Derrick Rose
2018-19 stats: 18.0 PPG, 4.3 APG, 2.7 RPG, 37.0-percent from 3-point range, 48.2-percent from the field
Career stats: 18.8 PPG, 5.6 APG, 3.5 RPG, 30.4-percent from 3-point range, 45.3-percent from the field
Rose enjoyed a bit of a renaissance this past season. The Chicago native has completely revamped his game from his past as an athletic dynamo. Rose shot a career high 37 percent from three this past season. Duly, he became much more proficient as it pertains to taking care of the ball (1.6 TO/game this past year — second-best mark for his career).
Rose still struggles to stay on the floor — though this newfound tweaking to his basketball life should enable him to stay relatively healthy. Rose will help a contender as a cheap scoring option off the bench.
Prediction: Signs with Philadelphia 76ers
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Jonas Valanciunas
2018-19 stats: 15.6 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 1.1 BPG, 55.9-percent from the field
Career stats: 12.1 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 1.0 BPG, 55.8-percent from the field
Valanciunas was a victim of Masai Ujiri’s efforts to bolster Toronto’s roster with more of a veteran presence (Marc Gasol). Considering he’s a bit of a plodding big man, the Lithuanian big man likely won’t have a robust market. He did play well with Memphis this past year. In a low-pressure situation, this should continue.
Prediction: Re-signs with Memphis Grizzlies
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Kelly Oubre Jr.
2018-19 stats: 15.2 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 1.2 APG, 32.0-percent from 3-point range, 44.5-percent from the field
Career stats: 9.4 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 0.8 APG, 32.1-percent from 3-point range, 42.4-percent from the field
Oubre Jr. is a polarizing prospect. Some love his tools, while others are driven crazy by a lack of consistency on both ends of the floor. It could take the right coach and the right situation to extract the best version of Oubre Jr. Phoenix has the ability to match any contract offer given by another team. Expect them to do so, thus retaining Oubre Jr. as another member of its budding core.
Prediction: Re-signs with Phoenix Suns
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Ricky Rubio
2018-19 stats: 12.7 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 6.1 APG, 40.4-percent from the field, 31.1-percent from 3-point range
Career stats: 11.1 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 7.7 APG, 38.8-percent from the field, 32.2-percent from 3-point range
Rubio’s tenure in Utah appears to be done. It’s not that Rubio isn’t a valuable player. He can facilitate quite well, and does have some of the quickest hands in the league as it pertains to swiping the ball from offensive players. His inability to stretch the floor does hurt his team’s ability to win at the highest level though. However, one could do a lot worse than signing Rubio as a spot-starter/lead guard off the bench.
Prediction: Signs with Chicago Bulls
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Marcus Morris
2018-19 stats: 13.9 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 1.5 APG, 44.7-percent from the field, 37.5-percent from 3-point range
Career stats: 11.5 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 1.5 APG, 43.1-percent from the field, 36.0-percent from 3-point range
Morris is an interesting player. The Philly native was one of Boston’s most consistent players this past year. He can guard both forward spots, and can also spread the floor from beyond the arc. The Lakers are linked to him (especially since he’s a Klutch client). However, the fit isn’t overly clean with Kyle Kuzma and LeBron James manning the four spot. With a ton of money to spend, look for the Knicks to pounce.
Prediction: Signs with New York Knicks
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DeAndre Jordan
2018-19 stats: 11.0 PPG, 13.1 RPG, 1.1 BPG, 64.1-percent from the field
Career stats: 9.6 PPG, 10.9 RPG, 1.6 BPG, 67.0-percent from the field
We really don’t know what Jordan’s market will be at this current point in time. As the playoffs showed, most teams downsize in order to increase quickness and versatility on the floor. While Jordan did shoot 70.5 percent from the free throw line last season, he’s a career 46.6 percent shooter. When factoring in that he hasn’t averaged more than a block per game the past two years, it appears as if Jordan’s athleticism is diminishing.
He’ll help someone as a rim-running rebounder — though DJ should be prepared to take a massive pay cut from his last contract.
