In this article I will set out my top 5 NBA free agents for this coming off-season. Now we all know there are some players who despite having the option to leave aren’t going anywhere. Such as the King himself LeBron James, the 2014 NBA finals MVP Kawhi Leonard and fellow Spurs star Tim Duncan. I could go on, but I won’t just to save everyone’s time. But there are some star player’s hitting the market, when free agency begins come July 1st. The first player on my list is…
Marc Gasol – Center – Memphis Grizzlies (Unrestricted)
A fairly obvious selection, but Gasol is the most talented player hitting the market this offseason. The big man is incredibly popular in Memphis, and he does consider Memphis to be his home. But interest for the big man this summer will be great, and Gasol may find it difficult to turn down offers, especially when the money starts flying. I can see up to 7 teams pursuing Marc Gasol, one of which will of course be his current team the Grizzlies. As Memphis will be desperate to keep their prized center. Marc Gasol averaged 17.4 PPG and 7.8 Rebounds, in what was an All-Star season. The only way I can see Gasol staying in Memphis, is if the team goes on to win the NBA championship this season. Gasol will be given a max deal I can guarantee you of this; Gasol will most likely be given deal worth $70 Million over 4 years.
Best fits: Los Angeles Lakers, San Antonio Spurs, Boston Celtics.
LaMarcus Aldridge – Power Forward – Portland Trailblazers (Unrestricted)
Another big man, LaMarcus Aldridge will be another fought over asset, as the Power Forward is set to leave Portland, as rumors over his future are becoming ever more doubtful. Aldridge is one of the most skilful big men in the entire NBA and is certainly a player who many teams could either build around, or add to their team. The Blazers will of course look to keep Aldridge but it’s looking very unlikely, as the team is preparing to lose both Aldridge and fellow big man Robin Lopez in free agency. This will be a huge loss for Portland but a huge gain for another team, especially if he lands on a team in the Western Conference. By the way that is a huge and bias hint that I want him on my Lakers team. Apologies for that. Any team that lands Aldridge will be very lucky and will have a player who can definitely help them contend.
Best fits: Dallas Mavericks, San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Lakers.
DeAndre Jordan – Center – LA Clippers (Unrestricted)
Now this is an interesting one, DeAndre Jordan is a player the LA Clippers cannot afford to lose. Jordan has proven to be key in the Clippers current playoff bid. He really is a defensive centerpiece, and he may even be the most dominant defensive center in the NBA. There is in fact just one problem with DeAndre, and that is that he is currently suffering from a very bad case of “Hack-a-Jordan” and sadly for the big man this will affect his stock during free agency. Jordan’s free throw issues could lead to him staying in LA, a situation that will have Clippers fans licking their lips at the prospect of having DeAndre Jordan on their roster for the foreseeable future. There are a lot of teams in the NBA who are in desperate need of both a defensive centerpiece and a quality big man. This will of course lead to either Jordan sticking with coach Doc Rivers in LA, or following the money elsewhere. DeAndre Jordan was a nominee for NBA Defensive Player of the year, and when players of Jordan’s caliber enter free agency, they don’t go unnoticed.
Best fits: Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, Portland Trailblazers, Los Angeles Clippers.
Goran Dragic – Point Guard – Miami Heat (Unrestricted)
As one of the most prized assets in this free agency, Goran Dragic will definitely fill a need for any guard needy team. Dragic is one of the most slick, smooth and creative players on the market. He is a player worth giving a max deal and also a player who will give any team consistent strong minuets on the court. Dragic helped push the Miami Heat to the verge of the playoffs, and that wouldn’t have gone unnoticed by many in the NBA as teams are always on the lookout for talented players who can lead their team into the playoffs. Dragic will be the guy to help a team do this, and he brings an infectious energy to any team he plays on, coaches love players who give them and their team energy, as fast paced offense can often prove to be the hardest to stop. Goran Dragic deserves to land on a contender and I really think he will.
Best fits: New York Knicks, Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers.
Jimmy Butler – Shooting Guard/Small Forward – Chicago Bulls (Restricted)
Despite being a restricted free agent, Jimmy Butler is another rising star in the NBA, great defensively Butler is a perfect player to build your franchise around. Butler’s offensive game is growing gradually every game and eventually will be elite, just like his defense. Chicago has said that Jimmy Butler is going nowhere, and many believe them. I personally am not as convinced as the Bulls faithful. Butler is a potential multiple All-Star appearance player. For this reason alone I can see a lot of teams going after Butler and testing the Bulls loyalty towards the Butler, while seeing how much they really do want to keep their star man. Jimmy Butler will get a max deal easily from another team, but from the Bulls, I’m not so sure. This is a team that is already paying Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah and Pau Gasol. That’s a lot of cap space already committed to the cause of trying to win a championship. And depending on how the playoff series against the Cavaliers goes, they may not even have the same coach next season. Jimmy Butler leaving Chicago would be a huge story. Don’t be surprised if this happens, as anything can happen in today’s NBA.
Best fits: Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers.
