It’s that time of the year. It’s the time to start evaluating 2020 NBA Free Agents and see where they fit best. But first, we need the ENTIRE list of free agents for each team. Luckily for you, I will provide that for you. Along with that, I will provide an analysis of what each NBA team SHOULD do with their expiring Free Agents. Let’s get into it.
Atlanta Hawks
Jeff Teague (Age 31) PG: Stats: 7.7 PPG on 41.2% shooting, 4 APG, 2.2 RPG in 21 minutes. Contract: 19 Million
Vince Carter (Age 43) SG: Stats: 5 PPG on 35.2% shooting, 0.8 APG, 2.1 RPG in 15 minutes per game. Contract: 2.5 Million
DeAndre’ Bembry (Age 25) SF (Restricted): Stats: 5.8 PPG on 45.6% shooting, 1.9 APG, 3.5 RPG in 21 minutes per game. Contract: 1.8 Million
Skal Labissiere PF (Restricted): 5.8 PPG on 55.1% shooting, 1.3 APG, 5.1 RPG in 17 minutes per game. Contract: 1.6 Million
Damian Jones (Age 24) C (Restricted): Stats. 5.6 PPG on 68% shooting, 0.6 APG, 3.7 RPG in 16 minutes per game. 1.6 Million
Trevor Graham (Age 25) SG: Stats: 3.3 PPG on 37.3% shooting, 0.7 APG, 2.3 RPG in 12 minutes per game. Contract: 1.6 Million
Some interesting options for us to start out with the Atlanta Hawks NBA free agents. First, Hawks can rejoice at the freed up cap space of 19 million by Jeff Teague. Plus, Vince Carter is old as shit, I can’t see him possibly playing another year. That’s 21.5 million to play with. They could use that money to try to keep their young talent in Skal and Bembry, but no one would blame them if they didn’t. That 21.5 probably could be used elsewhere for more talent and production. But if they value their young guys that much, they could go that route, I just think there’s a smarter decision to be made.
Boston Celtics
Gordon Hayward (Age 30) SF (Player Option): Stats: 17.3 PPG on 50% shooting, 4.1 APG, 6.5 RPG in 34 minutes per game. Contract: 32 Million
Enes Kanter (Age 28) C (Players Option): Stats: 8.2 PPG on 56.6% shooting, 1 APG, 7.7 RPG in 17 minutes per game. Contract: 5 Million
Brad Wanamaker (Age 31) PG (Restricted): Stats: 6.6 PPG on 42.8% shooting, 2.5 APG, 2 RPG, in 19 minutes per game. Contract: 1.4 Million
Semi Ojeleye (Age 25) PF (Team Option): Stats: 3.1 PPG on 40.9% shooting, 0.5 APG, 2 RPG, in 14 minutes per game. Contract: 1.4 Million
Listen to me closely, the entire Celtics offseason depends on Gordon Hayward opting-in or not. If he opts-in, there’s not a lot the Celtics can do even if Kanter opts-out. If Hayward opts-out, I’d be scared of the Celtics. 1. Hayward isn’t leaving, his relationship with Brad Stevens is too strong for him to go somewhere else. I think he will be in Boston for the rest of his career. 2. How much he re-signs for can give the Celtics some great opportunities. The less he re-signs for, the more depth the Celtics can sign and thus, a better chance at a title.
The Celtics are already mad good with their core of Marcus Smart, Kemba Walker, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum and Gordon Hayward. Anymore talent they can add to that core only makes the Celtics more dangerous. In other news, the Celtics should pick up the cheap team option of Ojeleye and let Wanamaker walk. Every little bit helps for the Celtics at this point.
Brooklyn Nets
Joe Harris (Age 29) SG: Stats: 13.9 PPG on 47.1% shooting, 2.1 APG, 4.3 RPG in 31 minutes per game. Contract: 8 Million
Garrett Temple (Age 34) SG (Team Option): Stats: 10.3 PPG on 37.8% shooting, 2.6 APG, 3.5 RPG in 28 minutes per game. Contract: 4.7 Million
Wilson Chandler (Age 33) SF: Stats 5.9 PPG on 40.4% shooting, 1.1 APG, 4.1 RPG in 21 minutes per game. Contract: 2.5 Million
Theo Pinson (Age 24) SG (Team Option): Stats 3.6 PPG on 29% shooting, 1.7 APG, 1.6 RPG, in 11 minutes per game. Contract: 1.4 Million
For the NBA Free Agents in Brooklyn, the Nets aren’t losing too much here, but there are definitely some key players that could harm them. I think Joe Harris is gone, the market is too rich for him to stay in Brooklyn and the Nets shouldn’t overpay for him. Theo Pinson is cheap and on a team option, so the Nets should pick that up, Now the question is what to do with Temple and Chandler. You could let them both walk and have about 15 million to play with. Or pick up Temples option and try to do the best you can with 10 million. Regardless of what they do, they are not in grave danger either way.
Charlotte Hornets
Nicolas Batum (Age 31) SG (Player Option): Stats: 3.6 PPG on 34.6% shooting, 3 APG, 4.5 RPG in 23 minutes per game. Contract: 24 Million
Bismack Biyombo (Age 28) C: Stats 7.4 PPG on 54.3% shooting, 0.9 APG, 5.8 RPG in 19 minutes per game. Contract: 18 Million
Willy Hernangomez (Age 26) C: Stats: 6.1 PPG on 53.2% shooting, 0.9 APG, 4.3 RPG in 12 minutes per game. Contract: 1.5 Million
Dwayne Bacon (Age 25) SF (Restricted): Stats: 5.7 PPG on 34.8% shooting, 1.3 APG, 2.6 RPG in 17 minutes per game. Contract: 1.2 Million
Hornet fans, let me hear you say HALLELUJEEEEEER. You have now escaped the horrendous contracts of of Batum and Biyombo. Now, you’ve freed up 42 million in cap space. The Hornets have to be smart with it though, they can go after some young talent and keep rebuilding OR sign some players to one year deals and make a huge run at next year’s free agency which is stacked. Either way, you’re 42 million richer, use it wisely.