Prediction: Signs with Houston Rockets
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Terry Rozier
2018-19 stats: 9.0 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 2.9 APG, 38.7-percent from the field, 35.3-percent from 3-point range
Career stats: 7.7 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 2.3 APG, 38.0-percent from the field, 35.4-percent from 3-point range
It appears as if “Scary Terry” will be Boston’s starting point guard next season. Kyrie Irving’s expected departure will open the door for the diminutive point guard to return. Though there are many questions about Rozier’s shooting ability, those within the organization are hoping he can revert back to the form he flashed during the 2017-18 playoffs.
Prediction: Re-signs with Boston Celtics
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Terrence Ross
2018-19 stats: 15.1 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 1.7 APG, 42.8-percent from the field, 38.3-percent from 3-point range
Career stats: 10.5 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 1.1 APG, 42.3-percent from the field, 37.4-percent from 3-point range
Ross was quietly excellent last season. The Seattle native became the first player in NBA history with 200 three-point makes without starting a game. Ross is a plus-athlete, can create off the dribble, and is relatively decent as a defender. He is expected to draw a ton of interest around the league.
Prediction: Re-signs with Orlando Magic
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Patrick Beverley
2018-19 stats: 7.6 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 3.8 APG, 40.7-percent from the field, 39.7-percent from 3-point range
Career stats: 9.0 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 3.5 APG, 41.2-percent from the field, 38.0-percent from 3-point range
Beverley should have heavy interest from these four teams: Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Clippers, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers. Phoenix is in desperate need of a veteran point guard. The same can be said for Beverley’s hometown Bulls. The Clippers would love to bring him back, though Beverley would be a perfect fit for the Lakers as a dogged defender/floor spreader.
Prediction: Signs with Los Angeles Lakers
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Marc Gasol
2018-19 stats: 13.6 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 4.4 APG, 44.8-percent from the field, 36.3-percent from 3-point range
Career stats: 15.0 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 3.4 APG, 48.3-percent from the field, 35.0-percent from 3-point range
The wily veteran was instrumental in helping Toronto capture its first-ever NBA title. Gasol was rock-solid defensively, and even held the role of an initiator when the offense was run through him at the high post. Expect him to opt into a player option which would pay him $25.5 million.
Prediction: Re-signs with Toronto Raptors
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Al-Farouq Aminu
2018-19 stats: 9.4 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 1.3 APG, 43.3-percent from the field, 34.3-percent from 3-point range
Career stats: 7.7 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 1.2 APG, 42.3-percent from the field, 33.7-percent from 3-point range
Aminu functioned for Portland as both a four and a small-ball five. Though not a prolific offensive player, he is an above-average defender with the capability to run the floor in transition. His positional flexibility makes him a very intriguing player for a number of teams.
Prediction: Signs with Dallas Mavericks
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Nikola Mirotic
2018-19 stats: 15.2 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 1.2 APG, 43.9-percent from the field, 36.5-percent from 3-point range
Career stats: 12.3 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 1.3 APG, 42.3-percent from the field, 35.9-percent from 3-point range
With the need to re-sign the likes of Khris Middleton, Malcolm Brodgon, and Brook Lopez, it doesn’t look like the Bucks will have the cash to bring back Mirotic. While no one will confuse Mirotic with Scottie Pippen on the defensive end of the floor, he does hold value as a stretch-four. Philadelphia — a team in desperate need of shooting — looks like a good fit here.
Prediction: Signs with Philadelphia 76ers
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Danny Green
2018-19 stats: 10.3 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 1.6 APG, 46.5-percent from the field, 45.5-percent from 3-point range
Career stats: 9.0 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 1.6 APG, 42.4-percent from the field, 40.4-percent from 3-point range
Though we don’t want to completely foreshadow Kawhi Leonard’s impending decision, Toronto could be facing a bit of a rebuild should Leonard head to the Western Conference. Green’s ability to both defend and shoot threes makes him highly attractive to a contending team. Green perfectly fits the mold of a guy LeBron likes to have on his team.
