3 NBA teams that will shock the basketball world in 2024–25

1. Sacramento Kings

The most likely team to shock the basketball world next season, the Sacramento Kings had one of the league's best off-season's. Not only did Malik Monk return to the Kings on a 'hometown discount', but the Kings acquired DeMar DeRozan in a sign-and-trade, moving on from Harrison Barnes. DeRozan's contract (low to mid $20 million annually) is only a slight uptick from the money owed to Harrison Barnes (roughly $16 million annually).

A significantly better player, the Kings offense will be more potent outside of De'Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis with the addition of DeRozan. In 78 games last season, DeRozan averaged 24 points, four rebounds, and five assists, shooting 48 percent, 33 percent from three, and 85 percent from the free throw line. For comparison, Harrison Barnes averaged just over 12 points, three rebounds, and one assist per game last season.

Barnes' departure will hurt the Kings' perimeter spacing. However, another leap from Keegan Murray will dictate Sacramento's ascent atop the Western Conference. Keon Ellis' breakout 2023-24 season offers the Kings a promising two-way guard, while Kevin Huerter will hope to rebound from a disappointing second season in Sacramento. The team also drafted Providence guard Devin Carter with the thirteenth pick. A 'Swiss-army-knife' in college, Carter will add a new dimension to the Kings.

Surprises galore, a team is guaranteed to set the NBA world upside down next year. Some teams crumble when expectations come their way, while others rise to the occasion or even exceed those expectations. In the case of these three teams, they will be the 'needle movers' of next season.