Official 2018 NBA Offseason Thread: free agency starts 7/1 - Summer League action is here!
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Report: Bucks tried to trade Bledsoe, Dellavedova
JUNE 25, 2018
The Milwaukee Bucks tried to trade point guard Eric Bledsoe and shooting guard Matthew Dellavedova on draft night, according to a report from Gery Woelfel.
The Bucks drafted Villanova guard Donte DiVincenzo with the 17th overall pick in the draft, making Bledsoe or Dellavedova expendable.
Milwaukee acquired Bledsoe this past season from the Phoenix Suns. He averaged 17.7 points, 3.8 rebounds and 5.0 assists in the regular season, shooting 47.3 percent from the field and 34.7 percent from three.
Bledsoe struggled in the playoffs, though, as he got outplayed by Boston Celtics guard Terry Rozier. In the seven-game series versus Boston, Bledsoe posted 13.6 points while Rozier averaged 17.6.
The 28-year-old Bledsoe is slated to make $15 million next season and will be an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2019.
Dellavedova, meanwhile, has two years left on his deal. He will make $9.6 million the next two seasons.
The rugged defender only appeared in 38 games in 2017-18 due to multiple injuries and averaged 4.3 points, 1.7 rebounds and 3.8 assists.
The possibility exists that the Bucks could continue to try to move both players.
The Bucks hired former Atlanta Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer as their new head coach earlier this month.
JUNE 25, 2018
The Milwaukee Bucks tried to trade point guard Eric Bledsoe and shooting guard Matthew Dellavedova on draft night, according to a report from Gery Woelfel.
The Bucks drafted Villanova guard Donte DiVincenzo with the 17th overall pick in the draft, making Bledsoe or Dellavedova expendable.
Milwaukee acquired Bledsoe this past season from the Phoenix Suns. He averaged 17.7 points, 3.8 rebounds and 5.0 assists in the regular season, shooting 47.3 percent from the field and 34.7 percent from three.
Bledsoe struggled in the playoffs, though, as he got outplayed by Boston Celtics guard Terry Rozier. In the seven-game series versus Boston, Bledsoe posted 13.6 points while Rozier averaged 17.6.
The 28-year-old Bledsoe is slated to make $15 million next season and will be an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2019.
Dellavedova, meanwhile, has two years left on his deal. He will make $9.6 million the next two seasons.
The rugged defender only appeared in 38 games in 2017-18 due to multiple injuries and averaged 4.3 points, 1.7 rebounds and 3.8 assists.
The possibility exists that the Bucks could continue to try to move both players.
The Bucks hired former Atlanta Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer as their new head coach earlier this month.
2003 NBA suits vs. 2018 NBA Draft suits
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Cavaliers Behaving As Though They Expect LeBron James To Leave
JUN 26, 2018 4:57 PM
The Cleveland Cavaliers have begun to behave as though they expect LeBron James to leave this offseason.
James has until June 29th to decide whether to opt out for free agency.
James is expected to choose between the Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets and Philadelphia 76ers.
Brian Windhorst also said during his ESPN Cleveland radio appearance that there are only four people who know what James is going to do and those people are not talking.
JUN 26, 2018 4:57 PM
The Cleveland Cavaliers have begun to behave as though they expect LeBron James to leave this offseason.
James has until June 29th to decide whether to opt out for free agency.
James is expected to choose between the Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets and Philadelphia 76ers.
Brian Windhorst also said during his ESPN Cleveland radio appearance that there are only four people who know what James is going to do and those people are not talking.
Clippers will trade Austin Rivers to Wizards for Marcin Gortat, according to report
3m ago
The Los Angeles Clippers have agreed to trade guard Austin Riversto the Washington Wizards in exchange for center Marcin Gortat, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
The move will inevitably lead to speculation about the fate of Clippers center DeAndre Jordan, who has the ability to opt out of his $24.1 million contract for next season.
Sources: Clips deal A. Rivers to Wiz for Gortat
The LA Clippers ended the first father-son, coach-player relationship in NBA history on Tuesday, trading guard Austin Rivers to the Washington Wizardsfor center Marcin Gortat, league sources said.
Rivers played three-plus seasons for his father, Doc Rivers, with the Clippers. Rivers traded a second-round pick to Boston for Austin in January 2015 but is no longer running basketball operations with the Clippers. Lawrence Frank is the Clippers' president of basketball operations, with Michael Winger the general manager.
The Wizards have been searching for trades to move Gortat the past several months.
The Clippers drafted their backcourt of the future on Thursday, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jerome Robinson. Veteran guards Milos Teodosic and Patrick Beverley will also be back on the roster this season.
Rivers and Gortat are in the final years of their contracts and will become free agents next summer.
Gortat gives the Clippers a starting-level center should DeAndre Jordan opt out of his $24.1 million contract before Friday's deadline. Even if Jordan opts in to the deal, the Clippers and Jordan would work together to find a trade out of Los Angeles, preferably well before the February trade deadline.
3m ago
The Los Angeles Clippers have agreed to trade guard Austin Riversto the Washington Wizards in exchange for center Marcin Gortat, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
The move will inevitably lead to speculation about the fate of Clippers center DeAndre Jordan, who has the ability to opt out of his $24.1 million contract for next season.
Sources: Clips deal A. Rivers to Wiz for Gortat
The LA Clippers ended the first father-son, coach-player relationship in NBA history on Tuesday, trading guard Austin Rivers to the Washington Wizardsfor center Marcin Gortat, league sources said.
Rivers played three-plus seasons for his father, Doc Rivers, with the Clippers. Rivers traded a second-round pick to Boston for Austin in January 2015 but is no longer running basketball operations with the Clippers. Lawrence Frank is the Clippers' president of basketball operations, with Michael Winger the general manager.
The Wizards have been searching for trades to move Gortat the past several months.
The Clippers drafted their backcourt of the future on Thursday, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jerome Robinson. Veteran guards Milos Teodosic and Patrick Beverley will also be back on the roster this season.
Rivers and Gortat are in the final years of their contracts and will become free agents next summer.
Gortat gives the Clippers a starting-level center should DeAndre Jordan opt out of his $24.1 million contract before Friday's deadline. Even if Jordan opts in to the deal, the Clippers and Jordan would work together to find a trade out of Los Angeles, preferably well before the February trade deadline.
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Cavaliers Behaving As Though They Expect LeBron James To Leave
JUN 26, 2018 4:57 PM
The Cleveland Cavaliers have begun to behave as though they expect LeBron James to leave this offseason.
James has until June 29th to decide whether to opt out for free agency.
James is expected to choose between the Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets and Philadelphia 76ers.
Brian Windhorst also said during his ESPN Cleveland radio appearance that there are only four people who know what James is going to do and those people are not talking.
Some of these thoughts/articles don't makes sense to even type.
Pacers opt out of Lance Stephenson's $4.3 million contract
Stephenson will become unrestricted free agent from July 1
The Indiana Pacers opted out of Lance Stephenson’s $4.3 million contract.
Stephenson will become unrestricted free agent from July 1.
Pacers expected to pursue Will Barton and Tyreke Evans in free agency
Indiana freed up some space by declining contract option on Lance Stephenson’s contract
0
The Indiana Pacers will try to sign Tyreke Evans or Will Barton in the upcoming free agency.
