Blake Griffin
Since the end of Brooklyn’s season, free agent Blake Griffin has dropped hints that he will not be returning to the Nets. Griffin saw his role diminish in his second year with the club, and he didn’t see much action in Brooklyn’s lone playoff series. While his athleticism has diminished, Griffin can still be a strong bench option. With teams that are capped out looking to fill their roster, Griffin could be a low-cost option. Perhaps a return to Los Angeles is in the cards for the former Clipper. This time, Griffin joins up with LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook — and signs with the Lakers.
Prediction: Griffin signs a one-year, minimum deal with the Los Angeles Lakers
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Carmelo Anthony
At this point in his career, Carmelo Anthony has a defined role as a spot-up shooter. Gone are the days where Anthony would consistently put up 25 points per night while knocking down an array of difficult jump shots. He remains a strong perimeter marksman, but he does his damage in short bursts rather than over the course of a full game. Anthony can still get buckets — he averaged 13.3 PPG in 26 minutes for the Lakers last year — but he comes with clear defensive limitations. If the Lakers don’t bring him back in a reserve role, we could see a homecoming for the New York native. Anthony was born in Brooklyn, and could provide some firepower on the Nets bench. If anything, Nets fans would appreciate the signing of one of their city’s finest talents.
Prediction: Anthony signs a one-year, minimum deal with the Brooklyn Nets
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Tyus Jones
Tyus Jones is one of the top point guards likely to be available this offseason. The Grizzlies would love to bring him back, but he could get a bit too pricey. Jones is more of a throwback point man. He’s not a prolific scorer, but he shoots it well from the outside and is adept at taking care of the basketball. Last season, Jones led the league in assist-to-turnover ratio at 6.4 (his brother, Tre, was second at 5.1). Reports indicate Jones wants to join a team where he could be a starting point guard. The Pistons have Cade Cunningham as the lead ball handler, but could use a secondary playmaker alongside last year’s No. 1 pick. Given each of their ability to shoot from the outside, a starting backcourt of Jones and Cunningham could work perfectly.
Prediction: Jones signs a 3-year, $30 million deal with the Detroit Pistons
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Dennis Schroder
Oof. The unfortunate saga of Dennis Schroder’s free agency continues. As the report goes, Schroder reportedly turned down a four-year, $84 million extension from the Lakers in 2021 in search of an even bigger deal. That offer never came, and Schroder stumbled during the postseason for LA. Instead of signing a long-term deal last offseason, Schroder would go on to sign a one-year contract with the Celtics worth a meager $5.9 million. He was then traded at the deadline to the Rockets for Daniel Theis. Schroder’s best chance at rebuilding his value is going back to the role of a sixth man. He was at his best playing behind Chris Paul in Oklahoma City, and the Suns could use his shot-creation and speed off the bench.
Prediction: Schroder signs a one-year, $6 million deal with the Phoenix Suns
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Joe Ingles
Joe Ingles saw an abrupt end to his ’22 season when he suffered an ACL injury in February. While on the road to recovery, Ingles was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers. Ingles may never make his Portland debut as he’s set to hit free agency this season. The Aussie-born forward is a good shooter and better playmaker. At one point, Ingles could even hold his own defensively on the perimeter — but expecting him to guard even above-average wings as a 35-year-old coming off major knee surgery seems like a tall task. The simplest answer here is that Ingles finds a way back and reaches a new deal with the Utah Jazz. One that likely pays him a bit less than his previous arrangement (Ingles signed a four-year, $52 million deal with Utah back in 2017).
Prediction:Â Ingles signs a minimum deal with the Utah Jazz
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Gary Payton II
The defending champion Golden State Warriors face three major free agent decisions this offseason: Otto Porter Jr., Kevon Looney, and Payton II. It appears as if Porter Jr. is likely on the move. The Warriors could fill his minutes with a veteran or second-year player Moses Moody. The other two names appear to be higher priority targets for a Golden State team that has always valued continuity. Payton’s defense in the playoffs was integral to the Warriors run to the NBA Finals. He could leave for more money, but landing a multi-year deal in an ideal situation could be enough to lure Payton back to the Bay.
