NBA Free Agency Predictions

The NBA Finals have mercifully ended with the Golden State Warriors finishing off the Cleveland Cavaliers in a four- game sweep. With that in mind, it is time to look ahead. We are set for one of the wildest offseasons of all time, with numerous superstars set to test the market. Which team will find their star of the future? Here are my picks for my top ten free agents. This list will be updated periodically as players commit both verbally and physically to their respective teams.

1. LeBron James, SF, Cleveland Cavaliers

The most important free agency decision in all of sports since his own move to Cleveland in 2014 (which I say is greater than Kevin Durant’s decision to move to the Warriors because Bron’s decision ended up leading to KD’s move in the wake of the 2016 Finals), there are no shortage of suitors for the King in Decision III. The L.A. Lakers have more cap space than any team in the NBA, and are sure to spend big in free agency. They will probably start by offering a trade to the Spurs for Kawhi Leonard, whose presence would help lure free agents. They’d go after and probably get Paul George, and still have the cap space for LeBron.

Prediction: Los Angeles Lakers

2. Chris Paul, PG, Houston Rockets

Signing Paul should be a major factor in Houston’s loss of LeBron to Philly, as Paul demands a huge contract. One team cannot simply hold the contracts of Paul, James, and James Harden.

Prediction: Houston Rockets

3. DeMarcus Cousins, C, New Orleans Pelicans

The dynamic duo of Anthony Davis and Cousins was one of the most fun to watch in the entire league, and as much as we all want him to stay, I don’t see it happening. The Dallas Mavericks are a team in need of a big man, with Dirk Nowitzki set to to retire soon. Having the cap space, they should make a good run at Cousins.

Prediction: Dallas Mavericks

4. Paul George, SG/SF, Oklahoma City Thunder

George, who was born in Palmdale, California near Los Angeles, shares an agent with Lakers stud Julius Randle. The Lakers will make a big push, and should pick him up and make the team a playoff contender.

Prediction: Los Angeles Lakers

5. Isaiah Thomas, PG, Los Angeles Lakers

Injuries have slowed Thomas down since his breakout 2016 campaign, and teams have little reason to believe that he can regain his former self. L.A. does have the wiggle room to sign him for a one-year, prove-yourself deal, but would like to spend their cash elsewhere. His former home, Sacramento, is in need of a veteran presence. He could step in ahead or behind De’Aaron Fox and help the rookie mature into his role on an up-and-coming squad.

Prediction: Sacramento Kings

6. Clint Capela, C, Houston Rockets

Another major factor towards signing LeBron, Capela has developed into one of the league’s most reliable centers, and Houston will try to keep him at all costs.

Prediction: Houston Rockets

7. DeAndre Jordan, C, Los Angeles Clippers

Arguably the league’s best rebounder and one of its most underrated players, Jordan will likely leave L.A., who is soon to enter rebuilding mode after self-imploding by trading Chris Paul and Blake Griffin within the last year. I would love to see the Pelicans make a pitch to unite Jordan and Davis in New Orleans, but it probably won’t happen. The New York Knicks may exhibit interest, but already employ Enes Kanter and are likely to bring him back in free agency. The Lakers have enough cap space to make a move. Like the Kings, they are in need of a talented vet to mentor the young core. Watch for DJ to stay out west.

Prediction: Los Angeles Lakers

8. Tyreke Evans, SG, Memphis Grizzlies

Last year Evans showed flashes of the star many predicted him to be, and I expect him to find a better place to showcase his talents. Indiana is a team that is just a few pieces away from contending, and Evans plus Victor Oladipo would make an excellent backcourt.

Prediction: Indiana Pacers

9. Carmelo Anthony, SF, Oklahoma City Thunder

I thought of including Jabari Parker or Julius Randle, but both are restricted free agents for teams with tons of money to spend, leaving them little to no odds of a move. Anthony, no matter how much he denies it, is not capable of being a starter. He could at his best be a role model to a young team on the verge of contention. Could a return to Denver be forthcoming?

Prediction: Denver Nuggets

10. Enes Kanter, C, New York Knicks

Kanter is a larger-than-life figure in a larger-than-life city. He has grown into a fan favorite during his time in the Garden, but the odds seem like he might leave the Apple. He is going to ask for a large contract, but will surely have a multitude of teams interested in his services. Sacramento will have lots of space to sign him. Expect Kanter to make the cross-country trip.

Prediction: Sacramento Kings

Note: The previous No.2 on this list, Kevin Durant, has verbally committed to remaining with the Golden State Warriors.

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.