Stephenson will become unrestricted free agent from July 1
The Indiana Pacers opted out of Lance Stephenson’s $4.3 million contract.
Stephenson will become unrestricted free agent from July 1.
Pacers expected to pursue Will Barton and Tyreke Evans in free agency
Indiana freed up some space by declining contract option on Lance Stephenson’s contract
0
The Indiana Pacers will try to sign Tyreke Evans or Will Barton in the upcoming free agency.
Pacers opt out of Lance Stephenson's $4.3 million contract
Stephenson will become unrestricted free agent from July 1
The Indiana Pacers opted out of Lance Stephenson’s $4.3 million contract.
Stephenson will become unrestricted free agent from July 1.
Pacers expected to pursue Will Barton and Tyreke Evans in free agency
Indiana freed up some space by declining contract option on Lance Stephenson’s contract
0
The Indiana Pacers will try to sign Tyreke Evans or Will Barton in the upcoming free agency.
Stephenson will become unrestricted free agent from July 1
The Indiana Pacers opted out of Lance Stephenson’s $4.3 million contract.
Stephenson will become unrestricted free agent from July 1.
Pacers expected to pursue Will Barton and Tyreke Evans in free agency
Indiana freed up some space by declining contract option on Lance Stephenson’s contract
0
The Indiana Pacers will try to sign Tyreke Evans or Will Barton in the upcoming free agency.
Pacers opt out of Lance Stephenson's $4.3 million contract
Stephenson will become unrestricted free agent from July 1
The Indiana Pacers opted out of Lance Stephenson’s $4.3 million contract.
Stephenson will become unrestricted free agent from July 1.
Pacers expected to pursue Will Barton and Tyreke Evans in free agency
Indiana freed up some space by declining contract option on Lance Stephenson’s contract
0
The Indiana Pacers will try to sign Tyreke Evans or Will Barton in the upcoming free agency.
Stephenson will become unrestricted free agent from July 1
The Indiana Pacers opted out of Lance Stephenson’s $4.3 million contract.
Stephenson will become unrestricted free agent from July 1.
Pacers expected to pursue Will Barton and Tyreke Evans in free agency
Indiana freed up some space by declining contract option on Lance Stephenson’s contract
0
The Indiana Pacers will try to sign Tyreke Evans or Will Barton in the upcoming free agency.
Sub Zero you bitch ass niggas!!!! Once we get Bron its over!!!!!!!
Shits bad when NBA teams are declining $4million contracts in this NBA.
RIF
"Pacers opt out"
who's we
Bullets nigga.
Nuggets to decline option on Nikola Jokic, clearing way for max deal
The Denver Nuggets filed paperwork to decline the team option on star forward Nikola Jokic's contract on Monday night, clearing the way to sign him to what likely will be a five-year, approximately $147 million maximum contract in July, league sources told ESPN.
Declining the $1.5 million team option for the 2018-19 season makes Jokic, 23, a restricted free agent and allows the Nuggets and Jokic to execute the long-term deal.
Will Barton, who will be an unrestricted free agent.
Jokic was the 41st pick of the 2014 NBA draft and signed a typical deal for a second-round pick that includes unrestricted free agency after the fourth year.
The Denver Nuggets filed paperwork to decline the team option on star forward Nikola Jokic's contract on Monday night, clearing the way to sign him to what likely will be a five-year, approximately $147 million maximum contract in July, league sources told ESPN.
Declining the $1.5 million team option for the 2018-19 season makes Jokic, 23, a restricted free agent and allows the Nuggets and Jokic to execute the long-term deal.
Will Barton, who will be an unrestricted free agent.
Jokic was the 41st pick of the 2014 NBA draft and signed a typical deal for a second-round pick that includes unrestricted free agency after the fourth year.
Lakers extend qualifying offer to Randle
JUNE 27, 2018
The Los Angeles Lakers have extended a qualifying offer to power forward Julius Randle, the team announced.
Randle becomes a restricted free agent now. He can sign an offer sheet with another team and then the Lakers have to decide if they want to match it or not.
The 23-year-old is coming off a career year in 2017-18. He averaged 16.1 points, 8.0 rebounds and 2.6 assists, shooting 55.8 percent from the field in 82 games.
The Dallas Mavericks are expected to pursue Randle this summer.
JUNE 27, 2018
The Los Angeles Lakers have extended a qualifying offer to power forward Julius Randle, the team announced.
Randle becomes a restricted free agent now. He can sign an offer sheet with another team and then the Lakers have to decide if they want to match it or not.
The 23-year-old is coming off a career year in 2017-18. He averaged 16.1 points, 8.0 rebounds and 2.6 assists, shooting 55.8 percent from the field in 82 games.
The Dallas Mavericks are expected to pursue Randle this summer.
Lakers re-open talks with Spurs on Kawhi Leonard; Spurs want more than Kyrie Irving or PG13 fetched
10:01 PM ET
The Los Angeles Lakers re-engaged the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday in pursuit of a trade for All-NBA forward Kawhi Leonard, league sources told ESPN.
The stakes on these talks are enormous, because a deal for Leonard would likely clinch a free agent commitment out of LeBron James. James has until late Friday night to opt-out of the final year of his contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers, and is watching closely how the Lakers proceed with the Leonard talks.
The Spurs have wanted to find a way to repair the franchise's relationship with Leonard, but an overwhelming Lakers offer could convince San Antonio to part with its franchise star, league sources said.
Paul George and Kyrie Irving trades as proportional models for a Leonard deal, but San Antonio understands that this trade, for intents and purposes, would mean Leonard and James coming to the Lakers, and will likely command a massive package of young players and draft picks for Leonard, a two-time first-team All-NBA and two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year.
The Lakers are in no rush to sign the 25th overall pick in Thursday's NBA Draft, Michigan forward Mo Wagner, to his rookie scale deal, which would allow the Lakers to include his draft rights into a trade package, league sources said. Wagner couldn't be traded for 30 days once he signs his rookie deal.
The Lakers are pursuing an additional first-round pick on the trade market too, offering to incur a salary dump of contracts to get a pick, league sources said.
As ESPN reported earlier, there's a race to secure Leonard before James is faced with making a decision in free agency, especially with concern that Oklahoma City's Paul George is no longer assured of signing with the Lakers, league sources said.
Another James preference that could impact free agency -- assuming he chooses to opt out before Friday's deadline -- is that he wants to make a decision quickly in July free agency, league sources said.
The Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Philadelphia 76ers and LA Clippers are among teams who have made offers to the Spurs for Leonard, league sources said. The Lakers, the franchise Leonard wants to be traded to, did not have an encouraging initial conversation with the Spurs, ESPN reported recently.
If Leonard can convince the rest of the teams interested in trading for him that he'll only be a one-year rental before signing with Los Angeles in 2019, the Lakers could have the most compelling trade package to offer San Antonio.
