The Spurs Way endures...toward a 10th title run.

With too many bombshells to list here, the NBA had arguably its wildest off-season and more moves could still happen before this season officially kicks off on opening night. Tirades about tampering, abolishing the moratorium, every sports air wave sizzling with rumors, speculation, debate, predictions, even rants on players reneging on verbal contract agreements, never mind a WOJ Bomb here, a WOJ Bomb there (https://twitter.com/@wojespn). It was madness!

Kevin Durant & Kyrie Irving shocked the NBA world.

All this and more provided an extra oomph to the typical exciting NBA summer (#SummerLeague), as rookies adjust to a new lifestyle (#ZionWilliamson) and superstar free agents like Kevin Durant (#BrooklynNets) being fitted into a new team jersey on NBA Media Day, even if it ultimately means rehabbing a severe injury (#KlayThompson).

The Highlights: The Lonzo Ball era is over in LA, as the Lakers have signed just about twenty-five free agents with the money left behind by new-look Clipper Kawhi Leonard, including Demarcus Cousins and Danny Green. Russell Westbrook will be "rocketing" his way to the rim now, and who knows how long Chris Paul will even be in OKC (or the Thunder, for that matter...), but it looks like Jimmy Butler is loving the #Heat of Miami Beach. Al Horford joined Boston's rival, the 76ers and Kemba Walker looks to lead Boston with Kyrie Irving gone.

Jimmy Butler is the new Alpha, sans D-Wade in Miami.

Meanwhile, the Heat no longer have that Hassan Whiteside problem, nor do the Grizzlies have to deal with Chandler Parsons anymore. Nobody really knows what the Knicks are doing, but they signed several power forwards like versatile Julius Randle.

Speaking of former Lakers, D'Angelo Russell is now back in Cali, but as a Golden State Warrior(s) as they move into a new arena across the bay. The Clippers continue to fight for their own stadium in LA, Damian Lillard will be a Trail Blazer forever it seems after signing an extension, and the Jazz now have Mike Conley to pair with sensational scorer Donovan Mitchell instead of Ricky Rubio.

Conley aims to contend in Utah, while the Grizzlies rebuild.

Getting closer to the point here, Giannis "MVP" Antetokounmpo quieted a celebratory crowd in downtown Milwaukee, pledging to win a championship next and refusing to be satisfied just yet. The crowd in attendance replied to the MVP, upon being asked for suggestions on improvements he could make on the court.

"Free throws," one man screamed. "Three-pointers," a woman yelled. "We love you," another man shouted. The "Greek Freak" laughed and nodded through all the responses.

Uncertainty still lingers in San Antonio with Kawhi gone.

Brandon Ingram showed flashes of being able to lead the Spurs into the post-Kawhi Leonard era, but was not without fault or doubtful critics.



"Newsflash: He's not Kawhi Leonard, people. Brandon is his own man, and he's just now entering his fourth season as an NBA player. He accomplished a lot last season with us here in San Antonio. We're grateful to have him. He's a champion, now. No one will ever take that from him. I'm excited to see his development this season, just like I had the privilege to see Timmy, Tony, Manu emerge and watch them execute on the court, and even Kawhi Leonard--here in San Antonio."

Brandon Ingram will remain a Spur.

Coach Pop & R.C. Buford have reached a 3 year, 54 million contract with Ingram, committing to the former Duke star's development. Having suffered through the Kawhi-ghtmare last summer, it was reported that the Spurs did not want to wait until Ingram became a restricted free agent with the possibility of another team offering a full max contract, or to have financial implications be a media-friendly distraction for the upcoming season.

Rather, the Spurs organization and coaching staff wants to make it abundantly clear to Ingram that he is valued in San Antonio and that his development is at the forefront of the Spurs team vision.

Should all go perfectly, Ingram would be due for a larger payday on his next contract, per the league and players union's current collective bargaining agreement. Should Ingram's development falter or plateau, it also gives the Spurs flexibility to pursue a trade, or not be faced with a full-length 5-year contract. Blood clot concerns were a factor, per reports, as Ingram needed surgery in his final season as a Laker for a blood clot in his arm. It was revealed, prior to the trade with San Antonio, that the blood clot was a structural complication to a shoulder injury, not medical in origin (#ChrisBosh) and therefore not as devastating to his career. "Man, it feels terrific to be a champion. Words can't express how great it feels. I'm excited for the new season, to keep developing my game, and I'm thankful to the Spurs organization for supporting my future growth here."