Chicago Bulls
Otto Porter Jr. (Age 27) SF (Player Option): Stats: 11.9 PPG on 44.3% shooting, 1.8 APG, 3.4 RPG in 23 minutes per game. Contract: 26.6 Million
Kris Dunn (Age 26) PG (Restricted): Stats: 7.3 PPG on 44.4% shooting, 3.4 APG, 3.6 RPG in 25 minutes per game. Contract: 4.3 Million
Denzel Valentine (Age 26) SG (Restricted): Stats: 6.8 PPG on 40.9% shooting, 1.2 APG, 2.1 RPG in 12 minutes per game. Contract: 2.5 Million
Shaquille Harrison (Age 26) PG (Restricted): Stats: 4.9 PPG on 46.7 % shooting, 1.1 APG, 2 RPG in 11 minutes per game. Contract: 900k
I am awfully confused at what the Bulls are doing. So is everyone else, including Lauri. Lauri has potential so what moves the Bulls make here on out are crucial to having him stay. Unfortunately, they don’t have a lot they can do here for NBA free agents. Unless, Otto Porter Jr. opts-out of his player option, and that is just way too much money to opt-out of. You really can’t blame Otto for opting in. After that, you really only have about 7 million to make a move. At this rate, Lauri should request a trade now because the Bulls won’t be able to do much here, unless by some miracle Otto opts-out, but I wouldn’t count on that.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Andre Drummond (Age 27) C (Player Option): Stats: 17.7 PPG on 53.3% shooting, 2.7 APG, 15.2 RPG in 33 minutes per game. Salary: 25.4 Million
Tristan Thompson (Age 29) C: Stats: 12 PPG on 51.2% shooting, 2.1 APG, 10.1 RPG in 30 minutes per game. Salary: 16.4 Million
Matthew Dellavedova (Age 30) PG: Stats: 3.1 PPG on 35.4 % shooting, 3.2 APG, and 1.3 RPG in 14 minutes per game. Salary: 9.6 Million
Ante Zizic (Age 23) C: Stats: 4.4 PPG on 56.9% shooting, 0/3 APG, 3 RPG in 10 minutes per game. Salary: 1.9 Million
Some big implications for the Cavaliers this offseason in terms of NBA free agents. With really only their big men. If Andre Drummond opts-in his contract, that only makes your decision easier. If he opts-out, the Cavs need to do everything they can to retain him. He is a good young talent that they don’t need to let go. If I am the Cavs, I am not bringing back TT or Delly. That frees up another 25 million to add around your young core of players.
With TT being a lesser version of Drummond there’s no reason to keep both. You can add some quality veteran talent around your young guys while you continue to rebuild. If the Cavs are smart enough, and play their cards right, they could be back in the playoffs in 3 years minimum.
Dallas Mavericks
Tim Hardaway Jr. (Age 28) SG (Player Option): Stats: 15.8 PPG on 43.7% shooting, 2 APG, 3.1 RPG in 29 minutes per game. Contract: 17.7 Million
Courtney Lee (Age 34) SG: Stats: 4.5 PPG on 48.8% shooting, 0.5 APG, 1.3 RPG in 14 minutes per game. Contract: 12 Million
Jose (J.J.) Barea (Age 36) PG: Stats: 7.5 PPG on 41.3% shooting, 3.8 APG, 1.8 RPG in 15 minutes per game. Contract: 2.5 Million
Willie Cauley-Stein (Age 27) C (Player Option): Stats: 7.2 PPG on 57.9% shooting, 1.3 APG, 5.8 RPG in 20 minutes per game. Contract: 2.2 Million
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (Age 27) SF: Stats: 2.5 PPG on 31.7% shooting, 0.6 APG, 2.6 RPG in 11 minutes per game. Contract: 810K
The Mavericks don’t have too many hard decisions to worry about this offseason for NBA free agents. Actually, I think they can only get better after this offseason. Regardless if THJ opts-in his contract or not, they can get a player of equal caliber or higher for 17.7 million. That doesn’t include the 12 million cushion if they let Courtney Lee walk. They could have almost 30 million or at least 12 million. That’s good enough to add some more depth on the Mavericks and have a better shot at a title run next year.
Denver Nuggets
Paul Millsap (Age 35) PF: Stats: 12 PPG on 48.6% shooting, 1.6 APG, 5.9 RPG in 24 minutes per game. Contract: 30 Million
Mason Plumlee (Age 30) C: Stats: 7.2 PPG on 61.7% shooting, 2.4 APG, 5.3 RPG in 17 minutes per game. Contract: 13.6 Million
Jerami Grant (Age 26) SF (Player Option): Stats: 11.6 PPG on 47.1% shooting, 1.2 APG, 3.5 RPG in 26 minutes per game. Contract: 9.1 Million
Torrey Craig (Age 29) SF (Restricted): Stats: 5 PPG on 46.2% shooting, 0.7 APG, 3.1 RPG in 17.4 minutes per game. Contract: 2 Million
Noah Vonleh (Age 25) PF: Stats: 3.8 PPG on 56.2% shooting, 0.8 APG, 3.7 RPG in 11 minutes per game. Contract: 2 Million
Jordan McRae (Age 29) SG: Stats: 11.5 PPG on 40.7% shooting, 2.5 APG, 3.4 RPG in 21 minutes per game. Contract: 831K
The Nuggets are PRAYING that Jerami Grant opts-in his contract. Unfortunately, I just don’t see that happening. He was a steal for that contract. However, the Nuggets are in luck. They’ll be able to free up about 45 million for this NBA free agency. Including, using that money to sign Jerami Grant if he does opt-out. If he opts-in, holy shit, look out NBA, 45 million to sign some players is scary. That’s if the Nuggets don’t re-sign Millsap, who’s a big waste of money right now. Regardless, if he opts-out the Nuggets can still re-sign Grant and have some money to play with to get some solid depth for another title run.
