Even before the official start of the NBA’s free agency period, deals were being consummated in a hilarious disregard of the league’s anti-tampering rules. Kyrie Irving is reportedly headed to Brooklyn. Kemba Walker is reportedly on his way to the Celtics. Nikola Mirotic is straight up leaving the NBA (for a more lucrative contract in Spain.) All these moves will have an effect on subsequent signings, so let’s discuss some of the ripple effects of the early decisions…
• Boston using most of its cap space on Walker means it will have to turn its attention to filling the hole in the frontcourt created by Al Horford.