Free Agency- Everything You Need to Know
Jun 1, 2017 0:45:47 GMT -5
Golden State Warriors (Caleb), Yacob (freelance idiot), and 10 more like this
Post by The Athletic on Jun 1, 2017 0:45:47 GMT -5
The off-season is in full force, phones are ringing, trades are being made, and mocks are being updated. With that being said one of the bigger parts of any season is almost here. Free agency. It's time to look what's on the horizon as the New York Knicks championship cries slowly fade in the background.
While it may be a "weak" FA class, this is where it starts for some franchises, this is where you can get that one piece. It's important not to overlook that, without further ado let's get into it.
Start Date:
As of now, there is no official date, yes i know that may stress some of you guys out, but don't worry we do have a general outline. Restricted free agency will begin just a couple short days after the real NBA finals. From there we will figure out the best start date for unrestricted free agency, as soon as a concrete date is set you will be notified.
Free Agency Highlights
Point Guards
Ty Lawson (PHI)
Randy Foye (PHI)
Jameer Nelson (MIL)
Demetrius Jackson (TOR)
Deron Williams (UTAH)
Patty Mills (UTAH)
Shaun Livingston (SAC)
Darren Collison (DEN)
George Hill (DET)
Brandon Jennings (HOU)
Langston Galloway (OKC)
Michael Carter-Williams (WAS) (RFA)
Trey Burke (WAS) (RFA)
Jerian Grant
Malcolm Delaney
Obviously the big name here is George Hill. Hell George Hill might be the biggest name of the whole class. But when looking at the batch of point guards in this class it's a pretty functional class. Guys like Collison, Carter-Williams, Lawson, Jameer, can actually all help a playoff team right now. As for Hill i see him commanding a 20 mill + salary after a very good year. Would we ever pay that money? Hell no. But with all the money floating around, someone will. The other guy to keep an eye on is Patty Mills. The guy can play basketball, and with a good supporting cast, the guy is an NBA starter. If he lands somewhere beneficial this off-season he's going to command a hefty pay raise as well.
Shooting Guards
Ben McLemore (PHI) (RFA)
Jordan McCrae (POR)
Dion Waitors (POR)
Tony Allen (CHI)
Sergio Rodriguez (LAC)
Dwayne Wade (MIA)
Marcus Thornton (SAC)
Bojan Bogdanovic (DET) (RFA)
Nick Young (DET)
Kyle Korver (DET)
Manu Ginobli (HOU)
Jonathon Simmons (HOU) (RFA)
Brandon Rush (PHO)
Marco Bellinelli (WAS)
JJ Reddick (TOR)
Rashad Vaughn
Gerald Henderson
JR Smith
There really are some interesting names at shooting guard. Shooting guard is often overlooked, as usually they need to really contribute in secondary stats to be considered stars. However, having a solid shooting guard really does help at that next level. The big prize here is very obvious. Dion damn Waitors. The guy had a pretty solid year despite some injuries. Dion should have no trouble commanding a 20 million deal annually. Again, would i pay that much no. But Dion showed he wasn't just a scorer, and that he's ready for a big role in this league. Shooting guard is actually probably the deepest position this off-season. After a very good playoffs how much will Simmons command? Is Jr still worth a double digit deal in Cleveland? Guys like Gerald Henderson, Wade, Allen, will they land with a contender and push a team over the edge? Time will tell, but i think this group of guys play a big role in deciding our next champion.
Small Forwards
Thabo Sefolosha (MIL)
Ersan Illyasova (MIL)
Tyreke Evans (LAC)
Matt Barnes (LAC)
Luke Babbit (TOR)
Shabazz Muhammad (LAL) (RFA)
Omri Casspi (DEN)
CJ Miles (SAS)
Joe Johnson (SAS)
Andre Igoudola (PHO)
Nemanja Belincja (OKC)
Demarre Carroll
Vince Carter
This is a pretty bare small forward class we'll admit. But there are still guys that can help you. CJ Miles can still help a team win ball games and it'll interesting to see if he gets a double digit offer. Tyreke Evans had another one of these Reke years. He still has talent, but it's apparent he'll never be a star which is a bummer. Does a team take a shot on his talent? Or do his injuries prevent him from getting a 10+ mill offer? Ersan had a pretty good year in Philly and i could see him landing in a nice situation and this being valuable in here. Meanwhile, iso Joe Johnson and Iggy are at the tail ends of their careers but again both deserve to be owned. Again, yes it's a bare class, but there are serviceable guys here.