Detroit Pistons
Brandon Knight (Age 28) PG: Stats: 7 PPG on 38.3% shooting, 2.7 APG, 1.6 RPG in 18 minutes per game. Contract: 14 Million
John Henson (Age 29) PF: Stats: 5.5 PPG on 66.7% shooting, 1.4 APG, 4.1 RPG in 15 minutes per game. Contract: 12 Million
Tony Snell (Age 28) SG (Player Option): Stats: 8 PPG on 44.5% shooting, 2.2 APG, 1.9 RPG in 28 minutes per game. Contract: 11.5 Million
Langston Galloway (Age 28) SG: Stats: 10.3 PPG on 43.5% shooting, 1.5 APG, 2.3 RPG in 26 minutes per game. Contract: 7 Million
Thon Maker (Age 23) C (Restricted): Stats: 4.7 PPG on 48.2% shooting, 0.7 APG, 2.8 RPG in 13 minutes per game. Contract: 2.9 Million
Christian Wood (Age 25) PF: Stats: 13.1 PPG on 56.7% shooting, 1 APG, 6.3 RPG in 21 minutes per game. Contract: 1.5 Million
Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk (Age 23) SG (Team Option): Stats: 9 PPG on 41% shooting, 1.9 APG, 1.9 RPG in 22 minutes per game. Contract: 1.4 Million
Whoa, buddy, there is a lot to process for the Pistons for NBA free agents. Let’s get the easy things out the way, you pick up the team option for Svi and if Tony Snell opts-in his contract good, if not, still good. See the Pistons need to be smart here. I gave them a guideline to follow for their need-to-do list. Basically, they need to tank now and then plan for NEXT year’s free agency. Right now, they are flirting with a top 5 pick and in a bad draft this year, that works beautifully for them. So what to do about these other guys huh?
Well, I hate to break Pistons fans hearts, but I think Christian Wood is as good as gone. He peaked at just the wrong moment and I think he is going to cost a lot just to keep him. The Pistons could keep him, or they can save money for next years free agency. Either or would be wise. For everyone else, they could just let them walk. They simply cost too much for their lackluster production. The only one they might keep is the project in Thon Maker. After that, everyone they sign this year should be a 1 year deal to get ready for next year’s free agency, that is the best advice i can give to the Pistons.
Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors do not have any upcoming NBA free agents this year in 2020. Most of their offseason moves will be from the draft and trades if the Warriors make any moves.
Houston Rockets
Thabo Sefolosha (Age 36) SF: Stats: 2.2 PPG on 40.7% shooting, 0.6 APG, 2.3 RPG in 10 minutes per game. Contract: 2.5 Million
Tyson Chandler (Age 37) C: Stats: 1.3 PPG on 77.8% shooting, 0.2 APG, 2.5 RPG in 8 minutes per game. Contract: 2.5 Million
Austin Rivers (Age 28) SG (Player Option): Stats: 8.5 PPG on 42.1% shooting, 1.6 APG, 2.4 RPG in 23 minutes per game. Contract: 2.2 Million
Bruno Caboclo (Age 25) SF: Stats: 2.7 PPG on 41.6% shooting, 0.4 APG, 2 RPG in 8 minutes per game. Contract: 1.2 Million
DeMarre Carroll (Age 34) SF: Stats: 3.5 PPG on 38.9% shooting, 0.9 APG, 2.2 RPG in 11 minutes per game. Contract: 811K
Jeff Green (Age 34) SF: Stats: 8.4 PPG on 44.4% shooting, 0.8 APG, 2.8 RPG in 19 minutes per game. Contract: 695K
The Rockets don’t have a lot of money to work with here for NBA free agents. So, they could be in trouble. They could lose out on DeMarre Carroll and Jeff Green. However, given their age, they might re-sign back for cheap. I don’t think Austin Rivers opts-in his player option, he could probably make some more money that the Rockets can’t afford right now. However, with Tyson Chandler possibly retiring and Sefolosha walking, they can almost get 5 million to spend for someone. It’s not a lot but I am trying to be positive for you guys, despite the fact I hate your team. (:
Indiana Pacers
Justin Holiday (Age 31) SG: Stats 8.4 PPG on 44% shooting, 1.3 APG, 3.2 RPG in 25 minutes per game. Contract: 4.7 Million
JaKarr Simpson (Age 27) SG: Stats: 4.2 PPG on 59.3% shooting, 0.3 APG, 2.3 RPG in 13 minutes per game. Contract: 1.7 Million
Alize Simpson (Age 24) PF (Restricted): Stats: 1.4 PPG on 46.7% shooting, 0.2 APG, 1.4 RPG in 4 minutes per game. Contract: 1.1 Million
Luckily for the Pacers, they don’t have too much to worry about this offseason for NBA free agents. Time and time again I will tell you the Pacers are underrated and they will only get better next year. The only loss they will get here is Justin Holiday, who could sign on another team for a little bit more money. But for the Pacers, they get to keep their core of players and potentially add some more depth if Holiday leaves. If not, they’re still set.
Los Angeles Clippers
Marcus Morris (Age 31) PF: Stats: 17.4 PPG on 43.3% shooting, 1.4 APG, 5.1 RPG in 31minutes per game. Contract: 15 Million
Montrezl Harrell (Age 26) PF: Stats: 18.6 PPG on 58% shooting, 1.7 APG, 7.1 RPG in 28 minutes per game. Contract: 6 Million
JaMychal Green (Age 30) PF (Player Option): Stats: 6.5 PPG on 41.4% shooting, 0.8 APG, 6.3 RPG in 20 minutes per game. Contract: 4.9 Million
Patrick Patterson (Age 31) PF: Stats: 4.6 PPG on 40.4% shooting, 0.6 APG, 2.4 RPG in 12 minutes per game. Contract: 2.3 Million
Reggie Jackson (Age 30) PG : Stats: 12.8 PPG on 41.6% shooting, 4.4 APG, 2.9 RPG in 24 minutes per game. Contract: 734K
The Clippers have a hard offseason ahead of them in terms of NBA free agents. they have a great roster right now, but I can’t see these players staying for the same price. Marcus Morris 15 million does help the Clippers though. With his and Harrell’s contract, they can already offer Montrezl at least 21 million. He should be the Clippers #1 priority this offseason. Unfortunately, that might not be enough for him as he is one of the most coveted free agents this year.
The rest I think are gone except for Green. I think he will opt-in his contract and could see more playing time with the Clippers if he does.I can’t see Morris, Reggie Jackson, or Patrick Patterson re-signing though. They all can earn more or play more on different teams, and that is what I expect for them. The Clippers should only focus on Harrell until something happens.