Prediction:Â Payton II signs a 3-year, $18 million deal with the Golden State Warriors
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Malik Monk
This time last year, former Kentucky Wildcat Malik Monk allegedly had no suitors in free agency. It led to the 24-year-old signing a minimum deal with the cap-strapped Los Angeles Lakers. Monk played well in his first season in LA, shooting a career-high 47-percent from the field while knocking down 39-percent of his threes. Some pundits believe he’s played himself into earning a big payday, but we would pump the brakes on that notion. Monk is still the same player — an undersized gunner with obvious limitations as a defender and playmaker.
The Lakers can offer him the mid-level exception which would be worth about $13 million over two years. If Monk plays well again next season, Los Angeles would earn his early Bird Rights which would allow them to go over the cap and offer a four-year/$50 million contract. Can the Lakers convince Monk to stay another season for an eventual payday? We think so.
Prediction: Monk signs a 2-year, $13 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers
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Kyle Anderson
Losing Kyle Anderson could be the result of too much success for the Grizzlies. Memphis has drafted well, and now boasts a loaded roster of young players on team-friendly deals. As such, the Grizz could potentially allow Anderson to walk as the 28-year-old looks for a bigger deal. Anderson has always been a well-rounded player who would fit in the construct of just about every team in the league. Teams with cap room are few and far between, but any team willing to pay up for Anderson’s services would be acquiring a quality player with two-way versatility. Indiana has been linked to several free agents this summer. The Pacers are always looking to improve their team in the present to make a playoff push. Anderson fits the bill here.
Prediction: Anderson signs a 3-year, $27 million deal with the Indiana Pacers
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Jusuf Nurkic
There’s a world where the Blazers allow Nurkic to walk to try and chase bigger-name free agents. Portland is in flux after missing the postseason for the first time since 2013. However, the team believes the return of Damian Lillard and the second-year under coach Chauncey Billups will help bring them back to relevance. Having a proven starting center will certainly help matters. Nurkic has dealt with injuries in the past, but he managed to put up good numbers (15 PPG and 11 RPG) in 56 games last season. He’s always been a nice fit offensively alongside Lillard, and this doesn’t seem like an overpay for a 27-year-old starting center.
Prediction: Nurkic signs a 2-year, $30 million deal with the Portland Trail Blazers
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Gary Harris
After rebuilding his stock in Orlando, Gary Harris looks to receive massive attention this offseason. Harris looked lost during the end of his tenure in Denver. After averaging 17 PPG in ’18, Harris’ scoring took a massive dip as his shooting numbers regressed. The trade to the Magic couldn’t have come at a better time. Last season, Harris’ looked more confident on both ends and shot a respectable 38-percent from beyond the arc. Teams will value his 3-and-D ability, and he’s still just 27 years old. The 76ers have a void to fill with Danny Green likely gone after tearing his ACL in the postseason. Harris will help spread the floor for James Harden and Joel Embiid, and is a capable enough defender to match up with opposing guards in the Eastern Conference.
Prediction: Harris signs a 4-year, $40 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers
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Kevon Looney
Kevon Looney was absolutely imperative to Golden State’s run to another NBA Championship. He gave the team an extra dimension down low which was missing otherwise. Looney did all the dirty work for the defending champions. He chased rebounds, set screens, and played commendable defense when switched onto guards. There will be plenty of suitors following a performance like that. That list includes the Kings (who just signed former Warriors assistant Mike Brown to be their head coach). In the end, the former UCLA star is too valuable for the Warriors to let go. They’ll do whatever it takes to bring the big man back and keep the championship roster mostly intact.
Prediction: Looney signs a 3-year, $21 million deal with the Golden State Warriors
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Ricky Rubio
Rubio was enjoying a nice first year with the Cavaliers before it was cut short due to a torn ACL. His playmaking was crucial for Cleveland’s second unit. Rubio’s injury triggered the Cavs to acquire Caris LeVert via trade just a month later. LeVert is under contract for $18 million next year, making it unlikely the team will decide to keep Rubio on board. Every team could use a ball-mover like Rubio somewhere in their rotation. A squad like the Knicks, for example, would greatly benefit from Rubio’s vision and willingness to make plays for others. Maybe his playmaking will prove to be infectious and rub off on Knicks “star” Julius Randle.