Prediction: Signs with Los Angeles Lakers
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J.J. Redick
2018-19 stats: 18.1 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 2.7 APG, 44.0-percent from the field, 39.7-percent from 3-point range
Career stats: 12.9 PPG, 2.0 RPG, 2.0 APG, 44.8-percent from the field, 41.3-percent from 3-point range
From all indications, Redick appears set on wanting to stay out East. Philadelphia would love to have him back, though that depends greatly on its financial situation in regards to Jimmy Butler. Brooklyn is flush with cash, and Redick happens to live in the borough. In this scenario, Redick won’t have to commute to work in a neighboring state anymore.
Prediction: Signs with Brooklyn Nets
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Harrison Barnes
2018-19 stats: 16.4 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 1.5 APG, 42.0-percent from the field, 39.5-percent from 3-point range
Career stats: 13.6 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 1.5 APG, 44.6-percent from the field, 37.4-percent from 3-point range
This one is a no-brainer. Sacramento acquired Barnes last season with the idea that he’d be their forward of the future. He’s got a $25.1 million player option for this upcoming year. All signs point to him re-signing with the franchise.
Prediction: Re-signs with Sacramento Kings
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Julius Randle
2018-19 stats: 21.4 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 3.1 APG, 52.4-percent from the field, 34.4-percent from 3-point range
Career stats: 15.4 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 2.7 APG, 50.2-percent from the field, 30.7-percent from 3-point range
Randle’s game is a bit of a mixed bag. On one hand, he’s a very mobile, powerful player who will attack the rim relentlessly. The same can be said about Randle’s motor on the boards. On the other hand, he struggles immensely to shoot outside of five feet. Randle can’t really protect the rim, and he has yet to discover that he also has a right hand (he’s one of the most left-hand dominant players in the league). Still, there’s some upside — and a team with cap space will take a chance on him.
Prediction: Signs with Brooklyn Nets
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Al Horford
2018-19 stats: 13.6 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 4.2 APG, 53.5-percent from the field, 36.0-percent from 3-point range
Career stats: 14.1 PPG, 8.4 RPg, 3.2 APG, 52.5-percent from the field, 36.8-percent from 3-point range
Horford has arguably been Boston’s most important player since signing a four-year deal a few seasons ago. He’s truly synonymous with the culture put in place by Brad Stevens. While Horford has slowed down a bit, there’s no denying his value both on and off the court. He’s got a $30.1 million player option for this upcoming season. It will be interesting whether he reworks it to offer Boston a bit more cap space. He could very well decline the option, and thus re-up on a new multi-year deal.
Prediction: Re-signs with Boston Celtics
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Bojan Bogdanovic
2018-19 stats: 18.0 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 2.0 APG, 49.7-percent from the field, 42.5-percent from 3-point range
Career stats: 13.3 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 1.4 APG, 46.3-percent from the field, 38.9-percent from 3-point range
Bogdanovic is one of the most underrated players in the NBA. He gets to his spots on the floor seamlessly despite possessing less-than-ideal athleticism. Bogdanovic can function equally well as both a shooter and as a playmaker for others. The Spurs would love to have him — as would the Lakers. However, Indiana looks like a strong bet to re-sign him.
Prediction: Re-signs with Indiana Pacers
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Brook Lopez
2018-19 stats: 12.5 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 1.2 APG, 45.2-percent from the field, 36.5-percent from 3-point range
Career stats: 17.3 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 1.5 APG, 49.8-percent from the field, 34.7-percent from 3-point range
Lopez turned out to be one of the league’s best bargains a season ago. He protected the rim at a very high rate, and helped pace Milwaukee with above-average three-point shooting. Much of Milwaukee’s interest will hinge on whether it can shed bad salaries (Ersan Ilyasova, Tony Snell) in order to free up money. Though he had somewhat of a messy exit in LA, he does fit a glaring need for the Lakers’ frontcourt.
Prediction: Signs with Los Angeles Lakers
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Nikola Vucevic
2018-19 stats: 20.8 PPG, 12.0 RPG, 3.8 APG, 51.8-percent from the field, 36.4-percent from 3-point range
Career stats: 15.7 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 2.4 APG, 50.2-percent from the field, 33.2-percent from 3-point range
Vucevic looks like a sure bet to re-sign with the Magic. He’s a foundational piece for a franchise looking to string together back-to-back playoff appearances. A walking double-double, Vucevic will continue to act as a veteran presence for this young team.