Los Angeles Lakers
Anthony Davis (Age 27) PF (Player Option): Stats: 26.7 PPG on 51.1% shooting, 3.1 APG, 9.4 RPG in 34 minutes per game. Contract: 25.4 Million
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (KCP) (Age 27) SG (Player Option): Stats: 9.5 PPG on 47.2% shooting, 1.7 APG, 2.1 RPG in 25 minutes per game. Contract: 8.3 Million
Avery Bradley (Age 29) SG (Player Option): Stats: 8 PPG on 44.4% shooting, 1.3 APG, 2.3 RPG in 24 minutes per game. Contract: 4.9 Million
JaVale McGee (Age 32) C (Player Option): Stats: 6.8 PPG on 64% shooting, 0.6 APG, 5.8 RPG in 17 minutes per game. Contract: 4.1 Million
Rajan Rondo (Age 34) PG (Player Option): Stats: 7.1 PPG on 41.8% shooting, 5 APG, 3 RPG in 20 minutes per game. Contract: 2.6 Million
Dwight Howard (Age 34) C: Stats: 7.5 PPG on 73.2% shooting, 0.7 APG, 7.4 RPG in 19 minutes per game. Contract: 2.5 Million
Jared Dudley (Age 35) SF: Stats: 1.5 PPG on 40% shooting, 0.5 APG, 1.1 RPG in 8 minutes per game. Contract: 2.5 Million
Markieff Morris (Age 31) PF: Stats: 10.1 PPG on 44.5% shooting, 1.4 APG, 3.8 RPG in 21 minutes per game. Contract: 1.75 Million
Dion Waiters (Age 28) SG: Stats: 9.3 PPG on 38.5% shooting, 1 APG, 3.7 RPG in 14 minutes per game. Contract: 503K
Alright, the Lakers have a mess here in their NBA free agents. They have an unpredictable mess to make it worse. The Lakers have FIVE player options they have to worry about. None more important than Anthony Davis. For all we know, Anthony Davis could opt out of his contract and sign elsewhere. Or he could opt-out and re-sign long term or just opt-in for one more year. It could be any of those, and it depends on how well the Lakers play in the playoffs. If they don’t at least make the finals, I would be worried if AD will want to stay. The other 4 player options though, you want them to opt-out of their contract. That gives you a little bit more freedom on how you want to spend your money.
KCP you kind of want to opt-out, he seems like a bonehead that makes too many boneheaded plays. Avery Bradley is a good sign for 5 million. JaVale McGee and Dwight Howard have the same play-style, and I would rather keep Dwight than JaVale. But I would sign only one especially with their issues of depth. Rajan Rondo isn’t on a bad contract, it’s just that his decline is noticeable, you just wish he didn’t play that many minutes. I think Markieff is gone, he will get about 5- 10 million somewhere else. The Lakers shouldn’t bring Dudley back. But good news, with Dion Waiters career hanging on a thread, I can see him getting re-signed for the league’s minimum. He is still a bucket and could be a cheap find for the Lakers.
Memphis Grizzlies
Josh Jackson (Age 23) SF: Stats: 10.4 PPG on 43.9% shooting, 1.7 APG, 3.2 RPG in 20 minutes per game. Contract: 6 Million
De’Anthony Melton (Age 22) PG (Restricted): Stats: 8.1 PPG on 41.9% shooting, 3 APG, 3.7 RPG in 19 minutes per game. Contract: 1.2 Million
Jontay Porter (Age 20) PF (Team Option): There are no stats on Jontay Porter at this time.
There’s not going a lot going on for the Grizzlies here in terms of NBA free agents. They can try to re-sign Josh Jackson and Melton, but if they don’t they have plenty of young talent that they can try to get some young talent for about 7 million. The choice is theirs.
Miami Heat
Goran Dragic (Age 34) PG: Stats: 16.1 PPG on 43.7% shooting, 5.1 APG, 3.1 RPG in 28 minutes per game. Contract: 17 Million
Kelly Olynyk (Age 29) C (Player Option): Stats: 7.7 PPG on 47.6% shooting, 1.6 APG, 4.4 RPG in 18 minutes per game. Contract: 12.5 Million
Solomon Hill (Age 29) SF: Stats: 5.4 PPG on 40.3% shooting, 1.8 APG, 2.9 RPG in 18 minutes per game. Contract: 12 Million
Meyers Leonard (Age 28) C: Stats: 6.1 PPG on 52% shooting, 1.1 APG, 5.1 RPG in 20 minutes per game. Contract: 10.25 Million
Jae Crowder (Age 30) SF: Stats: 10.4 PPG on 38.3% shooting, 2.6 APG, 6.1 RPG in 29 minutes per game. Contract: 7 Million
Udonis Haslem (Age 40) PF: Stats: 1.3 PPG on 16.7% shooting, 0.3 APG, 2 RPG in 5 minutes per game. Contract: 2.5 Million
Derrick Jones Jr. (Age 23) SF: Stats: 8.9 PPG on 51.4% shooting, 1.1 APG, 4.2 RPG in 24 minutes per game. Contract: 1.6 Million
I feel bad for the Miami Heat, they can compete for a title with the squad they have. But with all of these expiring contracts, it could be a good or bad thing, depending on if you are optimistic or a pessimist. If you’re optimistic, Other than Kelly Olynyk, who will probably opt-in because that is the most he will make this year, the Heat will free up about 50 million in cap space. They can use that to get a PF they need to complete their big 3 with Jimmy Buckets and Bam. As well as, getting some solid bench depth. The bad news means, they most likely lose out on Derrick Jones Jr., Jae Crowder, and Goran Dragic. But if they can find talent elsewhere with that 50 million, I’m sure it is a sacrifice they are willing to make.
