The Pistons aren’t sinking because of him, but he’s not helping them rise either. Unless he finds his shooting touch soon, this could go down as a wasted season for a player who should be doing much more.

Grade: C

Tyus Jones

Tyus Jones signing with the Suns on a one-year, $3.3 million deal might be the biggest steal of the offseason. The Suns desperately needed a point guard to replace Chris Paul, and Jones has stepped in like he’s been there for years. He’s averaging 11.7 points, 7.1 assists, and 2.6 rebounds in 20 games, while knocking down 39% of his threes. That’s exactly what the team needed.

The Suns are sitting at 12-8, and Jones deserves a lot of credit for keeping their offense steady. His playmaking has taken the pressure off Devin Booker and Kevin Durant, letting them focus on doing what they do best—scoring. He’s not flashy, but he’s efficient, makes smart decisions, and keeps things running smoothly.

Considering his contract is basically a bargain-bin deal, Jones has been an absolute gem. He’s given the Suns stability at the point guard spot without breaking the bank, and it’s hard to ask for more than that.

Grade: B+

Jonas Valanciunas

Jonas Valanciunas joined the Wizards this offseason in a sign-and-trade deal with the Pelicans, locking in a three-year, $30 million deal. The Wizards brought him in to add some toughness and experience to their frontcourt, and while he’s been solid, the team around him has been a complete mess.

In 20 games this season, Valanciunas is averaging 12.1 points and 7.7 rebounds while shooting 58% from the field. He’s doing what he always does—scoring efficiently in the paint, crashing the boards, and providing a steady presence. The Wizards are sitting at an awful 2-17, and it’s clear Valanciunas’ efforts haven’t been enough to make a real impact in the win column.

There’s already chatter about him being on the move, with playoff teams looking to snag him for his rebounding and post play. Honestly, it makes sense—Valanciunas is too good to be stuck on a team that’s barely scraping by. He’s the kind of guy who could be a real difference-maker for a contender.

Valanciunas has been reliable as always, but he’s stuck in a bad situation. If the Wizards don’t turn it around, don’t be surprised if he’s wearing a different jersey by the trade deadline.

Grade: B

How The Washington Wizards Became Stuck Without Any Progress In The Last 5 Years

Read More

How The Washington Wizards Became Stuck Without Any Progress In The Last 5 Years

Read More