The situation has become similar to where the Lakers were with the Indiana Pacers last year, when George informed the Pacers that he intended to sign with the Lakers as a free agent in 2018. As such, the Lakers never made a substantial offer to Indiana -- such as the No. 2 pick in the 2017 draft, or Brandon Ingram -- as they expected George would come to them this year in free agency. But now, after last summer's trade to Oklahoma City, George is seriously considering a return to the Thunder, as well as the possibility of joining the Lakers or others.
Los Angeles could be risking a scenario of James staying in Cleveland or going elsewhere and the Spurs trading Leonard to a destination where he becomes comfortable and hedges on joining the Lakers next year.
The Lakers have been weighing the conservation of young assets and future draft picks against the possibility of getting shut out in free agency. The Lakers hoped to lure James and George in free agency, which would give them more leverage in Leonard trade talks, or simply for the ability to wait until next year to sign Leonard.
The price for Leonard would be substantial. The Lakers could have to surrender a combination of former first-round picks -- from Ingram, Kyle Kuzma and Josh Hart -- and future first-round picks and perhaps restricted free agent Julius Randle in a sign-and-trade agreement.
The Spurs could also push the Lakers to take an unappealing contract off their books. Those are all deal points that would be applicable to leverage, which belongs to the Spurs as long as Lakers president Magic Johnson and general manager Rob Pelinka haven't delivered yet on the promise of a blue-chip free agent.
Johnson told reporters in Los Angeles on Tuesday that he'd step down as the team's president of basketball operations if he couldn't deliver superstars via free agency or trade over the next two summers.
While James and George have until Friday to exercise their player options on the final years of their contracts and become unrestricted free agents. Leonard can't opt out of his contract until next summer.
Thus far, the Spurs haven't been responsive to all teams that have inquired about Leonard, nor have they ruled out the possibility of trading him to any league destination, sources said.
James hasn't ruled out a return to Cleveland, but his chances of staying with a reshaped and upgraded roster are murky.
The Cavaliers have been working on several trade and salary-cap-clearing possibilities to be aggressive in free agency, but they have been stymied in attempts to meet or discuss scenarios with James, league sources said. James had been clear that he wouldn't engage with the Cavaliers throughout the pre-draft and pre-free-agent process, and he has stayed consistent with that posture.
James' unwillingness to commit beyond the 2017-18 season made it challenging for Cavs management to execute a trade for George last summer, because George wanted a James commitment beyond next season to make one of his own, league sources said. One George-to-Cleveland deal fell apart when the Cavs declined to make a future first-round pick unprotected, a concession they felt they couldn't make without assurances from James.
It is unlikely that the Cavaliers would've traded Kyrie Irving with James and George together on the Cleveland roster.
Now, the longer the Cavaliers go without clear communication with James, the less chance they can find ways to upgrade the roster to James' satisfaction. Cleveland would love to get involved with George's or Chris Paul's free agencies in concert with re-signing James, but because the Cavs are likely to be deep into the luxury tax, they will be barred from receiving players in sign-and-trade deals, which makes getting involved in the free agency of stars nearly impossible.
Cleveland has inquired about Leonard, sources said, but the Cavaliers probably don't have the assets to top the rest of the market.
Leonard has been adamant that he doesn't want to step into the San Antonio locker room again, and the Spurs have been adamant that they won't be forced into a trade, or a timetable, prior to the February trading deadline, league sources said. No team talking with the Spurs about Leonard has found them to be in a rush to make a deal.
10:01 PM ET
The Los Angeles Lakers re-engaged the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday in pursuit of a trade for All-NBA forward Kawhi Leonard, league sources told ESPN.
The stakes on these talks are enormous, because a deal for Leonard would likely clinch a free agent commitment out of LeBron James. James has until late Friday night to opt-out of the final year of his contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers, and is watching closely how the Lakers proceed with the Leonard talks.
The Spurs have wanted to find a way to repair the franchise's relationship with Leonard, but an overwhelming Lakers offer could convince San Antonio to part with its franchise star, league sources said.
Paul George and Kyrie Irving trades as proportional models for a Leonard deal, but San Antonio understands that this trade, for intents and purposes, would mean Leonard and James coming to the Lakers, and will likely command a massive package of young players and draft picks for Leonard, a two-time first-team All-NBA and two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year.
The Lakers are in no rush to sign the 25th overall pick in Thursday's NBA Draft, Michigan forward Mo Wagner, to his rookie scale deal, which would allow the Lakers to include his draft rights into a trade package, league sources said. Wagner couldn't be traded for 30 days once he signs his rookie deal.
The Lakers are pursuing an additional first-round pick on the trade market too, offering to incur a salary dump of contracts to get a pick, league sources said.
As ESPN reported earlier, there's a race to secure Leonard before James is faced with making a decision in free agency, especially with concern that Oklahoma City's Paul George is no longer assured of signing with the Lakers, league sources said.
Another James preference that could impact free agency -- assuming he chooses to opt out before Friday's deadline -- is that he wants to make a decision quickly in July free agency, league sources said.
The Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Philadelphia 76ers and LA Clippers are among teams who have made offers to the Spurs for Leonard, league sources said. The Lakers, the franchise Leonard wants to be traded to, did not have an encouraging initial conversation with the Spurs, ESPN reported recently.
If Leonard can convince the rest of the teams interested in trading for him that he'll only be a one-year rental before signing with Los Angeles in 2019, the Lakers could have the most compelling trade package to offer San Antonio.
The situation has become similar to where the Lakers were with the Indiana Pacers last year, when George informed the Pacers that he intended to sign with the Lakers as a free agent in 2018. As such, the Lakers never made a substantial offer to Indiana -- such as the No. 2 pick in the 2017 draft, or Brandon Ingram -- as they expected George would come to them this year in free agency. But now, after last summer's trade to Oklahoma City, George is seriously considering a return to the Thunder, as well as the possibility of joining the Lakers or others.
Los Angeles could be risking a scenario of James staying in Cleveland or going elsewhere and the Spurs trading Leonard to a destination where he becomes comfortable and hedges on joining the Lakers next year.
The Lakers have been weighing the conservation of young assets and future draft picks against the possibility of getting shut out in free agency. The Lakers hoped to lure James and George in free agency, which would give them more leverage in Leonard trade talks, or simply for the ability to wait until next year to sign Leonard.
The price for Leonard would be substantial. The Lakers could have to surrender a combination of former first-round picks -- from Ingram, Kyle Kuzma and Josh Hart -- and future first-round picks and perhaps restricted free agent Julius Randle in a sign-and-trade agreement.
The Spurs could also push the Lakers to take an unappealing contract off their books. Those are all deal points that would be applicable to leverage, which belongs to the Spurs as long as Lakers president Magic Johnson and general manager Rob Pelinka haven't delivered yet on the promise of a blue-chip free agent.
Johnson told reporters in Los Angeles on Tuesday that he'd step down as the team's president of basketball operations if he couldn't deliver superstars via free agency or trade over the next two summers.
While James and George have until Friday to exercise their player options on the final years of their contracts and become unrestricted free agents. Leonard can't opt out of his contract until next summer.
Thus far, the Spurs haven't been responsive to all teams that have inquired about Leonard, nor have they ruled out the possibility of trading him to any league destination, sources said.
James hasn't ruled out a return to Cleveland, but his chances of staying with a reshaped and upgraded roster are murky.
