2017 NBA Free Agency Predictions
Best Available Free Agents
- Lebron James, F, Cleveland
- Paul George, F, Indiana
- Gordon Hayward, F, Utah
- Blake Griffin, F, LA
- Kyle Lowry, G, Toronto
- Paul Millsap, F, Atlanta
- Danilo Gallinari, F, Denver
- Serge Ibaka, F, Toronto
- Otto Porter, F, Washington (RFA)
- Andre Iguodala, F, Golden State
- J.J. Reddick, G, LA
- Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, G, Detroit
- Rudy Gay, F, Sacramento
- Patty Mills, G, San Antonio
- George Hill, G, Utah
Now, let's take a look at where we project each of these players to sign.
Lebron James to Cleveland
For all of the drama that is sure to follow Lebron as he enjoys free agency, it is likely that he will end up back in the land. Cleveland's cap situation is pretty poor right now, though, so it would not surprise me to see Lebron go to a team where he can join other stars and contend with Golden State for a title.
Paul George to Cleveland
PG13 is not a free agent, however the Pacers seem set on sending him away to the team with the best trade offer. Cleveland can offer up a player like Kevin Love, who would help space the floor for budding star Myles Turner.
Gordon Heyward to Boston
Gordon starred at Butler where he was coached by now Celtics coach Brad Stevens. Look for the reunion to happen in Boston
Blake Griffin to Pheonix
Griffin would do well financially to resign with the Clippers. However, I think think that the party is officially over in LA. With Chris Paul being shipped off to Houston, expect fellow stars Griffin, Reddick, and Jordan to follow suit. Griffin would be an excellent fit alongside a young Suns core that features Devin Booker, Josh Jackson, and Chriss.
Kyle Lowry to Minnesota
Lowry is an enigma at the point guard position. He is talented at every aspect of the game, but isn't particularly great at anything. Lowry was expected to generate a ton of interest on the open market, but things have cooled on his free agency. Lowry would do well to join Jimmy G Buckets and KAT in Minnesota where they would become an instant contender in the West.
Paul Millsap to Houston
I think that Millsap is one of the biggest free agent question marks this season. There isn't any team that is a perfect fit for Millsap. Millsap would ideally like to join a contender, but in this small ball age more teams are spending their resources on guards. Houston makes sense if he is willing to take less than the max.
Danilo Gallinari to Denver
Gallinari has had a couple bright spots, but not enough to make him covetable. Gallo would do well to remain with the Nuggets.
Serge Ibaka to Miami
Ibaka is a great fit in Miami where he can take over the Chris Bosh role. Ibaka is a better shooter than Bosh, and would add much needed spacing to a team devoid of shooters.
Otto Porter to Brooklyn
Porter is a restricted free agent, so he could easily stay in Washington. However, I think there are 2 more likely situations for Porter. He could be used as capital in a potential Paul George to DC trade. Or, more likely, the Nets will extend a front-loaded max qualifying offer to Otto Porter to capstrap the Zards.
Andre Iguodala to Golden State
This swiss army knife will flirt with coming home to Philly, but will likely stay in Golden State to continue the dynasty.
JJ Reddick to Minnesota
Reddick has reached the point in his career where is chasing a ring. I expect him to join a contender for a lower contract.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to Brooklyn/Detroit
I think Otto Porter will be Nets priority 1 this offseason, however if the Wizards match an offer sheet expect the Nets to pursue KCP. If not, no team will extend an offer to KCP that the Pistons can't match.
Rudy Gay to Mavericks
Patty Mills to New York
George Hill to Utah