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 small forwards entering free agency in 2019.
Top-5 NBA Free Agent Point Guards
Top-5 NBA Free Agent Shooting Guards
Top-5 NBA Free Agent Power Forwards
1. Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant’s injury makes his destination much more clouded than when the NBA Finals started. For the entire season, Durant was linked to the New York Knicks as a lock-in signing. Due to Durant’s injury and the likelihood of him missing the 2019-20 season being a real possibility, this may not happen. If Kyrie Irving decides he doesn’t want to be on a island with the Knicks, he will probably join the Brooklyn Nets. I think Durant would follow.
Prediction: Brooklyn Nets
2. Kawhi Leonard
Kawhi Leonard has already opted out of his player option and will become a free agent in a few days. The Los Angeles Clippers should be considered the favorite to land the 2019 Finals MVP. Leonard could build a dynasty in Toronto, but I think he wants to compete against the best players and teams. To have that opportunity, the Western Conference is where he needs to go, and the Clippers are a team whose stock is trending up for the 2019-20 season.
Prediction: Los Angeles Clippers
3. Khris Middleton
Middleton has made it clear that he wants to stay in Milwaukee. The Bucks would be wise to re-sign Middleton at all costs, even if it means letting players like Malcolm Brogdon, Nikola Mirotic or Brook Lopez go in free agency.
Prediction: Milwaukee Bucks
4. Tobias Harris
Tobias Harris is a fantastic backup for a lot of teams in free agency. The Indiana Pacers will likely lose Bojan Bogdonovic, and they have already lost Tyreke Evans to indefinite suspension. Harris is an excellent player who fell victim to being the fifth option on the 76ers. I expect Harris to sign with the Indiana Pacers and have a much better 2019-20 campaign.
Prediction: Indiana Pacers
5. Harrison Barnes
Harrison Barnes has already opted out of his player option and is rumored to be looking for a max contract. Some teams that may be silly enough to actually offer him that max contract are the New York Knicks and the Orlando Magic. If you have reading the other free agent prediction articles in this series, you will notice that I do not believe the Knicks will land any major free agents. I think Barnes is the best they do.
Prediction: New York Knicks
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