Milwaukee Bucks
Robin Lopez (Age 32) C (Player Option): Stats: 5.5 PPG on 50.2% shooting, 0.7 APG, 2.4 RPG in 14 minutes per game. Contract: 4.9 Million
Wesley Matthews (Age 33) SG (Player Option): Stats: 7.5 PPG on 39.7% shooting, 1.5 APG, 2.6 RPG in 24 minutes per game. Contract: 2.6 Million
Kyle Korver (Age 39) SG: Stats: 6.7 PPG on 42.9% shooting, 1.2 APG, 2.1 RPG in 16 minutes per game. Contract: 2.5 Million
Pat Connaughton (Age 27) : Stats: 5.1 PPG on 45.6% shooting, 1.6 APG, 4.2 RPG in 18 minutes per game. Contract: 1.7 Million
Sterling Brown (Age 25) SG (Restricted): Stats: 5 PPG on 36.7% shooting, 1 APG, 3.7 RPG in 15 minutes per game. Contract: 1.2 Million
Marvin Williams (Age 34) PF: Stats: 6.1 PPG on 44.2% shooting, 1.1 APG, 2.8 RPG in 19 minutes per game. Contract: 956K
This could be a bad offseason for the Bucks in terms of NBA free agents. They have a lot of good talent here that they got for cheap. I can’t see them getting the same amount of talent for this cheap again. This is also a crucial offseason for the Bucks because they want to convince Giannis to stay and if they can’t put a good team around him, their chance of keeping him becomes more unlikely.
The biggest help they can get is if Robin Lopez opts-in his contract, Wesley Matthews opts-in his contract and Pat signs for cheap. I can see Robin Lopez opting in, Wes Matthews, I don’t expect to opt-in. He can get way more money for his production than with Milwaukee. Pat only has a contract for 1.7 million, I can’t see him wanting to stay around that much for his production. The Bucks will be fine if they can retain those guys, if not, yikes. But, it still doesn’t solve the problem of the Bucks not having a third star.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Evan Turner (Age 31) SF: Stats: 3.3 PPG on 37.3% shooting, 2 APG, 2 RPG in 13 minutes per game. Contract: 17.5 Million
James Johnson (Age 33) PF (Player Option): Stats: 8.4 PPG on 47.9% shooting, 2.3 APG, 3.7 RPG in 19 minutes per game. Contract: 14.4 Million
Juan Hernangomez (Age 25) PF: Stats: 6 PPG on 40.5% shooting, 0.8 APG, 4.1 RPG in 17 minutes per game. Contract: 2.4 Million
Malik Beasley (Age 23) SG (Restricted): Stats: 11.2 PPG on 42.5% shooting, 1.4 APG, 2.7 RPG in 22 minutes per game. Contract: 1.9 Million
Good news and bad news for Wolves fans for NBA free agents. Evan Turner will free up 17.5 Million and cap space to add some talent around DLo and KAT. Bad news, I can’t see James Johnson opting out of his player option, so that’s 14.4 million that you would not be getting. Bummer. Some more bad news, despite the fact that Malik Beasley is restricted, he might be offered an expensive contract that you really can’t afford to pay. I mean, you could use that 17.5 million for him, but I feel like that money can be spent better elsewhere for more depth. Decisions, decisions, but honestly if Johnson doesn’t opt-out of his contract, I would hate that guy, but that’s just me.
New Orleans Pelicans
Derrick Favors (Age 29) PF: Stats: 9.2 PPG on 62% shooting, 1.7 APG, 9.9 RPG in 24 minutes per game. Contract: 18.8 Million
E’Twaun Moore (Age 31) SG: Stats: 8.6 PPG on 42.4% shooting, 1.4 APG, 2.4 RPG in 19 minutes per game. Contract: 8.5 Million
Brandon Ingram (Age 23) SF (Restricted): Stats: 24.3 PPG on46.6 % shooting, 4.3 APG, 6.3 RPG in 34 minutes per game. Contract: 6 Million
Jahlil Okafor (Age 22) C: Stats: 7.6 PPG on 61.1% shooting, 1.3 APG, 4.3 RPG in 15 minutes per game. Contract: 1.6 Million
Frank Jackson (Age 24) PG (Restricted): Stats: 5.6 PPG on 38.5% shooting, 0.8 APG, 1.4 RPG in 13 minutes per game. Contract: 1.2 Million
Kenrich Williams (Age 25) SF (Restricted): Stats: 3.8 PPG on 34.3% shooting, 1.5 APG, 5.1 RPG in 22 minutes per game. Contract: 1.1 Million
It is an exciting time to be a Pelican fan, Zion Williamson is a beast, Lonzo Ball players will next to him, Pelicans could have a playoff berth soon. Ooooooo buddy. First thing first, offer Brandon Ingram a max contract. That should be the number 1 move for the Pelicans. Get it done, and the Pelicans are looking at a dynasty. Derrick Favors was practically nonexistent this season and for 18.8 million? Yikes. He should be easy to let walk. E’Twaun Moore is getting older and really doesn’t fit the dynamic of this team, let him walk. That gives you enough money to give Ingram that max contract. I would see if you can resign Okafor for cheap and keep Jackson and Williams for cheap. Other than that, the Pelicans have some easy decisions to make here.
New York Knicks
Bobby Portis (Age 25) PF (Team Option): Stats: 10.1 PPG on 45% shooting, 1.5 APG, 5.1 RPG in 21 minutes per game. Contract: 15 Million
Maurice (Mo) Harkless (Age 27) SF: Stats: 5.8 PPG on 50.2% shooting, 1.1 APG, 3.9 RPG in 23 minutes per game. Contract: 10.5 Million
Allonzo Trier (Age 24) SG (Restricted): Stats: 6.5 PPG on 48.1% shooting, 1.2 APG, 1.2 RPG in 12 minutes per game. Contract: 3.4 Million
Damyean Dotson (Age 26) SG (Restricted): Stats: 6.7 PPG on 41.4% shooting, 1.2 APG, 1.9 RPG in 17 minutes per game. Contract: 1.3 Million
Knicks, Knicks, Knicks, do you even know what you are doing anymore? Let me answer that, no. Let everyone go, Bobby Portis for 15 million? Nah. Mo Harkless for 10.5? Eh, take your pick. I won’t lie, I don’t care about the other two guys, but if it were me, I would let Portis and Mo go and throw all that money at Fred VanVleet, that would be the smartest move they could do at this point.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Danilo Gallinari (Age 32) SF: Stats: 19.2 PPG on 43.9% shooting, 2.1 APG, 5.5 RPG in 31 minutes per game. Contract: 21.5 Million
Andre Roberson (Age 28) SG: Andre Roberson has been injured the whole year, therefore, he has no stats this year. Contract: 10 Million
Mike Muscala (Age 29) PF (Player Option): Stats: 4.5 PPG on 40.3% shooting, 0.8 APG, 2.2 RPG in 11 minutes per game. Contract: 2 Million
Nerlens Noel (Age 26) C: Stats: 7.7 PPG on 68.5% shooting, 1 APG, 4.9 RPG in 18 minutes per game. Contract: 2 Million
Abdel Nader (Age 27) SF (Team Option): Stats: 5.9 PPG on 45.5% shooting, 0.7 APG, 1.8 RPG in 15 minutes per game. Contract: 1.4 Million
Hamidou Diallo (Age 22) SG (Team Option): Stats: 6.1 PPG on 45.2% shooting, 0.6 APG, 3.2 RPG in 18 minutes per game. Contract: 1.1 Million
Deonte Burton (Age 26) SF (Team Option): Stats: 2.7 PPG on 37.1% shooting, 0.3 APG, 1.4 RPG in 8 minutes per game. Contract: 784K
The Thunder only really have a couple questions for this free agency. They first, should pick up all the team options, they are cheap and could help out future plans. Nerlens Noel will be an interesting situation. I think he can get some more money elsewhere, but he has been playing decent for the Thunder. If Mike Muscala opt-in his contract, great, if he doesn’t let him walk, he doesn’t make that much of difference anyway. Andre Roberson is a wild card. How much do you prioritize defense will let you know if you should re-sign Roberson or not. The Thunder did well enough without him, and they could use that 10 million elsewhere. Either way, he should go down in price due to the injures he has had.
