The 2015 free agency class is filled with big names. Names that range from Lebron James to Marc Gasol. With all the drama of players wanting short-term deals so they can take full advantage in 2017; let’s take a look at where each top free agent is predicted to go.
1) Lebron James:
Lebron James obviously is returning to the Cavs. He just wanted to restructure his contract so he can maximize his salary moving forward.
Prediction: Cleveland Cavaliers
2) LaMarcus Aldridge:
Aldridge is probably the biggest name in free agency that’s actually on the market to leave his respective team. Aldridge reportedly informed the Blazers that he would not return. Blazers trading for Vonleh gives us reason to believe they’ve moved on as well. Between Lakers, Mavericks, Spurs, and Raptors; Aldridge will have a good list to choose from. Spurs seem to be the most ready to win. How nice would it be for Duncan to pass the torch to Aldridge after he retires. If Aldridge is serious about winning while getting paid the max, he’ll choose the Spurs.
Prediction: San Antonio Spurs
3) Marc Gasol:
Gasol is another free agent who really isn’t a threat to leave. He has a great setup in Memphis where he’s won Defensive Player of the Year award. Things would have to take an unlikely turn if Gasol decides to leave.
Prediction: Memphis Grizzles
4) Kawhi Leonard
Spurs would be crazy not to offer Leonard whatever he wants. Leonard is high likely to return; especially if Spurs are intending to make a big free agent splash.
Prediction: San Antonio Spurs
5) Kevin Love:
Will he return to Cleveland where his role was diminished? Probably not. There’s still a good chance Love returns if he’s serious about winning a title. However, if he wants a meaningful role, his exit is inevitable. Will he take his talents to South Beach after visiting Riley. Will he go back home and join Kobe and the Lakers? It’s unknown where his mindset is at this time. If he wants to be on a playoff team, Miami would probably be the better choice as of now.
Prediction: Miami Heat
6) Deandre Jordan:
After the 2015 playoffs, there was speculations Deandre Jordan and Chris Paul didn’t get along. You couldn’t tell if you watched them play; but it’s possible. Regardless, Mark Cuban is bound to lure at least one big name to Dallas. If Cuban misses out on Aldridge, Jordan is next on the list. Jordan would eat up the glass if he’s paired next to Dirk.
Predictions: Dallas Mavericks
7) Rajon Rondo
He’s leaving Dallas for sure. The question is where will he end up. Kings emerged as the dark horse earlier this summer. With all the drama surrounding Cousins and Karl, Rondo’s best bet is to stay clear. Lakers would be another option but they’ve invested enough in D’Angelo Russell and Jordan Clarkson.
Prediction: Sacramento Kings
8) Dwyane Wade:
The Miami Heat feel reluctant to pay Wade a big salary. Wade’s best chance of winning is to take a smaller deal and return to Miami where they can build a better team. However, how many times does Wade have to take a paycut to win. With 3 rings, winning isn’t on Wade’s mind more than money. He should go somewhere that will pay him and eventually have a good chance to win.
Predictions: Los Angles Lakers.
8) Jimmy Butler
His name has been linked to the Lakers the past few days. Recent reports indicates he postponed all of his meetings outside of Chicago after he received the max offer from the Bulls. The only matter that is undetermined is the amount of years.
Prediction: Chicago Bulls
9) Draymond Green
A perfect fit in Steve Kerr’s system. Recent reports says Green is willing to take less than a max in order for Warriors to keep their core together. Green is not only about making green, but he’s about winning.
Predictions: Golden State Warriors
10) Greg Monroe:
It seems obvious Monroe does not want to return to Pistons. It’s even more obvious the Pistons don’t want him back. Monroe’s game is very old school and almost outdated in today’s new style of NBA. However, his skill set makes him one of the best free agents available. There’s a good chance he takes the big money in the big market.
Predictions: New York Knicks