Prediction: Re-signs with Orlando Magic
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Malcolm Brogdon
2018-19 stats: 15.6 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 3.2 APG, 50.5-percent from the field, 42.6-percent from 3-point range
Career stats: 12.8 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 3.6 APG, 48.4-percent from the field, 40.8-percent from 3-point range
With respect to Jalen Brunson and Trey Burke, neither of these players represent the future at the point guard position for the Dallas Mavericks. Luka Doncic will command the ball on most possessions, so it’s imperative for Dallas to find a combo guard with floor-spreading properties. Enter Brogdon — who looks like a fantastic fit for a number of reasons. He’s a high I.Q. player, a great locker room guy, and possesses the elite shooting numbers Dallas desperately needs.
Milwaukee would love to keep him, though Dallas’ cap space could make that scenario a bit too difficult. This one will be one to watch. If Milwaukee lets Lopez and Mirotic walk, it’ll make the financial decision on Brogdon a bit easier.
Prediction: Re-signs with Milwaukee Bucks
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D’Angelo Russell
2018-19 stats: 21.1 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 7.0 APG, 43.4-percent from the field, 36.9-percent from 3-point range
Career stats: 16.5 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 5.1 APG, 41.9-percent from the field, 35.3-percent from 3-point range
With the rumored addition of Kyrie Irving, it appears as if the Nets will let Russell walk — despite coming off an All-Star year — in order to open up a second max slot. Indiana, Chicago, Phoenix, and Utah all will have big interest in the young guard. There are some concerns about his off-the-court issues. There also could be an arm’s race of sorts between Indiana and Utah as to see who can trade for Mike Conley Jr. first. The team that (presumably) doesn’t land Conley Jr. could ramp up its efforts further.
Prediction: Signs with Phoenix Suns
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DeMarcus Cousins
2018-19 stats: 16.3 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 3.6 APG, 48.0-percent from the field, 27.4-percent from 3-point range
Career stats: 21.2 PPG, 10.9 PPG, 3.2 APG, 46.1-percent from the field, 33.2-percent from 3-point range
“Boogie” is in a precarious spot. The track record for any player with an Achilles tear isn’t great. When the player in question is a big man, the proposition for a long-term contract is even scarier. His market is a complete blur at this point. There’s going to be one team willing to roll the dice on Cousins reverting back to pre-injury form. Based upon how free agency is shaking out, we’ll bet that the Knicks will desperately take the plunge.
Prediction: Signs with New York Knicks
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Kristaps Porzingis
2018-19 stats: Did not play
Career stats: 17.8 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 1.3 APG, 43.7-percent from the field, 36.1-percent from 3-point range
It’s hard to imagine Dallas not bringing back Porzingis after trading for him last season. There are questions pertaining to his health. Duly, Porzingis’ scuffle in his native Latvia wasn’t exactly a breath of fresh hair for the Mavs’ brass. However, Rick Carlisle, Mark Cuban, and the rest of the franchise hope that Porzingis can develop into a legitimate star alongside Doncic.
Prediction: Re-signs with Dallas Mavericks
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Tobias Harris
2018-19 stats: 20.0 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 2.8 APG, 48.7-percent from the field, 39.7-percent from 3-point range
Career stats: 15.4 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 1.9 APG, 47.1-percent from the field, 36.4-percent from 3-point range
Harris projects to get paid during this offseason. The experiment in Philadelphia didn’t go overly well. Harris was excellent with the Clippers as a playmaker from all points on the floor. Philadelphia essentially used him as a spot-up shooter, and thus his usage plummeted. Depending on what happens with Jimmy Butler, Harris could (in theory) re-sign. However, Dallas looks poised to splash some cash on a bona fide player. Additionally, Harris’ skill-set fits exceptionally well with Carlisle’s style of play.
Prediction: Signs with Dallas Mavericks
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Khris Middleton
2018-19 stats: 18.3 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 4.3 APG, 44.1-percent from the field, 37.8-percent from 3-point range
Career stats: 15.7 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 3.2 APG, 45.1-percent from the field, 38.8-percent from 3-point range
Milwaukee really has no other choice but to give Middleton a max deal. He’s one of the best two-way wings in the league, and is undoubtedly imperative for the Bucks’ hopes to run the Eastern Conference for a second-straight season. It would be a big surprise to see him anywhere else next year.