Danilo Gallinari is the biggest question for the Thunder. Should the Thunder retain him for the price he is at, or let him walk. I don’t see Gallinari being any cheaper than what he is at now. But you never know, sometimes players are willing to take home discounts. I would try to keep Gallinari at the contract he’s at right now, on a shorter duration. He is getting up there in age and the Thunder should be wary of any decline from him.
Orlando Magic
Evan Fournier (Age 27) SG (Player Option): Stats: 18.8 PPG on 47% shooting, 3.2 APG, 2.6 RPG in 31 minutes per game. Contract: 17 Million
D.J. Augustin (Age 32) PG: Stats: 10.4 PPG on 39.3% shooting, 4.6 APG, 2.2 RPG in 25 minutes per game. Contract: 7.25 Million
Michael Carter-Williams (Age 28) PG: Stats: 7.2 PPG on 43.4% shooting, 2.4 APG, 3.3 RPG in 18 minutes per game. Contract: 2 Million
James Ennis (Age 30) SF (Player Option): Stats: 6 PPG on 41.2% shooting, 0.9 APG, 3.3 RPG in 17 minutes per game. Contract: 2 Million
Wesley Iwundu (Age 25) SF (Restricted): Stats: 5.3 PPG on 39.7% shooting, 1 APG, 2.5 RPG in 18 minutes per game. Contract: 1.3 Million
Melvin Frazier (Age 24) SF (Team Option): Stats: 1.2 PPG on 35.3% shooting, 0.1 APG, 0.3 RPG in 3 minutes per game. Contract: 1.2 Million
Gary Clark (Age 25) SF (Restricted): Stats: 3.2 PPG on 35.7 % shooting, 0.4 APG, 2.4 RPG in 12 minutes per game. Contract: 555K
Despite the plethora of players the Magic have on expiring contracts, they have it easy. They could let all of these players go and no one would bat an eye. I expect Evan Fournier to opt-in his player option, he’s earning a little more than he should in my opinion so, why not? Melvin Frazier is cheap and you can keep him at his price so I would pick up his team option. All the rest, let them go, no one here really strikes me as a must-keep. DJ Augustin is getting old and isn’t that much of a game-changer for the Magic. Expect the Magic to buying low salary players, or if Evan Fournier opts out of his contract, solid bench depth.
Philadelphia 76ers
Alec Burks (Age 29) SG: Stats: 15.1 PPG on 40.4% shooting, 2.9 APG, 4.4 RPG in 27 minutes per game. Contract: 2.3 Million
Kyle O’Quinn (Age 30) C: Stats: 3.2 PPG on 48.6% shooting, 1.3 APG, 3.6 RPG in 9 minutes per game. Contract: 2 Million
Glenn Robinson III SG: (Age 26) Stats: 11.8 PPG on 48.6% shooting, 1.6 APG, 4.3 RPG in 29 minutes per game. Contract: 1.8 Million
Raul Neto (Age 28) PG: Stats: 4.3 PPG on 45.1% shooting, 1.6 APG, 1.1 RPG in 11 minutes per game. Contract: 1.7 Million
Furkan Kormaz (Age 23) SG: Stats: 9.7 PPG on 43.2% shooting, 1.1 APG, 2.3 RPG 22 in minutes per game. Contract: 1.7 Million
The 76ers are in a bit of a predicament here for NBA free agents. There are 5 players here and about 3 of them are worth more than their contract right now. They won’t be able to retain all of these players and they don’t have the cap space to do so. If the 76ers want to have any chance to retain the 3 players they should keep in Kormaz, Robinson, and Burks, they need to trade Al Horford. He’s been worthless to the 76ers and he does more harm than good for them.
Phoenix Suns
Aron Baynes (Age 33) C: Stats: 11.5 PPG on 48% shooting, 1.6 APG, 5.6 RPG in 22 minutes per game. Contract: 5.3 Million
Frank Kaminsky (Age 27) PF (Team Option): Stats: 11 PPG on 45.5% shooting, 2.2 APG, 4.9 RPG in 22 minutes. Contract: 4.7 Million
Dario Saric (Age 26) PF (Restricted): Stats: 10.1 PPG on 46.2% shooting, 1.9 APG, 5.9 RPG in 25 minutes per game. Contract: 2.7 Million
Cheick Diallo (Age 24) PF (Team Option): Stats: 4.8 PPG on 65% shooting, 0.5 APG, 2.9 RPG in 10 minutes per game. Contract: 1.6 Million
Jevon Carter (Age 25) PG (Restricted): Stats: 4.6 PPG on 40% shooting, 1.3 APG, 2 RPG in 15 minutes per game. Contract: 1.1 Million
BIG MAN GALORE. The Suns have 4 big men with expiring contracts for their NBA free agents. They can’t keep them all, and they shouldn’t. First, let’s get the obvious one out the way, Aron Baynes should be let to walk. I love a good meme like anyone else, and I love Aron Baynes, but he’s 33, and with his media attention, somewhere and somehow, someone will overpay for him. If they can keep Aron Baynes around his contract right now or cheaper, go for it, but I just don’t see that happening. The Suns should pick up the team option on Frank Kaminsky, it’s cheaper than what he is worth and gives the Suns time to see if he is worth re-signing long term.
