Kevin Durant (unrestricted)
The writing has been on the wall all season that Durant is going to be departing, and the Warriors’ success in the playoffs without him doesn’t help make the case for him being needed by the Warriors. Durant’s decision will reportedly be a financial one, which leads me to believe he will be with the New York Knicks.
Prediction: New York Knicks
Kawhi Leonard (player option)
Despite Toronto offering him free food for life in the city if he stays, Leonard will opt out of his contract if Toronto is unable to win the Eastern Conference. His likely destination would be Los Angeles, and the notion of playing with LeBron James, and whoever the number four overall pick is, may be enough to persuade him.
Prediction: Los Angeles Lakers
Kyrie Irving (player option)
Despite all of the chatter about Kyrie Irving wanting to leave, has the man ever said anything close to that? Call me an optimistic Celtics fan, but it is my belief that Kyrie will opt out of his contract, but re-sign with the Celtics. This allows him to make up to $80 million more than any of his other options.
Prediction: Boston Celtics
Kemba Walker (unrestricted)
Kemba Walker would be crazy to stay in Charlotte no matter how much he might think he loves it there. The Utah Jazz and Dallas Mavericks are two teams that could offer Kemba the biggest roles. However, the San Antonio Spurs will have DeMar DeRozan and LaMarcus Aldridge for at least two more years and Walker could help complete a pretty solid “Big Three.”
Prediction: San Antonio Spurs
Klay Thompson (unrestricted)
Klay Thompson has been rumored to be the least happy of the Golden State Warriors as of late. Durant’s injury has given fans, and Thompson himself, a reminder or what once was (and can be). When Durant leaves in free agency, the Warriors will look to re-sign Klay Thompson and keep the “Splash Brothers” together.
Prediction: Golden State Warriors
Jimmy Butler (player option)
If you had asked me a week ago, I would have guessed Butler would pick up his player option and stay with the Philadelphia 76ers. However, after a recent cryptic Instagram post, many fans are freaking out over his status. Let’s go with it. The Brooklyn Nets, New York Knicks and the Los Angeles Clippers are all options, but given Butler’s history of needing to be around teammates he views as competent, I think he goes depending on where other free agents go. Given that I want to remain consistent with previous predictions, I will rule out the Kyrie/Butler team-up with the Knicks, but I will say that Butler will join Durant in New York, given the opportunity to earn more money and play in a bigger market than any of the other options.
Prediction: New York Knicks
D’Angelo Russell (restricted)
The Brooklyn Nets should view D’Angelo Russell as the guy they build their franchise around. While he was not voted directly into the All-Star Game, he did fill in due to Kevin Love’s injury. Russell is just 23 and averaged just under 22 points per game this season. The Nets will match any and every offer they can to retain him.
Prediction: Brooklyn Nets
Tobias Harris (unrestricted)
Tobias Harris averaged career-highs in points, assists and rebounds per game, as well as overall field goal percentage. He is hitting the market at a perfect time and should be Philadelphia’s number one target to re-sign this offseason. With the likely departure of Jimmy Butler and JJ Redick turning 35 next season, the 76ers need a guy to round out a big three, and Tobias Harris could be their answer.
Prediction: Philadelphia 76ers
Kristaps Porzingis (restricted)
Porzingis has played just 48 games in the last two seasons and has suffered serious injuries to his knees. However, Mark Cuban has been very public about wanting to retain him in order to pair him alongside Luka Doncic. I believe this will be true unless another team is foolish enough to enter a bidding war for him. The Mavericks will likely be able to sign Porzingis to a relatively team-friendly deal.
Prediction: Dallas Mavericks
Khris Middleton (player option)
There is no way Khris Middleton picks up his player option. This is bad news for the Bucks, who need to figure out a way to re-sign Middleton, Brook Lopez, Nikola Mirotic, and Malcolm Brogdon (good thing Eric Bledsoe signed an extension this offseason). Middleton was an All-Star this season and was arguably snubbed last season. Not only that, but he is literally the perfect player to put alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo because of his ability to heat up from three-point range. He should be the number one target for the Milwaukee Bucks, but if the Bucks choose depth over star power, then Middleton could be headed to a team like the Indiana Pacers (who are rumored to have him on their list). For now, I think the Bucks would be wise to re-sign Middleton at all costs.
Prediction: Milwaukee Bucks
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