The Cavaliers have been working on several trade and salary-cap-clearing possibilities to be aggressive in free agency, but they have been stymied in attempts to meet or discuss scenarios with James, league sources said. James had been clear that he wouldn't engage with the Cavaliers throughout the pre-draft and pre-free-agent process, and he has stayed consistent with that posture.
James' unwillingness to commit beyond the 2017-18 season made it challenging for Cavs management to execute a trade for George last summer, because George wanted a James commitment beyond next season to make one of his own, league sources said. One George-to-Cleveland deal fell apart when the Cavs declined to make a future first-round pick unprotected, a concession they felt they couldn't make without assurances from James.
It is unlikely that the Cavaliers would've traded Kyrie Irving with James and George together on the Cleveland roster.
Now, the longer the Cavaliers go without clear communication with James, the less chance they can find ways to upgrade the roster to James' satisfaction. Cleveland would love to get involved with George's or Chris Paul's free agencies in concert with re-signing James, but because the Cavs are likely to be deep into the luxury tax, they will be barred from receiving players in sign-and-trade deals, which makes getting involved in the free agency of stars nearly impossible.
Cleveland has inquired about Leonard, sources said, but the Cavaliers probably don't have the assets to top the rest of the market.
Leonard has been adamant that he doesn't want to step into the San Antonio locker room again, and the Spurs have been adamant that they won't be forced into a trade, or a timetable, prior to the February trading deadline, league sources said. No team talking with the Spurs about Leonard has found them to be in a rush to make a deal.
What's the best deal for Kawhi
L.A will have to give up
Ingram/Kuzma/Hart/Randle and a first round pick (20-30)
Celtics: Jaylen/Rozier/Smart and the Sixers/Kings first round pick
Sixers: Fultz/Covington/Bayless/Zhaire Smith and Miami 2021 unprotected 1st round pick
L.A will have to give up
Ingram/Kuzma/Hart/Randle and a first round pick (20-30)
Celtics: Jaylen/Rozier/Smart and the Sixers/Kings first round pick
Sixers: Fultz/Covington/Bayless/Zhaire Smith and Miami 2021 unprotected 1st round pick
For the last time. Celtics aren't giving up shit unless he signs that extension. And they don't have Smart to give up.
He doesn't just want out of SA, he wants to play in LA. And that's a long ways from Boston. If Kawhi says, I'll play in Boston, you're in the running. But until then . . .
2 things we never hear again in a week
"The East is weak" and "We need 1-16 playoff seeding"
Bro u so lame
Dickey would rock scrams uDickey Simpkins ass niggas
He was never opting in to begin with. This isn't news.
NBA free agency: Paul George, Kevin Durant opting out; Mavs reportedly working on DeAndre Jordan trade
per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowksi. Young averaged just under 12 points per game for the Pacers last season, his second in Indiana.
per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowksi. Young averaged just under 12 points per game for the Pacers last season, his second in Indiana.
- June 28: No big surprises here, but the futures of Paul George and Kevin Durant are coming into focus. George has informed the Oklahoma City Thunder that he will not opt in for the final year of his contract and will become an unrestricted free agent, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports. Among the teams interested in George are the Los Angeles Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers and Houston Rockets. Durant is opting out of the two-year, $51-million deal he signed with the Golden State Warriors last summer and is expected to re-sign with . . . the Golden State Warriors. The team has already committed to breaking the bank for him, as General Manager Bob Myers indicated after the team won the NBA title.
- As for the ongoing saga of Kawhi Leonard and his future in San Antonio, the Philadelphia 76ers are among the teams to have made a trade offer to the Spurs. The others, according to ESPN reporters, are the Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Clippers, Cleveland Cavaliers and the Lakers. However, the report adds that the Lakers are Leonard’s preferred destination. (Read the story)
- June 27: Competing rumors have surfaced over whether LeBron James is willing to join the Lakers without another star already in place. ESPN, citing league sources, says James is “hesitant” to commit to Los Angeles before it has signed an elite player to pair with him — ramping up pressure on Magic Johnson and Co. to execute a deal before Friday’s deadline for James to exercise the contract clause that would enable him to hit the open market. (Read the story)
- June 27: The Dallas Mavericks deciding to pull Doug McDermott‘s qualifying offer does two things: make the sweet-shooting forward an unrestricted free agent, and put Dallas in position to throw a big contract at a star center. Whether they sign or trade for DeAndre Jordan, or chase after someone such as DeMarcus Cousins(unrestricted) or Dallas native Julius Randle (restricted), Dallas will be the top destination for every big man. Marc Stein of the New York Times reports that the Mavericks are indeed exploring trades for Jordan. (Tim Bontemps)
- June 26: The Washington Wizards finally traded disgruntled center Marcin Gortat to the Los Angeles Clippers for swingman Austin Rivers, the son of the team’s Coach Doc Rivers. Could the trade be the precursor to the end of DeAndre Jordan‘s time in L.A.? (Read the story) (Analysis)
- June 25: The Denver Nuggets are paving their way to offering star center Nikola Jokic a max contract, likely worth $147 million over five years. The first move was to decline his $1.5 million team option. The new deal could reportedly be done by July 1. (Via ESPN)
- June 20: Dwight Howard is changing teams yet again, after the Charlotte Hornetsagreed to deal the center to the Brooklyn Nets for Timofey Mozgov, two future second-round draft picks and cash. The trade won’t become official until July 6, at which time Howard will reportedly be bought out by the Nets. (Read the story)
Free agency story lines
1. Summer of LeBron
Even at 33, James remains the dominant force in the game, and his free agency will once again be the sport’s No. 1 topic of conversation. The difference this time around is that his options aren’t great. From staying with the Cleveland Cavaliers to going to Los Angeles or Philadelphia or the Houston Rockets — the main destinations rumored as possibilities — all are flawed in some way, leaving him with a complicated decision.
2. Paul George, power-shifter?
While there has understandably been so much attention paid to James, George has an equally big decision in front of him. If he is indeed leaving the Thunder — likely heading either to the Lakers or Sixers himself — it not only could lead to a new era in Oklahoma City, but could be the start of a new title contender in either conference.
3. Unlucky restricted free agents
Because of the severe lack of cap space around the league — a hangover from teams’ drunken spending spree teams in 2016 — this year’s restricted free agent class could be in for a rude awakening. Players including Jabari Parker, Aaron Gordon, Dante Exum, Marcus Smart, Julius Randle, Zach LaVine and Jusuf Nurkic could find themselves without a realistic suitor this summer, leading to protracted holdouts with their current teams. In some cases, taking a one-year qualifying offer might be the only option available.
4. Where will Kawhi Leonard play next season?
The curious case of Leonard’s ongoing battle with the San Antonio Spurs has hung over the team, and the league, for most of this season. After last week’s NBA draft, General Manager R.C. Buford said the Spurs want to keep Leonard, but if they have to trade him, he won’t be given away. One of the best two-way players in the league when healthy, Leonard staying or going is another decision that could send dominoes cascading.
5. Will the Philadelphia 76ers land a big fish?
In Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid, Philadelphia has arguably the best one-two punch of young talent in the NBA. Now, armed with max cap space, the Sixers enter free agency hoping to add an established star like James or George to the mix. It’s far from a failure if they don’t — presuming health, the window for contention here is wide open for quite some time. But if they do, the Sixers will have a credible case to win the Eastern Conference next season.