Dario Saric is restricted for the Suns. This works out nicelty for the Suns because if he isn’t too expensive, they can match any offer made for him and keep him. Personally, I wouldn’t go over 15 million for him at the most, but there’s no telling what the Suns will do. The Suns should also pick up Diallo team option as well, this will help try to retain Dario Saric if it comes down to that.
Portland Trail Blazers
Hassan Whiteside (Age 31) C: Stats: 16.3 PPG on 61.8% shooting, 1.2 APG, 14.2 RPG in 31 minutes per game. Contract: 24.6 Million
Rodney Hood (Age 25) SG (Player Option): Stats: 11 PPG on 50.6% shooting, 1.5 APG, 3.4 RPG in 29 minutes per game. Contract: 5.8 Million
Carmelo Anthony (Age 36) SF: Stats: 15.3 PPG on 42.6% shooting, 1.6 APG, 6.3 RPG in 32 minutes per game. Contract: 2.1 Million
Mario Hezonja (Age 25) SG (Player Option): Stats: 4.8 PPG on 42.9% shooting, 0.9 APG, 3.4 RPG in 16 minutes per game. Contract: 1.6 Million
Caleb Swanigan (Age 23) PF: Stats: 2.4 PPG on 60.5% shooting, 1.1 APG, 3.7 RPG in 10 minutes per game. Contract: 1.7 Million
Wenyen Gabriel (Age 23) PF (Restricted): Stats: 2.1 PPG on 48.3% shooting, 0.3 APG, 1.6 RPG in 7 minutes per game. Contract: 1.4 Million
The Trail Blazers have some decisions to make regarding their NBA Free Agents. The big question the Blazers have is what they do with Hassan Whiteside. On the stat sheet, he played good, not worth his contract, but good enough. If you watched him though, you just weren’t impressed, especially for what his contract is worth. However, Hassan Whiteside will be one of the more coveted free agents this year, so do you enter the competitive market for him, or just let him walk? Remember, Jursuf Nurkic was injured this year, and he can practically do everything Hasan Whiteside can do for much cheaper. In my opinion, he just isn’t a priority.
Carmelo Anthony is a hard case. Despite how this year seemed like a resurgence for him, you have to take that with a grain of salt. You don’t want to overpay for him and watch him massively decline with a big contract, but you don’t want him to walk and have him produce anywhere else. For me, 10 million for 1 year would be the most generous offer I would give Carmelo Anthony, anything higher than that is too much. Ideally, you would want to try to get him for around 5 million.
As for the player options, you want Mario Hezonja to opt-in in player option. But seeing as it is only for 1.6 million, that seems unlikely. He knows he can get more money elsewhere. For Rodney Hood, he might opt-in and he might not. For 5.8 million, that seems a little low for his worth but he might take a home discount, it is up to him. But I wouldn’t overpay for him if he opts out either.
Sacramento Kings
Kent Bazemore (Age 31) SG: Stats: 8.7 PPG on 42.6% shooting, 1.3 APG, 4.3 RPG in 35 minutes per game. Contract: 17.5 Million
Bogdan Bogdanovic (Age 28) SG (Restricted): Stats: 14.5 PPG on 43.3% shooting, 3.2 APG, 3.2 RPG in 28 minutes per game. Contract: 9 Million
Marvin Bagley III (Age 21) PF (Team Option): Stats: 14.2 PPG on 46.7% shooting, 0.8 APG, 7.5 RPG in 25 minutes per game. Contract: 7.9 Million
Jabari Parker (Age 25) PF (Player Option): Stats: 14.7 PPG on 50% shooting, 1.8 APG, 5.9 RPG in 26 minutes per game. Contract: 6.5 Million
De’Aaron Fox (Age 22) PG (Team Option): Stats: 20.4 PPG on 47.5% shooting, 6.8 APG, 4 RPG in 31 minutes per game. Contract: 5.5 Million
Alex Len (Age 27) C: Stats: 8.3 PPG on 61.9% shooting, 1 APG, 6 RPG in 18 minutes per game. Contract: 4.2 Million
Yogi Ferrell (Age 27) PG: Stats: 4.2 PPG on 39.6% shooting, 1.3 APG, 1.1 RPG in 11 minutes per game. Contract: 3 Million
Harry Giles (Age 22) PF: Stats: 7 PPG on 56% shooting, 1.3 APG, 4.2 RPG in 15 minutes per game. Contract: 2.2 Million
As you can tell, the Kings have a lot of decisions to make for their NBA free agents. Let’s get the easy ones out of the way, of course, you pick up the team options on De’Aaron Fox and Marvin Bagley III, that is just a given. Kent Bazemore expiring contract frees up some cap space for the Kings, so you let him walk. Bogdan Bogdanovic should have a decent market waiting for him in Free Agency. The Kings can play the waiting games and match any offer that isn’t too expensive for him if they wanted to because he is restricted.
Jabari Parker for 6.5 million is a steal for the Kings, but I wouldn’t expect him to opt-in his player option. He can get better money elsewhere. That is where it can start getting tricky for the Kings. Alex Len and Harry Giles are great frontcourt depth for the Kings but The Kings should prioritize Giles over Len if it comes down to that. With Yogi Ferrell, it doesn’t matter what you do, his contract is only 3 million and he’s worth just about that.