Prediction: Rubio signs a one year, $7 million deal with the New York Knicks
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Nicholas Batum
Batum has been a revelation for the Clippers ever since joining the team prior to the 2020 season. In two years with LA, Batum is shooting over 40-percent from three while providing excellent defense on the wing. He’s the quintessential 3-and-D player who appears to be still improving after Year 14. Batum will command a strong market because of his plug-and-play ability. His value lies most with the top teams in the league. Los Angeles is stocked up on wings after acquiring Norman Powell and Robert Covington at the trade deadline last year. Batum has made over $150 million in his career, and all that’s left for him to do in the NBA is to win a ring. The Warriors will smartly snatch up one of the top wings available at a modest deal to replace the production left behind by Otto Porter Jr. and the likely retiring Andre Iguodala.
Prediction: Batum signs a one-year, $5 million deal with the Golden State Warriors
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Mo Bamba
24-year-old Mo Bamba exists as one of the most intriguing players in this year’s potential free agent class. Bamba was used sparingly by the Magic over his first three years, and some were quick to paint the former Texas Longhorn as a bust. To be fair, Bamba was expected to be a more of a long-term project when the Magic selected him sixth overall in 2018. In Year 4, Bamba was finally given a steady role as Orlando’s starting center, and he delivered some wild stat-lines along the way. He shot 38-percent from three while blocking 1.7 shots per game (good for ninth in the league). He’s under a team option for $10 million next year, which the Magic will likely exercise. It would be surprising to see the team not lock him to a friendly long-term deal this offseason.
Prediction: Bamba signs the qualifying offer for a one-year, $10 million deal with the Orlando Magic
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Mitchell Robinson
One of the league’s premier shot blockers, Mitchell Robinson could be the missing piece for teams in search of defensive-minded center. That list is comprised of the usual suspects — Charlotte, Oklahoma City, Detroit, among others. Two interesting names that have been linked to Robinson early in the offseason have been Eastern Conference playoff participants the Heat and Bulls. The Knicks don’t seem overly keen to bring him back, and we will likely see Robinson don a new uniform in ’22. We’ll settle on Robinson landing with the Kings, a team that has seemingly soured on big man Richaun Holmes. Robinson’s paint protection would be a welcomed addition alongside the floor-bound Domantas Sabonis.
Prediction: Robinson signs a 3-year, $36 million deal with the Sacramento Kings
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PJ Tucker
P.J. Tucker’s decision to opt out of his $7.4 million player option with the Miami Heat went a bit under-the-radar leading up to the NBA Draft. Tucker has been one of the league’s most coveted role players for nearly a decade now. His toughness and defensively ability has earned him considerable playing time for some of the league’s top teams. His decision to opt-out leads some to infer Tucker may already have a potential landing spot in the works. How about a team like the Timberwolves — who could use Tucker’s experience and versatility alongside Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns. Tucker and Patrick Beverley would make lives miserable for opposing teams.
Prediction: Tucker signs a 2-year, $20 million deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves
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John Wall
It wasn’t that long ago when John Wall was named to five-straight All-Star teams and was routinely leading the Wizards to playoff berths. A few disastrous injuries and a lost season later, the 31-year-old Wall now finds himself in an awkward position. Wall has a player option for next season (which would pay him a massive $47 million in 2023). Last year, the Rockets instructed Wall to stay home in an attempt to divvy out more playing time to their group of young players. Now, Wall has the option to essentially sit out for yet another season — while getting paid — or opt-out and look for a new team he could actually earn minutes for. Doesn’t seem like an overly difficult decision to us…Wall takes the money and calls it a day.
Prediction: Wall opts-in to a one-year, $47 million deal with the Houston Rockets
Update: Wall opted-out of his final year and plans to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers
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Bruce Brown
A versatile, smart player like Bruce Brown are some of the most sought-after players in all of free agency. Any contending team could use a player like Brown on their team. Brown’s position is best described as a “power guard”. He was used to plug holes defensively for an often short-handed Nets squad. On offense, the 6-foot-4 Brown operated as the team’s pseudo-center, cutting and diving to the basket in order to make room for Brooklyn’s perimeter shooters. Brown is also an underrated passer (4.0 APG in ’19) and is coming off shooting 40-percent from three on a modest number of attempts (1.3 3PA). Expect something in the $10-$14 million range annually for Brown.