6. A Lakers return to relevancy?
It’s been a long five years in Los Angeles, where the days of the Lakers lording over the NBA feel like five lifetimes ago. But with a burgeoning core of young players, coupled with a front office of Rob Pelinka and Magic Johnson that’s begun to turn the ship around, this could finally be the summer that changes. If it doesn’t? It’d better happen next summer.
“It’s going to be a two-summer thing for the Lakers,” Johnson told reporters Tuesday. “This summer and next summer. That’s it. If I can’t deliver, I’m going to step down myself. [Owner Jeanie Buss] won’t have to fire me, I’ll step away from it, because I can’t do this job.”
7. What’s the market for Boogie?
DeMarcus Cousins is one of the league’s most talented players, a 7-footer who can do everything offensively and can turn it on defensively when he’s engaged. He also has a mercurial personality so combustible some teams won’t touch him, and he’s coming off an Achilles tear in January — the most devastating injury an NBA player can suffer. It seems most likely that he re-signs in New Orleans. But if the Pelicans go in another direction, where will he land? Dallas is one possibility. The Lakers are another. But if those teams aren’t interested, it’s not clear where Cousins, despite his talent, will be playing.
8. Does a team surprisingly opt to blow it up?
Because of the amount of salary cap space tied up around the league, for many of its 30 teams there are limited avenues for improving their rosters. For some teams at inflection points — the Portland Trail Blazers, Toronto Raptors and Washington Wizards, to name a few — that could lead to a difficult choice: Run it back with what they have now, or potentially make a franchise-altering decisions by dealing one of their top players.
9. What happens to the glut of big men?
As teams continue to look for more wing players, that leaves less playing time — and fewer roster spots — for big men around the league. Not only will that make it tougher for big men to find jobs, but for the ones who do find jobs, it’ll be tough to get paid the way they might expect. It’s a trend that has been ongoing for some time, but the lack of cap space this summer will only further speed up the process.
10. How will luxury tax implications impact this summer?
The cap spike two summers ago led to a massive amount of money coming into the system — money NBA teams spent all at once. With the cap flattening out since, a glut of teams are facing luxury tax bills next season. Will contending tax teams be willing to use their mid-level exceptions to improve their rosters? Will bottom-feeders with cap space such as the Atlanta Hawks and Chicago Bulls be able to extract exorbitant prices to take undesirable deals off those tax teams’ hands? Financial decisions, for many teams, will be as crucial as talent decisions in July.
1. Summer of LeBron
Even at 33, James remains the dominant force in the game, and his free agency will once again be the sport’s No. 1 topic of conversation. The difference this time around is that his options aren’t great. From staying with the Cleveland Cavaliers to going to Los Angeles or Philadelphia or the Houston Rockets — the main destinations rumored as possibilities — all are flawed in some way, leaving him with a complicated decision.
2. Paul George, power-shifter?
While there has understandably been so much attention paid to James, George has an equally big decision in front of him. If he is indeed leaving the Thunder — likely heading either to the Lakers or Sixers himself — it not only could lead to a new era in Oklahoma City, but could be the start of a new title contender in either conference.
3. Unlucky restricted free agents
Because of the severe lack of cap space around the league — a hangover from teams’ drunken spending spree teams in 2016 — this year’s restricted free agent class could be in for a rude awakening. Players including Jabari Parker, Aaron Gordon, Dante Exum, Marcus Smart, Julius Randle, Zach LaVine and Jusuf Nurkic could find themselves without a realistic suitor this summer, leading to protracted holdouts with their current teams. In some cases, taking a one-year qualifying offer might be the only option available.
4. Where will Kawhi Leonard play next season?
The curious case of Leonard’s ongoing battle with the San Antonio Spurs has hung over the team, and the league, for most of this season. After last week’s NBA draft, General Manager R.C. Buford said the Spurs want to keep Leonard, but if they have to trade him, he won’t be given away. One of the best two-way players in the league when healthy, Leonard staying or going is another decision that could send dominoes cascading.
5. Will the Philadelphia 76ers land a big fish?
In Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid, Philadelphia has arguably the best one-two punch of young talent in the NBA. Now, armed with max cap space, the Sixers enter free agency hoping to add an established star like James or George to the mix. It’s far from a failure if they don’t — presuming health, the window for contention here is wide open for quite some time. But if they do, the Sixers will have a credible case to win the Eastern Conference next season.
6. A Lakers return to relevancy?
It’s been a long five years in Los Angeles, where the days of the Lakers lording over the NBA feel like five lifetimes ago. But with a burgeoning core of young players, coupled with a front office of Rob Pelinka and Magic Johnson that’s begun to turn the ship around, this could finally be the summer that changes. If it doesn’t? It’d better happen next summer.
“It’s going to be a two-summer thing for the Lakers,” Johnson told reporters Tuesday. “This summer and next summer. That’s it. If I can’t deliver, I’m going to step down myself. [Owner Jeanie Buss] won’t have to fire me, I’ll step away from it, because I can’t do this job.”
7. What’s the market for Boogie?
DeMarcus Cousins is one of the league’s most talented players, a 7-footer who can do everything offensively and can turn it on defensively when he’s engaged. He also has a mercurial personality so combustible some teams won’t touch him, and he’s coming off an Achilles tear in January — the most devastating injury an NBA player can suffer. It seems most likely that he re-signs in New Orleans. But if the Pelicans go in another direction, where will he land? Dallas is one possibility. The Lakers are another. But if those teams aren’t interested, it’s not clear where Cousins, despite his talent, will be playing.
8. Does a team surprisingly opt to blow it up?
Because of the amount of salary cap space tied up around the league, for many of its 30 teams there are limited avenues for improving their rosters. For some teams at inflection points — the Portland Trail Blazers, Toronto Raptors and Washington Wizards, to name a few — that could lead to a difficult choice: Run it back with what they have now, or potentially make a franchise-altering decisions by dealing one of their top players.
9. What happens to the glut of big men?
As teams continue to look for more wing players, that leaves less playing time — and fewer roster spots — for big men around the league. Not only will that make it tougher for big men to find jobs, but for the ones who do find jobs, it’ll be tough to get paid the way they might expect. It’s a trend that has been ongoing for some time, but the lack of cap space this summer will only further speed up the process.
10. How will luxury tax implications impact this summer?
The cap spike two summers ago led to a massive amount of money coming into the system — money NBA teams spent all at once. With the cap flattening out since, a glut of teams are facing luxury tax bills next season. Will contending tax teams be willing to use their mid-level exceptions to improve their rosters? Will bottom-feeders with cap space such as the Atlanta Hawks and Chicago Bulls be able to extract exorbitant prices to take undesirable deals off those tax teams’ hands? Financial decisions, for many teams, will be as crucial as talent decisions in July.
Top 50 NBA free agents
1. LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
James has until Friday to decide whether he wants to pick up his option for 2019. If he does, it could be a sign he wants to stay — or be traded. If he doesn’t, it will greatly reduce the number of teams that can realistically get him.