San Antonio Spurs
DeMar DeRozan (Age 31) SG (Player Option): Stats: 22.2 PPG on 52.6% shooting, 5.6 APG, 5.6 RPG in 34 minutes per game. Contract: 27.8 Million
Marco Belinelli (Age 34) SG: Stats: 5.8 PPG on 39.1% shooting, 1.2 APG, 1.7 RPG in 15 minutes per game. Contract: 6 Million
Jakob Poeltl (Age 24) C (Restricted): Stats: 5.3 PPG on 61.9% shooting, 1.8 APG, 5.3 RPG in 16 minutes per game. Contract: 3 Million
Bryn Forbes (Age 27) SG: Stats: 11.2 PPG on 41.7% shooting, 1.7 APG, 2 RPG in 25 minutes per game. Contract: 3 Million
Ah, yes, we have come to my favorite team. For the Spurs when it comes down to NBA free agents, it is really simple. We NEED Demar DeRozan to opt-in his player option. If he doesn’t, the Spurs could lose him for practically nothing. If he opts-in, that gives the Spurs another year to decide to re-sign him or trade him at the deadline. LET MARCO BELINELLI WALK!! I hate that guy, he is garbage. That’ll free up space for Jakob Poeltl, who has been impressing this season for the Spurs. Bryn Forbes, I am kind of hit or miss on. I rather the Spurs let him walk, but if they can sign him for less than 5 million, what the hell, right?
Toronto Raptors
Marc Gasol (Age 35) C: Stats: 7.6 PPG on 41.9 % shooting, 3.4 APG, 6.3 RPG in 27 minutes per game. Contract: 22.6 Million
Serge Ibaka (Age 31) PF: Stats: 16 PPG on 51.8% shooting, 1.5 APG, 8.3 RPG in 27 minutes per game. Contract: 21.6 Million
Fred VanVleet (Age 26) PG: Stats: 17.6 PPG on 40.9% shooting, 6.6 APG, 3.8 RPG in 36 minutes per game. Contract: 9 Million
Stanley Johnson (Age 24) SF (Player Option): Stats: 1.2 PPG on 25.8% shooting, 0.4 APG, 1.1 RPG in 5 minutes per game. Contract: 3.7 Million
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (Age 25) SF: Stats: 7.2 PPG on 47.1% shooting, 1.7 APG, 4.9 RPG in 19 minutes per game. Contract: 2.5 Million
Dewan Hernandez (Age 23) C (Restricted): Stats: 1 PPG on 20% shooting, 0 APG, 1.8 RPG in 3 minutes per game in only 4 games this year. Contract: 1.4 Million
Chris Boucher (Age 27) PF (Restricted): Stats: 6.3 PPG on 45.8% shooting, 0.4 APG, 4.4 RPG in 13 minutes per game. Contract: 1 Million
Malcolm Miller (Age 27) SF (Restricted): Stats: 0.9 PPG on 33.3% shooting, 0.3 APG, 0.6 RPG in 5 minutes per game. Contract: 1 Million
The Raptors are going to have to make some tough decisions this year in the offseason when it comes to NBA Free Agents. The #1 priority for the Raptors and they know it, is to re-sign Fred VanVleet. He’s been a monster for the Raptors and could be the successor for Kyle Lowry once he retires. The Drake-lookalike has a COMPETITIVE market for him though. In fact, he is probably one of the most coveted free agents this season. Luckily for the Raptors, Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka’s contracts are expiring, equally up to, with VanVleet’s contract, over 50 million in cap space. So they will be able to basically match any offer given to VanVleet. The fear is that someone like the Knicks will give VanVleet a max contract and that is where a decision needs to be made.
With some other key players, it could be a difficult offseason for the Raptors. Marc Gasol should be left to walk unless he signs for under 5 million. Serge Ibaka has been playing well and fits the Raptors nicely but I wouldn’t sign him over 15 million if that. Looking to their younger players, Stanley Johnson is a project but has the potential to be decent if the Raptors can keep him on for cheap. Hollis-Jefferson and Boucher would be great role players to keep for the Raptors if they can keep them for cheap. Absolute priority is to re-sign VanVleet though, after that, dealer’s choice.
Utah Jazz
Jordan Clarkson (Age 28) PG: Stats: 15.1 PPG on 48.2% shooting, 2 APG, 2.7 RPG in 24 minutes per game. Contract: 12.5 Million
Emmanuel Mudiay (Age 24) PG: Stats: 7.3 PPG on 47.1% shooting, 2.2 APG, 2.4 RPG in 15 minutes per game. Contract: 1.7 Million
Juwan Morgan (Age 23) PF (Restricted): Stats: 1.2 PPG on 52.9% shooting, 0.1 APG, 1.2 RPG in 4 minutes per game in only 16 games this season. Contract: 746K
Rayjon Tucker (Age 23) SF (Restricted): Stats: 1.3 PPG on 42.1% shooting, 0.1 APG, 1.3 RPG in 5 minutes per game. Contract: 578K
For the Utah Jazz for NBA free agents, they NEED to keep Jordan Clarkson. Once he arrived in Utah, he helped the Jazz tremendously with their bench depth. Emmanuel Mudiay is good for the price he is at, but anything over 5 million I would be skeptical. They should be trying to convince Jordan Clarkson now to stay with the team because his presence will be crucial to the team’s success.
Washington Wizards
Ian Mahinmi (Age 33) C: Stats: 7.4 PPG on 49.5 % shooting, 1.3 APG, 5.7 RPG in 21 minutes per game. Contract: 16 Million
Davis Bertans (Age 27) SF: Stats: 15.4 PPG on 43.4% shooting, 1.7 APG, 4.5 RPG in 29 minutes per game. Contract: 7.25 Million
Shabazz Napier (Age 29) PG: Stats: 10.3 PPG on 43.1% shooting, 5 APG, 2.3 RPG in 24 minutes per game. Contract: 1.9 Million
Gary Payton II (Age 27) PG: Stats: 3.9 PPG on 41.4% shooting, 1.7 APG, 2.8 RPG in 15 minutes per game. Contract: 1 Million
For the Washington Wizards, only one guy is essential here in terms of NBA free agents: Davis Bertans. However, after being slept on last year for being a really good shooter, it is definitely more noticeable this year. Shabazz Napier and Gary Payton II can be really good for the Wizards cap situation if they can keep them at a low price. But that can go either way. There’s no reason to bring back Ian Mahinmi at that price though. They can get a great player with that extra 16 million or add some bench depth with 2 two players. But I personally wouldn’t bring Mahinmi back. They might use some that money to keep Davis Bertans this year because there will be a competitive market for him.
