Often referred to as one of the most anticipated off-seasons in sports history, the NBA’s upcoming free-agency period features dozens of star players and once-in-a-generation storylines. The action has already begun with a blockbuster trade between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Los Angeles Lakers which featured the departure of Anthony Davis to the Lakers and the acquisition of future assets Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, and 3 first round picks(including the 4th pick in the 2019 draft) by the Pelicans. Other transactions that have occurred include the Brooklyn Nets trading of Allen Crabbe (and his 18.5 million dollar contract) and two first round picks(including the 17th pick in the 2019 draft) to the Atlanta Hawks for Tauren Prince and a second round pick. Despite the large potential implications of these trades, they are merely an appetizer for the entree that will be the free agency period starting at 6 p.m. on June 30. Players to look out for in the upcoming weeks include:
Kevin Durant
The hype surrounding Kevin Durant’s free agency decision has died down ever since Durant tore his Achilles after attempting to return to the court in game 5 of the NBA Finals. His injury will likely keep him sidelined until the start of the 2020-2021 NBA season, however, whatever team signs Durant will immediately become a contender assuming that he makes a full recovery. The teams most likely to sign Kevin Durant if he leaves the Warriors are (in order): New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets, and the Los Angeles Clippers.
Kawhi Leonard
Fresh off an NBA Finals victory where Leonard earned his second Finals MVP, Kawhi has a tough free agency decision. The city of Toronto went all in on Kawhi, whether it was Raptors GM Masai Ujiri making numerous risky transactions, the Kawine and Dine restaurants that offer free food to Leonard or the astounding support given by Raptors fans. Also, many speculate that Kawhi’s decision is connected to GM Ujiri’s decision to stay in Toronto or leave for Washington (who is offering $10 million and possible equity in the Wizards franchise) because Ujiri’s belief in his team was a major factor in the Raptor’s title run. If Kawhi does decide to leave, his likely destinations include (in order): Los Angeles Clippers, Brooklyn Nets, and the New York Knicks.
Kyrie Irving
Following a disappointing season in which Kyrie Irving and the Boston Celtics severely underperformed, it seems likely that Kyrie will switch his scenery this off-season. The Los Angeles Lakers have enough money to offer Kyrie Irving a near-max contract that would potentially reunite Irving with his former partner-in-crime Lebron James. While unlikely, this signing would form the next superteam in the NBA with three top-10 talents on the same roster. The most likely destination for Irving is the Brooklyn Nets, however, because the Nets were the New Jersey-native’s favorite team. In Brooklyn, Irving will develop alongside Brooklyn’s young core or, better yet, Irving’s presence may attract another superstar-caliber player.
Kemba Walker
While Kemba has stated numerous times that he plans to stay loyal to Charlotte and is even willing to take less than the maximum contract amount to stay a Hornet, the poor situation in Charlotte has caused speculation surrounding his true motives. Following the Anthony Davis trade, NBA analysts have suggested that Kemba would fit perfectly with the Los Angeles Lakers due to their lack of guard talent. This acquisition will form the next NBA dynasty as there will potentially be a trio of superstars in Los Angeles. Another possibility is the interesting pairing of Walker and the Dallas Mavericks. Currently, the Mavs have a talented frontcourt headlined by young stars Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis but have a below average backcourt. If Dallas could somehow attract Kemba Walker, they would become instant contenders in the Western Conference. Ultimately, first-hand accounts from Kemba himself suggest that a free agency move is unlikely despite multiple intriguing destinations.
Jimmy Butler
Fresh off a devastating second-round exit by way of the Toronto Raptor’s wizardry, the 76ers are looking to retain at least one of Jimmy Butler or Tobias Harris. Jimmy Butler’s outgoing personality suggests that large markets such as the Knicks, Lakers, and Clippers would be great matches. By going to the Clippers, Butler will likely join another superstar free agent and turn the Clippers into a contender. By going to the Knicks, Butler will play with a promising young core that may attract free agents in the 2020 offseason if not this year. By going to the Lakers, Butler becomes a part of a potential superteam where Jimmy will be surrounded by LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Kyle Kuzma. Jimmy Butler is the free agent that NBA analysts have the least knowledge of his motives so it is tough predicting where he will sign in the offseason.
Tobias Harris
Tobias Harris is a player that many teams may not be inclined to offer a max contract to. For this reason, if any team offers Tobias Harris a max or near max contract, then that is where Harris will likely play for the next couple of years. Teams who are strongly considering such an offer are the Utah Jazz and the Brooklyn Nets. Harris will, like all the other previous free agents, likely partner up with another star if he chooses to play for the Brooklyn Nets. Harris will also likely be the second or third option on any team he plays for because he is a sub 20 points per game scorer which is insufficient to lead a contender. The Utah Jazz are the more interesting destination for Harris as he will team up with the best shot blocker in the NBA (Rudy Gobert) and one of the best rising stars in the league (Donnovan Mitchell).
Demarcus Cousins
An Achilles injury in the 2017-2018 season severely hindered Cousins performance for the Golden State Warriors late in the 2019 season and throughout the postseason. This will significantly decrease the value of any contract offered to Cousins despite his superstar-like statistics before his injury. It is already universal knowledge that Cousins will not resign with the Warriors and that he will search for a contract of the highest value. The teams likely to scoop up Cousins are the Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers, and the Los Angeles Clippers. Due to Cousins unfortunate health situation, Demarcus Cousins will sign with whatever team offers the most money OR a contender for a cheap one year deal to increase his market value for the 2020 free agency period.
Ultimately, this upcoming free agency period has the potential to be the most exciting off-season in NBA history.
