5 NBA Storylines To Follow In 2019

At this point of last year, there weren't too many intriguing storylines to look forward to in the NBA. Everybody knew the Golden State Warriors would win the NBA Championship, and there weren't many big-named players hit free agency alongside LeBron James.

But this year promises to be something special. The 2019 free agent class could be the best in history. More blockbuster trades are surely on the way. There might even be a little more parity this year. Are we nearing the end of the Golden State Warriors' dynasty?

There are so many things to pay close attention to between now and July 1st. Here are the five top NBA storylines to follow closely in 2019.

5. Is This Finally Toronto's Year?

Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

The Toronto Raptors have been the biggest playoff disappointment over the last five years. Despite annual 50-plus win seasons, this team has only reached the Eastern Conference Finals once.

They set a franchise record with 59 wins last season, taking the top seed in the East. Of course, the Raptors were swept in the second round by the Cleveland Cavaliers - one of the worst squads LeBron James ever had to play with.

So a frustrated Masai Ujiri fired Dwane Casey and replaced him with Nick Nurse. He then traded franchise star DeMar DeRozan, forward Jakob Poeltl and a first-round pick to the San Antonio Spurs in exchange for Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green.

Lo and behold, the Raptors once again have the makings of a championship contender. They've been the top seed in the East for most of this season, despite a ton of injuries to key starters.

The Raptors have a bonafide franchise star in Leonard, an elite shutdown defender and 2014 NBA Finals MVP. Their offense keeps on rolling with Kyle Lowry and a strong bench unit. Is this the year they finally reach the NBA Finals for the first time in history? We said this last year, but this Raptors team is the best Toronto has ever had.

4. Draft Lottery Watch

Duke forward Zion Williamson and shooting guard R.J. Barrett are widely expected to go first and second in the 2019 NBA draft, respectively. Both are future franchise cornerstones, but who will be the lucky lottery winners?

The Cleveland Cavaliers, Phoenix Suns, New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks are far and away the five worst teams in the league, and all of them have a great shot of finishing with the worst record at season's end.

The tank watch will be something else here, assuming a pair of those five teams wind up with the first and second picks.

There is no clear-cut worst team in the NBA, and at least five teams here have a good chance of landing one of the two Duke prospects. Assuming it's two teams will see their fortunes change forever, while three will continue their long and painful rebuilding processes. Enjoy the tanking race, as teams try to secure great odds at both Williamson and Barrett.

3. Who's Joining LeBron In Laker Land?

LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers have surpassed expectations up to this point, and it's not crazy to believe they might reach the Western Conference Finals. The King is making the most out of a good-but-not-great roster, with Lonzo Ball and Kyle Kuzma providing ample scoring behind No. 23.

When James signed with the Lakers in the offseason, the belief was that team president Magic Johnson would supply him with more superstars in the near future. Who wouldn't want to play in a big market, on a historic team, alongside the best player in the world?

Kevin Durant, Anthony Davis and Damian Lillard have all been linked to joining James in Laker Land. The former would have to sign here, but the latter two could be acquired via trade.

It's safe to guess that at least one superstar will join the Lakers at some point in 2019. The only question is whom? Could Durant opt to join forces with a long-time nemesis? Will the Lakers find a way to acquire Davis or Lillard? So many potential candidates, but it's anybody's guess which star(s) Johnson will land to complement James.

2. Where Will The Top Free Agents Sign?

This year's top free agent could include the aforementioned Kevin Durant, Philadelphia 76ers guard Jimmy Butler, Toronto Raptors superstar Kawhi Leonard, Boston Celtics point guard Kyrie Irving and/or Golden State Warriors 'Splash Brother' Klay Thompson.

It's safe to say that Durant will at least hit the market and explore other opportunities, before opting to stay with the Warriors. There are no clear indications that Butler and Leonard will stay with their respective teams, as both have been linked to the bigger market LA Clippers.

Irving already gave a verbal commitment to Boston, but that means nothing until the paper meets the pen. And hey, the Warriors might have to lose Thompson if they retain Durant and re-sign Draymond Green long-term.

The Lakers, Clippers and New York Knicks are expected to be maor players in free agency. They are big market teams with so much cap space. Will these three teams add one or two superstars? Or will these free agents re-sign with their respective teams? Free agency 2019 is going to be fun, folks.

1. Beginning Of The End For Dubs' Dynasty?

We're not even at the halfway point of the regular season, but this is the worst the Golden State Warriors have looked since winning in the past five years. They're "only" 23-13, despite the four core players returning to full health.

Nobody needs a reminder that about the locker room confrontation Kevin Durant and Draymond Green had after a November road loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. The fight included expletive terms, and it got so out of hand that some believe Durant might leave Golden State in the offseason.

Keep in mind that Klay Thompson is also slated to hit free agency, while Green could be eligible for a five-year, $226 million super-max. As you can tell, the Dubs are going to have to lose at least one guy in free agency.

But before the Warriors think about that, they have to A) figure out their championship caliber form again and B) win a third consecutive title. There is absolutely no guarantee that they'll even reach the Finals, unless the offense regains its momentum very soon. And even if the Dubs win it all, will this be the end of their dynasty? Losing Durant in free agency would be a huge blow. They could even lose Green next year.

In short, don't be surprised if 2019 marks the final year the Warriors keep the 'core four' together, and if they've already won their last NBA Championship together. Greatness doesn't last forever, and 2019 could mark the final great year this unit has together.

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