2. Kevin Durant, Golden State Warriors
Durant is all but certain to return to Golden State. The question will be whether he signs a one or two-year deal. The latter seems more likely, as it would allow him to get a full max deal.
3. Paul George, Oklahoma City Thunder
The early noise out of Oklahoma City had George staying on at least a one-year deal — which would be a huge win for the Thunder. However, that has been overtaken by a report to the contrary.
4. Chris Paul, Houston Rockets
Even at 33, Paul remains one of the game’s elite playmakers. The end of his next deal won’t be pretty, but he should be back in Houston.
5. Clint Capela, Houston Rockets (restricted)
The ideal modern big man — long, athletic, with good hands as a roll man offensively while being able to both switch out onto smaller players and protect the rim defensively — Capela should get a max contract this summer. Expect Houston to keep him.
6. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets (restricted)
The Nuggets have turned down Jokic’s option for next season, making him a restricted free agent, and he’ll be signing a five-year max next month to remain in Denver.
7. Aaron Gordon, Orlando Magic (restricted)
Given Gordon was drafted by the last regime, and the Magic have drafted a power forward (Jonathan Isaac) and center (Mohamed Bamba) the past two years, this could be a restricted free agent that changes teams.
8. DeAndre Jordan, Los Angeles Clippers
Like James, Jordan has until Friday to decide whether to opt into his deal for next season. Regardless, the Clippers trading for Marcin Gortat signals his departure from Los Angeles after a decade.
9. DeMarcus Cousins, New Orleans Pelicans
Cousins already was a difficult player to place in a new home in free agency — and that was before he tore his Achilles in January. If he doesn’t land in Dallas, or return to New Orleans, it’s difficult to see where that landing spot could be.
10. Trevor Ariza, Houston Rockets
One of the league’s prototypical “3-and-D” players, Ariza should remain in Houston with one of the league’s best teams.
11. Julius Randle, Los Angeles Lakers (restricted)
Randle played well this season in Los Angeles, and showed some of the skills necessary for modern big men. His future there could come down to what stars such as James and George decide.
12. Derrick Favors, Utah Jazz
After the Jazz surprised this season, Favors will likely return to Salt Lake City to continue playing alongside Rudy Gobert on one of the best defensive teams in the league. He has reportedly expressed a desire to come back.
13. Thaddeus Young, Indiana Pacers
Young made a bit of a surprising decision to opt out this week, given the lack of salary cap space around the league. But as a legitimate stretch four who is useful defensively, he should still have a market.
14. Marcus Smart, Boston Celtics (restricted)
One of the most difficult players to properly value in the league, Smart will be an equally tough one to place in free agency. One interesting potential option for an offer sheet? Phoenix.
15. J.J. Redick, Philadelphia 76ers
After signing a massive one-year deal with Philadelphia last summer, Redick could be in line to sign another this year — assuming the Sixers don’t land a big fish in free agency.
16. Jusuf Nurkic, Portland Trail Blazers (restricted)
Nurkic is a young, talented center … in a league where basically no team needs a big man. His impending free agency will be one of the more fascinating ones to follow, in terms of the direction the league is headed in.
17. Fred VanVleet, Toronto Raptors (restricted)
The best player on the best bench unit in the league, VanVleet has enough fans around the league that he could be paid like a starter. If he is, that will lead to a tough call for Toronto, which has an expensive roster.
18. Will Barton, Denver Nuggets
“Will The Thrill” has developed into a terrific sixth man for the Nuggets, but could find it difficult to get paid by them this summer because of tax concerns. He’s the type of guy, in this market, that could wind up being a bargain.
19. Tyreke Evans, Memphis Grizzlies
Evans had a major bounceback year with Memphis last season after dealing with knee issues for years. Memphis turned down deadline offers for him, and he seems likely to remain with the Grizzlies, unless someone comes calling with a big offer.
20. Jabari Parker, Milwaukee Bucks (restricted)
After tearing his anterior cruciate ligament twice in his first three seasons, the former No. 2 overall pick enters restricted free agency with a lot of question marks surrounding how wise an investment he is long-term. Given where Milwaukee stands at the moment, he could be had with a big offer.
[The Bucks and Jabari Parker may be headed for a divorce, and both could be better off]
21. Dwight Howard, Brooklyn Nets
Howard is going to be bought out once his trade from the Charlotte Hornets becomes official in early July. As a minimum guy, he could provide big value to someone, even at this stage of his career.
22. Aron Baynes, Boston Celtics
Baynes acquitted himself nicely as a role player with Boston last season, and the Celtics would likely prefer to bring him back again. If he changes teams, though, he has proven he can be a solid rotation center even in the postseason.
23. Luc Mbah a Moute, Houston Rockets
Mbah a Moute wasn’t good in the playoffs after dislocating his shoulder twice this season, but as a good perimeter defender who can hit a three, he fills a huge need in today’s NBA.
24. Wayne Ellington, Miami Heat
A fantastic three-point shooter, Ellington has bounced from team to team despite being a good guy and filling an important role. He could very well change teams again this summer, but he’ll continue to have value.
25. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Los Angeles Lakers
Like Redick, Caldwell-Pope could go from a big-one year deal to another one with the Lakers, depending on what happens with L.A.’s pursuit of free agents.
26. Avery Bradley, Los Angeles Clippers
Injuries and ineffectiveness last season saw Bradley’s value tumble heading into free agency, and could leave him in position to sign a one-year deal to rehab his value.
27. Enes Kanter, New York Knicks
Kanter, like other players on this list, has until Friday to opt into his $19 million for next season. He keeps saying he might not, but he would be wise to do so.
28. Nemanja Bjelica, Minnesota Timberwolves (restricted)
An older restricted free agent because he came over from Europe in his mid-20s, Bjelica’s market could be determined by whether Minnesota is willing to keep him as it bumps up near the luxury tax.
29. Rajon Rondo, New Orleans Pelicans
Rondo played well in New Orleans last season, and likely will find his way back there again. Still, he remains a point guard who doesn’t scare teams with his shot, and doesn’t scare opposing players with his lack of defense.
30. Jamal Crawford, Minnesota Timberwolves
Still one of the best shotmakers in the league at 38, Crawford could help a lot of teams as a scorer off the bench. He opted out to get a bigger role somewhere next season than he had in Minnesota.
31. David West, Golden State Warriors
While West wasn’t able to stay on the court against Houston, he’s been very good the past two years for Golden State. If he doesn’t retire, it feels like a return to the two-time defending champion would be in the cards.
32. Rudy Gay, San Antonio Spurs
Gay played well for San Antonio last year in coming back from his Achilles tear, and opted out of his deal to test free agency. As a combo forward in a league lacking them, he should have some suitors.
33. Dante Exum, Utah Jazz
Injuries have kept Exum off the court for large stretches of time, but he has big-time athleticism and defensive potential. It’s hard to know exactly where his market will settle, but expect the former No. 5 overall pick back in Utah.
34. Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls (restricted)
A torn anterior cruciate ligament two years ago, and a subpar return from it last season, has diminished LaVine’s value. It seems likely he will be back in Chicago, but this could be a protracted negotiation.