Prediction: Brown signs a 2-year, $24 million deal with the Brooklyn Nets
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Victor Oladipo
Oladipo appeared in just 23 games this season (15 of which were in the postseason), and showed he’s got a bit left in the tank. At his best, Oladipo was one of the league’s better two-way talents. A two-time All-Star and former All-NBA selection, Victor remains a pesky defender who has the potential to score in bunches. While he was a hot commodity just a few years ago, Oladipo’s value has sunk due to major injuries. He’s played in just 96 regular season games over the last four seasons, and is coming off quadricep surgery. His injury-plagued history will keep him in Miami for the foreseeable future.
Prediction: Oladipo signs a one-year, $6 million deal with the Miami Heat
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Bobby Portis
Bobby Portis has earned himself a quality payday after two strong seasons for the Bucks. After helping the team to a title in ’21, Portis stepped into a starting role for Milwaukee with nominal starting center Brook Lopez on the mend for a majority of the season. Portis averaged a career-high in points and rebounds while managing to knock down 39-percent of his threes. It’s easy to forget Portis is still just 27 years old, and he could be looking for a deal that takes him all the way through his prime after agreeing to a team-friendly deal this past offseason. A team in desperate need of scoring and rebounding will outbid Milwaukee, especially one which already welcomes the idea of small-ball. The Toronto Raptors seem like an ideal choice, teaming Portis with two versatile forwards in Pascal Siakam and Scottie Barnes.
Prediction:Â Portis signs a 3-year, $42 million deal with the Toronto Raptors
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Collin Sexton
There were grumblings of a potential Collin Sexton trade last year, but nothing came to fruition after the 23-year-old was limited to just 11 games after tearing his meniscus. Sexton is an accomplished scorer who averaged over 20 PPG on 38-percent three-point shooting from ’19-’21. His restricted free agency comes at an intriguing time for the rising Cavaliers. The team has turned the keys to the car over to Darius Garland. The Cavaliers could choose to move on from Sexton and replace him with a more defensive-minded backcourt mate for the young Garland. If the bidding gets too high in Sexton’s restricted free agency, expect the Cavs to allow the former lottery pick to walk. Indiana is losing a slew of players to free agency this year, and Malcolm Brogdon’s name has come up in several trade rumors. Sexton could be an option to fill the backcourt alongside former Sacramento King Tyrese Haliburton.
Prediction: Sexton signs a 3-year, $60 million deal with the Indiana Pacers
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Miles Bridges
Bridges proved he was more than just a springy athlete in Year 4 with the Hornets. He reportedly turned down a contract extension prior to the season, and it seems to have paid off. The 24-year-old Bridges posted career-highs across the board, and finished 8th in Most Improved Player voting. Bridges also continued to show a strong on-court chemistry with point guard Lamelo Ball. However, reports leading up to the NBA Draft indicate that the Hornets are wary of offering Bridges a near-max deal. One of the teams with cap room — like Bridges’ hometown Pistons — could potentially take advantage of such an opportunity…
Prediction: Bridges signs a 4-year, $110 million deal with the Detroit Pistons
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Anfernee Simons
After years of teasing his potential, Simons got a chance at a full-time starting role in ’22 and flourished. The IMG Academy product averaged 22.0 PPG and 5.5 APG over 30 starts. Simons did his best Lillard impression for the Blazers, launching nearly 10 threes per game as a starter while connecting on 41.5-percent of those attempts. Make no mistake about it, Simons has the look of a starting point guard in the league. As such, the 23-year-old restricted free agent is set to get paid this offseason. And, it likely will be by the Blazers — who seemingly committed to Simons following the trade of C.J. McCollum.
Prediction: Simons signs a 3-year, $75 million deal with the Portland Trail Blazers
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Jalen Brunson
Brunson is one of the great second-round success stories of recent years. Taken 33rd overall in 2018, Brunson has steadily improved each year in the league. He also was a major contributor for the Mavericks in ’22. His efficiency has been especially impressive. Over the last two seasons, Brunson is shooting 51-percent from the field, 39-percent from three, and posting a 3-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio. There will be major competitors looking to secure his services, but the Mavericks know just how important he is to their success. He’ll be locked up on a multi-year deal and set to start alongside Luka Doncic, Reggie Bullock, Dorian Finney-Smith, and the newly acquired Christian Wood.