Prediction: Re-signs with Milwaukee Bucks
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Kemba Walker
2018-19 stats: 25.6 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 5.9 APG, 43.3-percent from the field, 35.6-percent from 3-point range
Career stats: 19.8 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 5.5 APG, 41.8-percent from the field, 35.7-percent from 3-point range
Walker would be leaving a ton of money on the table should he leave the franchise he’s called home since entering the NBA nearly a decade ago. While Charlotte doesn’t figure to be competitive for the foreseeable future, Walker loves the city. He’s even been vocal in the press about potentially taking less than the max in order to lure talent to Queen City. This statement doesn’t make it seem like he’d leave to be the third wheel in Los Angeles — or the only fully functioning tire in New York.
Prediction: Re-signs with Charlotte Hornets
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Klay Thompson
2018-19 stats: 21.5 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 2.4 APG, 46.7-percent from the field, 40.2-percent from 3-point range
Career stats: 19.5 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 2.3 APG, 45.9-percent from the field, 41.9-percent from 3-point range
While Thompson’s ACL injury was hard to watch, it shouldn’t impact his free agency standing at all. He’s one of the best two-way players — regardless of position — in the league. Additionally, his shooting prowess should enable him to age quite well. Golden State will pony up the max in order to stabilize the ‘Splash Brothers’ duo for years to come.
Prediction: Re-signs with Golden State Warriors
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Jimmy Butler
2018-19 stats: 18.7 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 4.0 APG, 46.2-percent from the field, 34.7-percent from 3-point range
Career stats: 16.7 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 3.5 APG, 45.4-percent from the field, 34.1-percent from 3-point range
Call it a hunch, but Houston is going to do something no one sees coming. Daryl Morey is a master tinkerer, and hasn’t been afraid to rattle the proverbial cages. He’s also philosophically driven by trying to collect as much talent as possible, with the though of settling the ‘chemistry’ element out later. Assuming Houston can get off the contracts of both Clint Capela and Eric Gordon, Butler — a Houston native — becomes a very realistic possibility. If not Houston, look for Butler to re-sign in Philadelphia.
Prediction: Signs with Houston Rockets
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Kyrie Irving
2018-19 stats: 23.8 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 6.9 APG, 48.7-percent from the field, 40.1-percent from 3-point range
Career stats: 22.2 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 5.7 APG, 46.5-percent from the field, 39.0-percent from three
The worst kept secret in basketball, it appears all lined up for Irving to play for the Brooklyn Nets. His fit with the up-and-coming squad is a bit curious. However, Brooklyn gets the marquee star it’s been pining for since the days of the aging Joe Johnson, Kevin Garnett, and Paul Pierce teams.
Prediction: Signs with Brooklyn Nets
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Kevin Durant
2018-19 stats: 26.0 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 5.9 APG, 52.1-percent from the field, 35.3-percent from 3-point range
Career stats: 27.0 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 4.1 APG, 49.3-percent from the field, 38.1-percent from 3-point range
It doesn’t appear as if Durant’s Achilles injury will impact his free agent options. Even if he comes back at 80 percent of what he was, Durant is still better than the majority of the league. Will he want go to to a Knicks team with no other options? What about Brooklyn with Kyrie? At this point, opting into a $31.5 million pay day seems like the ideal move.
Prediction: Re-signs with Golden State
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Kawhi Leonard
2018-19 stats: 26.6 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 3.3 APG, 49.6-percent from the field, 37.1-percent from 3-point range
Career stats: 17.7 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 2.4 APG, 49.5-percent from the field, 38.3-percent from 3-point range
Here’s where things get interesting. Leonard really doesn’t owe Toronto anything after leading the franchise to a title. A native of southern California, he’s long been rumored to leave for the Clippers. Toronto has everything one would want in the ideal basketball situation. However…this one is a special case where the star may want to play close to home. The intriguing braintrust of Lawrence Frank, Steve Ballmer, and Jerry West will finally get their man to combat the LeBron James-Anthony Davis duo.
Prediction: Signs with Los Angeles Clippers
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