35. Ed Davis, Portland Trail Blazers
A solid but unspectacular big man, Davis is the type of guy who used to get paid handsomely, but now could be caught in a numbers crunch.
36. Isaiah Thomas, Los Angeles Lakers
A year ago, Thomas believed he would be getting a max deal this summer. Now, after everything that happened last season, he’ll be hoping to get the mid-level — and even that might be charitable.
[Isaiah Thomas’s hip injury derailed a Cinderella career. Will latest surgery cost him even more?]
37. Brook Lopez, Los Angeles Lakers
Lopez is useful because he can stretch the floor and protect the rim, but he is a defensive liability who has had injury issues — both of which limit his value.
38. Rodney Hood, Cleveland Cavaliers (restricted)
A smooth scoring guard, Hood has struggled with consistency both in Utah and, for the second half of this season, in Cleveland. This seems like a potential qualifying offer situation.
39. Greg Monroe, Boston Celtics
Monroe could have been making $20 million this year if he took a four-year max deal three years ago. He’ll instead be fighting to make more than the minimum somewhere.
40. Manu Ginóbili, San Antonio Spurs
We all know that if his career continues, Ginobili will find his way back to San Antonio. The question is whether Ginobili decides that he’s had enough, or he wants to keep going. Here’s hoping he keeps going.
41. Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat
See above, with only the name and city changing.
42. Joe Harris, Brooklyn Nets
Harris has rebuilt his career in Brooklyn, shooting almost 42 percent from three-point range. The Nets have said they want to keep him as part of their team, and barring a crazy offer from elsewhere, it seems likely that will be the case.
43. Elfrid Payton, Phoenix Suns (restricted)
After being traded to Phoenix from Orlando midseason, the question now isn’t whether Payton is the long-term option in Phoenix (he isn’t) — it is whether he is given a qualifying offer by the Suns. Phoenix is reportedly renouncing his rights.
44. Kyle Anderson, San Antonio Spurs (restricted)
Nicknamed “Slo-Mo,” Anderson doesn’t pop off the screen in any way — yet started over 70 games last season for the Spurs. A solid, dependable player, it seems likely he will be back in San Antonio.
45. Alex Len, Phoenix Suns
Just 25, the Maryland product and former No. 5 overall pick could be an intriguing buy-low option for some team looking for a big this summer. He won’t be back in Phoenix after the Suns drafted DeAndre Ayton first overall.
46. Treveon Graham, Charlotte Hornets (restricted)
Graham showed he could be a credible “3-and-D” player this past season for Charlotte, and that could make him an intriguing target for teams looking for a young player with upside — especially since, to match a decent offer for him, Charlotte will have to go into the tax.
47. Marco Belinelli, Philadelphia 76ers
After being bought out by the Atlanta Hawks and playing well for Philadelphia after landing there, a reunion could be possible this summer. Other contenders will also be intrigued by the Italian shooter.
48. Raymond Felton, Oklahoma City Thunder
Felton has bounced from place to place in recent seasons, but has developed into one of the league’s best backup point guards. He will have no shortage of suitors for that role — assuming he’ll fill it for the minimum.
49. Jerami Grant, Oklahoma City Thunder
An athletic pogo stick, Grant is a player with a small forward’s build (6-foot-9, 220 pounds) who basically has to play center. That limits his value, but also makes him a different option from a lot of the bigs on the market.
50. Mario Hezonja, Orlando Magic
It’s been a long, strange trip through the past three years for Hezonja, who seems destined to leave the Magic this summer. But where will he land? A change of scenery could potentially unlock some of his potential.
1. LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
James has until Friday to decide whether he wants to pick up his option for 2019. If he does, it could be a sign he wants to stay — or be traded. If he doesn’t, it will greatly reduce the number of teams that can realistically get him.
2. Kevin Durant, Golden State Warriors
Durant is all but certain to return to Golden State. The question will be whether he signs a one or two-year deal. The latter seems more likely, as it would allow him to get a full max deal.
3. Paul George, Oklahoma City Thunder
The early noise out of Oklahoma City had George staying on at least a one-year deal — which would be a huge win for the Thunder. However, that has been overtaken by a report to the contrary.
4. Chris Paul, Houston Rockets
Even at 33, Paul remains one of the game’s elite playmakers. The end of his next deal won’t be pretty, but he should be back in Houston.
5. Clint Capela, Houston Rockets (restricted)
The ideal modern big man — long, athletic, with good hands as a roll man offensively while being able to both switch out onto smaller players and protect the rim defensively — Capela should get a max contract this summer. Expect Houston to keep him.
6. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets (restricted)
The Nuggets have turned down Jokic’s option for next season, making him a restricted free agent, and he’ll be signing a five-year max next month to remain in Denver.
7. Aaron Gordon, Orlando Magic (restricted)
Given Gordon was drafted by the last regime, and the Magic have drafted a power forward (Jonathan Isaac) and center (Mohamed Bamba) the past two years, this could be a restricted free agent that changes teams.
8. DeAndre Jordan, Los Angeles Clippers
Like James, Jordan has until Friday to decide whether to opt into his deal for next season. Regardless, the Clippers trading for Marcin Gortat signals his departure from Los Angeles after a decade.
9. DeMarcus Cousins, New Orleans Pelicans
Cousins already was a difficult player to place in a new home in free agency — and that was before he tore his Achilles in January. If he doesn’t land in Dallas, or return to New Orleans, it’s difficult to see where that landing spot could be.
10. Trevor Ariza, Houston Rockets
One of the league’s prototypical “3-and-D” players, Ariza should remain in Houston with one of the league’s best teams.
11. Julius Randle, Los Angeles Lakers (restricted)
Randle played well this season in Los Angeles, and showed some of the skills necessary for modern big men. His future there could come down to what stars such as James and George decide.
12. Derrick Favors, Utah Jazz
After the Jazz surprised this season, Favors will likely return to Salt Lake City to continue playing alongside Rudy Gobert on one of the best defensive teams in the league. He has reportedly expressed a desire to come back.
13. Thaddeus Young, Indiana Pacers
Young made a bit of a surprising decision to opt out this week, given the lack of salary cap space around the league. But as a legitimate stretch four who is useful defensively, he should still have a market.
14. Marcus Smart, Boston Celtics (restricted)
One of the most difficult players to properly value in the league, Smart will be an equally tough one to place in free agency. One interesting potential option for an offer sheet? Phoenix.
15. J.J. Redick, Philadelphia 76ers
After signing a massive one-year deal with Philadelphia last summer, Redick could be in line to sign another this year — assuming the Sixers don’t land a big fish in free agency.
16. Jusuf Nurkic, Portland Trail Blazers (restricted)
Nurkic is a young, talented center … in a league where basically no team needs a big man. His impending free agency will be one of the more fascinating ones to follow, in terms of the direction the league is headed in.
17. Fred VanVleet, Toronto Raptors (restricted)
The best player on the best bench unit in the league, VanVleet has enough fans around the league that he could be paid like a starter. If he is, that will lead to a tough call for Toronto, which has an expensive roster.
18. Will Barton, Denver Nuggets
“Will The Thrill” has developed into a terrific sixth man for the Nuggets, but could find it difficult to get paid by them this summer because of tax concerns. He’s the type of guy, in this market, that could wind up being a bargain.
