Recently Sports Illustrated posted their ‘Top 50 Free Agents‘ for this upcoming NBA free agency. I’d figure I would go through some of the top names on that list and predict where they would go.
*Note: this will not include players who have already accepted their player option or have been rumored to accept their player option*
Predictions
Anthony Davis
Status: UFA (Player Option has been officially declined)
Overview: While it seems like a forgone conclusion that Anthony Davis will re-sign with the Lakers, there is still a slim chance he goes elsewhere. Not only has he declined his option, but has also declined an extension from the Lakers earlier this year. So it appears Davis is going for the full free agent experience. It is going to take a lot to pry a man from the big market team he just won a championship with, but anything is possible. Nevertheless, I am going with the safe choice.
Prediction: Lakers
Brandon Ingram
Status: RFA
Overview: This also seems like a formality. Ingram fresh off a year where he won ‘Most Improved Player’ it seems like he is going to get the rookie max. Whether he gets it from New Orleans or elsewhere. Obviously the team is trying to build around Zion, and Ingram could be the best co-star to go with Zion. So I wouldn’t expect Ingram to go anywhere else.
Prediction: Pelicans
Fred VanVleet
Status: UFA
Overview: Here is probably the best player on the market where he could go anywhere. The Knicks have allegedly shown interest in VanVleet and the Raptors have expressed that they feel confident they will be able retain VanVleet. However, VanVleet has made it known he’s looking to get paid so unless Toronto is willing to trade Kyle Lowry to open up the cap space, VanVleet might be on his way out. While there is only two teams linked to VanVleet, I am certain there will be more to come and he will hear everyone out and probably pick the highest bidder.
Prediction: Knicks
Danilo Gallinari
Status: UFA
Overview: Gallinari has been rumored to a few different teams and has mentioned he is willing to re-sign with Oklahoma City–although I don’t think they want him back. Rumors have included a sign-and-trade with Dallas, as well as interest from the Heat and Hawks. While the Heat have expressed interest in Gallinari, they seem to have their eyes set on some bigger fish so I am not certain talks will advance. This one is coin flip, but any of the four names mentioned wouldn’t surprise me.
Prediction: Hawks
Davis Bertans
Status: UFA
Overview: Bertans is probably the hottest commodity in free agency. One of the sharpest shooters in the league, who is elite in the ‘catch and shoot’ department, expect a lot of teams trying to acquire Bertans. It has been rumored that he could also be the subject of a sign-and-trade, as I am sure Washington would like to keep him, but might not be able to afford him. It is certainly possible that Washington makes enough moves to open up the space for Bertans, but they seem hellbent on doing the necessary moves to do that, i.e. trading John Wall.
Prediction: Kings (via sign-and-trade)
Montrezl Harrell
Status: UFA
Overview: This is one of the cases where a lot teams like Harrell, but are afraid to pay him a significant amount of money. He is fresh of his ‘6th Man of the Year’ campaign so his value probably won’t get any higher. However, teams aren’t in demand for an undersized big man who is seen as a strong role player. So the market could be tough initially, but eventually a team will crack and offer him a deal he can’t refuse.
Prediction: Hornets
Jerami Grant
Status: UFA
Overview: Seen as a great complimentary piece, who’s strong points are perimeter shooting and defense, there should be a lot of suitors for Grant. While he won’t get the biggest payday, he can definitely position himself to play with a contending team and play an important role with that team. He seemed to get lost in the shuffle with Denver thanks to rising star Michael Porter Jr, but make no mistake, he’s a guy you want on your team.
Prediction: Trail Blazers
Bodgan Bogdanovic
Status: RFA
Overview: After the snafu where the Kings forget to get the players approval for a sign-and-trade, Bogdanovic will now enter free agency. While he can still easily have whatever offer he gets matched by Sacramento, I doubt that will happen since they were trying to move him. Maybe a sign-and-trade is still on the table, but I would bank on Bogdanovic to be elsewhere next season.
Prediction: Mavericks (via sign-and-trade)
Joe Harris
Status: UFA
Overview: Another very good shooter who should be a hot commodity on the open market. While reports say that the Nets are trying to re-sign Harris, but the potential of adding James Harden to form a super-team could stop that from happening. Obviously, the Nets would have to meet the Rockets high demands, which can also ruin that idea as well. Still, with Harris nearing the end of his prime we could see him cash on what could be his last chance to have a nice payday.
Prediction: Hornets
Christian Wood
Status: UFA
Overview: Definitely a boom-or-bust signing. Wood has been regarded as one of the more productive per-minute player, who can get boards and blocks, with a semi-respectable shooting range on offense.
Prediction: Celtics
Other Free Agent Predictions
- Malik Beasley: Timberwolves
- Goran Dragic: Heat
- Marcus Morris Sr: Clippers
- Jordan Clarkson: Suns
- Jae Crowder: Spurs
- Hasaan Whiteside: Knicks
- Derrick Favors: Pelicans
- Paul Millsap: Trail Blazers
- Rajon Rondo: Hawks
- Carmelo Anthony: Suns
