On the evening of June 30th, the future of the NBA will once again be predicated on the decisions of NBA free agents. Here is a list of predictions for the top five shooting guards entering free agency in 2019.
Top-5 NBA Free Agent Point Guards
Top-5 NBA Free Agent Small Forwards
Top-5 NBA Free Agent Power Forwards
1. Klay Thompson
After suffering a torn ACL in the NBA Finals, Klay Thompson will be a long road to recovery before he returns to the court. Despite being a highly- coveted free agent, Klay has not shown any indication that he wants a change of scenery. He should be expected to re-sign with the Golden State Warriors.
Prediction: Golden State Warriors
2. Jimmy Butler
The process has simply not worked. The Philadelphia 76ers are facing the very real possibility that they lose both Tobias Harris and Jimmy Butler. If the 76ers were smart, they would focus on bringing Harris back, because of his skill set at the position he plays. Butler, on the other hand, is a player whose skills can be replaced by others at the shooting guard position (even though he is the better player, objectively). The Brooklyn Nets are a team rumored to be interested in Butler, and they should be considered his most likely landing spot.
Prediction: Brooklyn Nets
3. JJ Redick
The 76ers should expect to lose Butler and, possibly, Harris. This means bringing back Redick is a top priority if the 76ers want any semblance of competing in the Eastern Conference. Redick will re-sign with the 76ers, unless he is approached by a contender like the Los Angeles Lakers.
Prediction: Philadelphia 76ers
4. Danny Green
Danny Green’s free agency seems as though it depends on the movement of other players. If Kawhi Leonard, who opted out of his contract to enter free agency, leaves, then Green will likely leave as well. If the Nets are unable to acquire Butler then Green could be a secondary target. It is my belief that, when all is said and done, Kawhi will stay in Toronto and Green will stay to chase a repeat championship.
Prediction: Toronto Raptors
5. Malcolm Brogdon
Malcolm Brogdon will be re-signed by the Milwaukke Bucks, but only if it is for the right price. There are many teams, such as the Phoenix Suns, Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks and even the Philadelphia 76ers, who could offer Brogdon a contract. While the Bucks could likely match most offers, there is no telling just how much the Suns, Bulls and Mavericks would throw at Brogdon to pull him away from Milwaukee.
Prediction: Dallas Mavericks
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