19. Tyreke Evans, Memphis Grizzlies
Evans had a major bounceback year with Memphis last season after dealing with knee issues for years. Memphis turned down deadline offers for him, and he seems likely to remain with the Grizzlies, unless someone comes calling with a big offer.
20. Jabari Parker, Milwaukee Bucks (restricted)
After tearing his anterior cruciate ligament twice in his first three seasons, the former No. 2 overall pick enters restricted free agency with a lot of question marks surrounding how wise an investment he is long-term. Given where Milwaukee stands at the moment, he could be had with a big offer.
[The Bucks and Jabari Parker may be headed for a divorce, and both could be better off]
21. Dwight Howard, Brooklyn Nets
Howard is going to be bought out once his trade from the Charlotte Hornets becomes official in early July. As a minimum guy, he could provide big value to someone, even at this stage of his career.
22. Aron Baynes, Boston Celtics
Baynes acquitted himself nicely as a role player with Boston last season, and the Celtics would likely prefer to bring him back again. If he changes teams, though, he has proven he can be a solid rotation center even in the postseason.
23. Luc Mbah a Moute, Houston Rockets
Mbah a Moute wasn’t good in the playoffs after dislocating his shoulder twice this season, but as a good perimeter defender who can hit a three, he fills a huge need in today’s NBA.
24. Wayne Ellington, Miami Heat
A fantastic three-point shooter, Ellington has bounced from team to team despite being a good guy and filling an important role. He could very well change teams again this summer, but he’ll continue to have value.
25. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Los Angeles Lakers
Like Redick, Caldwell-Pope could go from a big-one year deal to another one with the Lakers, depending on what happens with L.A.’s pursuit of free agents.
26. Avery Bradley, Los Angeles Clippers
Injuries and ineffectiveness last season saw Bradley’s value tumble heading into free agency, and could leave him in position to sign a one-year deal to rehab his value.
27. Enes Kanter, New York Knicks
Kanter, like other players on this list, has until Friday to opt into his $19 million for next season. He keeps saying he might not, but he would be wise to do so.
28. Nemanja Bjelica, Minnesota Timberwolves (restricted)
An older restricted free agent because he came over from Europe in his mid-20s, Bjelica’s market could be determined by whether Minnesota is willing to keep him as it bumps up near the luxury tax.
29. Rajon Rondo, New Orleans Pelicans
Rondo played well in New Orleans last season, and likely will find his way back there again. Still, he remains a point guard who doesn’t scare teams with his shot, and doesn’t scare opposing players with his lack of defense.
30. Jamal Crawford, Minnesota Timberwolves
Still one of the best shotmakers in the league at 38, Crawford could help a lot of teams as a scorer off the bench. He opted out to get a bigger role somewhere next season than he had in Minnesota.
31. David West, Golden State Warriors
While West wasn’t able to stay on the court against Houston, he’s been very good the past two years for Golden State. If he doesn’t retire, it feels like a return to the two-time defending champion would be in the cards.
32. Rudy Gay, San Antonio Spurs
Gay played well for San Antonio last year in coming back from his Achilles tear, and opted out of his deal to test free agency. As a combo forward in a league lacking them, he should have some suitors.
33. Dante Exum, Utah Jazz
Injuries have kept Exum off the court for large stretches of time, but he has big-time athleticism and defensive potential. It’s hard to know exactly where his market will settle, but expect the former No. 5 overall pick back in Utah.
34. Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls (restricted)
A torn anterior cruciate ligament two years ago, and a subpar return from it last season, has diminished LaVine’s value. It seems likely he will be back in Chicago, but this could be a protracted negotiation.
35. Ed Davis, Portland Trail Blazers
A solid but unspectacular big man, Davis is the type of guy who used to get paid handsomely, but now could be caught in a numbers crunch.
36. Isaiah Thomas, Los Angeles Lakers
A year ago, Thomas believed he would be getting a max deal this summer. Now, after everything that happened last season, he’ll be hoping to get the mid-level — and even that might be charitable.
[Isaiah Thomas’s hip injury derailed a Cinderella career. Will latest surgery cost him even more?]
37. Brook Lopez, Los Angeles Lakers
Lopez is useful because he can stretch the floor and protect the rim, but he is a defensive liability who has had injury issues — both of which limit his value.
38. Rodney Hood, Cleveland Cavaliers (restricted)
A smooth scoring guard, Hood has struggled with consistency both in Utah and, for the second half of this season, in Cleveland. This seems like a potential qualifying offer situation.
39. Greg Monroe, Boston Celtics
Monroe could have been making $20 million this year if he took a four-year max deal three years ago. He’ll instead be fighting to make more than the minimum somewhere.
40. Manu Ginóbili, San Antonio Spurs
We all know that if his career continues, Ginobili will find his way back to San Antonio. The question is whether Ginobili decides that he’s had enough, or he wants to keep going. Here’s hoping he keeps going.
41. Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat
See above, with only the name and city changing.
42. Joe Harris, Brooklyn Nets
Harris has rebuilt his career in Brooklyn, shooting almost 42 percent from three-point range. The Nets have said they want to keep him as part of their team, and barring a crazy offer from elsewhere, it seems likely that will be the case.
43. Elfrid Payton, Phoenix Suns (restricted)
After being traded to Phoenix from Orlando midseason, the question now isn’t whether Payton is the long-term option in Phoenix (he isn’t) — it is whether he is given a qualifying offer by the Suns. Phoenix is reportedly renouncing his rights.
44. Kyle Anderson, San Antonio Spurs (restricted)
Nicknamed “Slo-Mo,” Anderson doesn’t pop off the screen in any way — yet started over 70 games last season for the Spurs. A solid, dependable player, it seems likely he will be back in San Antonio.
45. Alex Len, Phoenix Suns
Just 25, the Maryland product and former No. 5 overall pick could be an intriguing buy-low option for some team looking for a big this summer. He won’t be back in Phoenix after the Suns drafted DeAndre Ayton first overall.
46. Treveon Graham, Charlotte Hornets (restricted)
Graham showed he could be a credible “3-and-D” player this past season for Charlotte, and that could make him an intriguing target for teams looking for a young player with upside — especially since, to match a decent offer for him, Charlotte will have to go into the tax.
47. Marco Belinelli, Philadelphia 76ers
After being bought out by the Atlanta Hawks and playing well for Philadelphia after landing there, a reunion could be possible this summer. Other contenders will also be intrigued by the Italian shooter.
48. Raymond Felton, Oklahoma City Thunder
Felton has bounced from place to place in recent seasons, but has developed into one of the league’s best backup point guards. He will have no shortage of suitors for that role — assuming he’ll fill it for the minimum.
49. Jerami Grant, Oklahoma City Thunder
An athletic pogo stick, Grant is a player with a small forward’s build (6-foot-9, 220 pounds) who basically has to play center. That limits his value, but also makes him a different option from a lot of the bigs on the market.
50. Mario Hezonja, Orlando Magic
It’s been a long, strange trip through the past three years for Hezonja, who seems destined to leave the Magic this summer. But where will he land? A change of scenery could potentially unlock some of his potential.