Prediction: Brunson signs a 4-year, $100 million deal with the Dallas Mavericks
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Deandre Ayton
How did we get here? Just four years ago the Suns chose Deandre Ayton first overall — over premier playmakers in Luka Doncic and Trae Young. Ayton was imperative in Phoenix’s run to the 2021 NBA Finals, averaging 16 PPG and 12 RPG on 66-percent shooting in the postseason. However, despite Ayton’s strong play, the frugal Suns opted not to lock-up the former No. 1 pick to a long-term deal. It appeared to affect the young center on the court. He endured a disastrous series in the loss to Dallas — which was capped off with Monty Willliams benching Ayton for nearly the entire second half of Game 7.
Now, Ayton could be on the move in the form of a sign-and-trade. This seems like an ideal spot for the Hawks to cash in on some of their assets. Ayton gets his deal, the Hawks get a second star, and the Suns get a player capable in helping them to another finals run (such as John Collins).
Prediction: Ayton signs a 4-year, $130 million max deal with the Atlanta Hawks
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Russell Westbrook
Is there anybody doubting that Russell Westbrook will exercise his player option for next season? The 2017 MVP is coming off a dismal year for a dismal Lakers team. He’s 33 years old and set to make a whopping $47 million next season. The Lakers would more than welcome Westbrook choosing to opt out and hit free agency. However, it’s highly unlikely given Westbrook’s advanced age and declining skillset. No long-term deal with his hometown team appears to be on the table, which means Westbrook is set to hit free agency after 2023. Another year of the Russ experience in LA.
Prediction:Â Westbrook opts-in to a one-year, $47 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers
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Zach Lavine
As it currently stands, Zach Lavine might be the best overall free agent who might be on the move this offseason. Lavine hasn’t made it clear that he wants to return to Chicago. The Bulls’ offensive philosophy took a serious change in direction with the introduction of DeMar DeRozan. From his perspective, Lavine may want to skip town in order to regain his status as an unquestioned No. 1 option. Though plenty of teams will be interested — Spurs, Blazers, Hawks, even, the Lakers — Lavine ultimately decides to stay in Chicago and attempt to make a second-straight postseason appearance.
Prediction: Lavine signs a 5-year, $212 million max deal with the Chicago Bulls
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Bradley Beal
Bradley Beal has remained consistent in his desire to sign a long-term deal with the Wizards. Beal has been in Washington since he was drafted third overall in 2012, and has become the face of the franchise since John Wall’s departure. Of course, the Wizards can offer Beal more than any other team in the league — roughly $60 million more. While Beal’s a proven scorer, he’s coming off his worst season in years while shooting just 30-percent from beyond the arc.
The Wizards may end up shelling out the full five-year, $235 million max to Beal, but is it a bit of an overpay for a 29-year-old guard who doesn’t play defense and has just one All-NBA selection (Third-Team) to his name? Especially when you consider the Wizards aren’t necessarily built to win anytime soon. That being said, we just don’t see any other option than the Wizards and Beal coming to an agreement.
Prediction: Beal signs a 5-year, $235 million max deal with the Washington Wizards
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Kyrie Irving
In any other situation, Kyrie Irving would be in line for a max deal. Irving is undoubtedly one of the league’s most talented players when on the floor. Staying on the floor has been an issue for Irving, whether it’s due to injuries or other various reasons. In three years with Brooklyn, Irving has played in just 103 out of a possible 226 regular season games. It’s led to rumors that Irving could be on the move this summer. However, it seems unlikely the Nets would do something so drastic considering Irving’s relationship with Kevin Durant. The most likely scenario consists of Irving opting into his player option and signing a short-term deal to stick around for another year or two.
Prediction: Irving opts-in to a one-year, $36 million deal with the Brooklyn Nets
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James Harden
Once upon a time, it seemed as if James Harden was destined for a max deal for whichever team he was intending to suit up for. Following a tumultuous season capped with yet another disappointing playoff performance, Harden’s future looks uncertain. If Harden opts into his player option, he’ll be eligible to sign a four-year deal worth over $227 million. All signs currently indicate that the 76ers are unwilling to offer Harden such a deal. Several reports point to Harden opting-in to his player option next year ($47 million) and working on a short-term extension worth nearly $50 million in 2024. That will give coach Doc Rivers enough time to devise a game plan to best utilize Harden alongside MVP runner-up Joel Embiid.
Prediction: Harden opts-in to a one-year, $47 million deal (and later agrees to a short-term extension) with the Philadelphia 76ers
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