It is time for our annual deep dive into what the championship series will mean for the legacies of many of its participants.

There was widespread skepticism during the 2024 offseason about the Cavaliers ' decision to continue moving forward with their four-player core of Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen, and Evan Mobley after the team struggled to get past the upstart Magic in round one of the playoffs and then was defeated soundly in round two by the eventual champion Celtics.

Tyrese Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams were all acquired in recent years following a 2007 deal involving Rashard Lewis.

Q: Does being in the East help us with getting Kevin Durant? Maybe the Suns don’t want KD in the West. Maybe KD wants the best chance to win and the East gives him that chance. It seems like the path would be easier in the next year being in the East. – Kristopher, Oceanside, Calif.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the best player in the series, but he might not be the most important player. There’s a difference.

The Suns are approaching a full-on rebuild. They tried the super team angle, and it didn't amount to anything. Phoenix is expected to lean into a full reset with a new head coach and with stars Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal likely to be on the move.

The Orlando Magic shocked the world on Sunday by executing a trade with the Memphis Grizzlies for Desmond Bane. To