Power Forwards
Derrick Williams (PHI)
David Lee (POR)
Donatas Motijunas (MIL)
Amir Johnson (LAC)
Michael Beasley (MIA)
Pau Gasol (MIA)
Terrence Jones (CHA)
Brandon Bass (TOR)
Pattrick Patterson (LAL)
Joffery Lauvergne (MIN) (RFA)
JaMychael Green (MEM) (RFA)
Taj Gibson (DAL)
Jonas Jerebko (DAL)
Nerlens Noel (IND) (RFA)
Jarred Sullinger (SAS)
Zach Randolph (OKC)
Dante Cunningham (SAS)
Anthony Bennett (WAS)
Brandon Wright
There is plenty of help here for teams. I think we can all agree the prize of the class is Nerlens Noel. As it doesn't look like Pacers will clear cap anytime soon, whoever gives Noel the biggest offer is gonna end up getting him. Many consider Noel a potential franchise piece, and i know the checkbooks will be out. Guys like Taj Gibson, JaMychael Green, Zach Randolph, and Pau can all help contenders now. What will Terrence Jones fetch out in this market? This really is our first free agency with new financial rules so it will be intriguing to see if teams are still out paying these guys at the end of their contracts big money, or if teams have learned their lesson. My guess is the first
Centers
Joakim Noah (PHI)
Dwayne Dedmon (MIL)
Zaza Pachulia (SAC)
Andrew Bogut (DAL)
Christian Felicio (NOP) (RFA)
Willie Reed (DET)
Nene (HOU)
Roy Hibbert (HOU)
Tyler Zeller
Aron Baynes
We have no arrived at the rarest position in basketball, the center. As expected it's a pretty weak class and really there are only two guys that we see offering any sort of value. Dedmon and Noah could still be servicable in this league. Noah looked pretty checked out after getting his money this season. Dedmon, the opposite battled in a contract year, and should get rewarded this off-season. While he'll never be a star Dedmon can help a team in real life, and in here. If he finds himself in a good situation he;ll be a solid center option moving forward. Another sneaky guy is Willie Reed. He showed flashes behind big Hassan. If a team gamble on him in real life, he could make a real impact.
Cap Situation
The Spenders
Dallas Mavericks, Cap Space- $49.21M
The Dallas Mavericks have made it very apparent they are re-tooling this summer. With almost 50 million in cap it will be their choice in which big name they go after. Do they go after Dion Waitors? Geroge Hill? My guess is Nerlens Noel. Noel looks like he'll have a very stable role in Dallas moving forward. With Dirk getting older and older, and no real center under roster, Noel should be in a position to thrive. I can easily see Landon and his Mavs throwing a 20+ mill offer for Noel and winning him. Noel would a fun pick and roll partner moving forward with James Harden.
LA Clippers, Cap Space- $51.96M
The Clippers had a bad year there is no denying it. I don't think they're in a terribly bad spot however. With over $51 million to spend Trey can choose whether to go after a top tier guy or spread his money around on different role players. If i were him i would explore what i could gt for IT with his contract ending and due for a big raise next year. With Teague and Thomas under contract i think Williw Reed and Dion Waitors are both great fits in LA. Let's see.
Cleveland Cavs, Cap Space- $55.02M
There is a difference between the Mavs and Clippers and Cavs. I think both teams will be spenders, but i can see both Clippers and Mavericks competing next year. It doesn't really seem like the Cavs have any intention of competing. Because with guys like Hield and Murray, and Payton this team will improve. In fact the Cavs are a couple free agent signings, and a trade away from being a very competent team out East. It will be interesting to see what strategy the Cavs adopt heading into the off-season, because with the amount of cap they have they could sign someone like Waitors and Patty Mills and then compete.
Memphis Grizzlies, Cap Space- $48.21M
Well that happened quick. It wasn't very long ago this team was cap strapped and looking at seeing their big man walk. Since then the Grizzlies have more than freed up enough cap to sign him and head into free agency as big spenders. The Grizzlies are a competing team, and just about every year you can count on them to be there at the end. I think next year will be no different, the way will just be different. With Porzingis, Embiid, and Klay the Grizzlies have one of the better young trios in the league and will jsut need to sign some guys to help fit around the core. 48 mill is good enough to net probably 3 very solid role players. If the Grizzlies spend smart this could be the title favorite heading into the year.
Charlotte Hornets, Cap Space- $48.78M
It's kinda tough to know what is going on with Hornets, he's traded his first next year, but also traded away his best player. Either way the Hornets have a lot of cap heading into the free agency period. I think the Hornets have one goal in mind this free agency, find a point guard. Whether it be George Hill or Patty Mills i think the Hornets would be best served to pick up a point guard. This is a young team and i don't really see them going after many of the aging vets, but there are some guys to be had in my mind that are longer term pieces. The Hornets direction in free agency will be interesting to monitor.
LA Lakers, Cap Space- $39.64M
Not quite as much space as the others, but i do know this team is going to spend. Expect big offers to be lined up for Noel and Patty Mills. The team is still kinda figuring out whether it wants to rebuild or compete but apparently both George and Ibaka are on the block, which would signal a full rebuild. If the right buttons are pushed, who know this Lakers team could scrape by into the playoffs. Either way expect the Lakers to NOT sit on their hands and make some moves this off-season.
Brooklyn Nets, Cap Space- $53.72M
The Brooklyn Nets run a tight ship. You're not gonna see them overpay for a mediocre talent this off-season which is why i was hesitant to have them here originally. BUT with 53. mill to spend, and a pretty full roster i can see the Nets pulling out the checkbook for a bigger name this off-season. Obviously my guess would be Noel as he probably has the best mix of talent and age, but who knows. Maybe he sits on the money it might be the smart move, but if the Nets do want to spend they have the money to do it.
The Savers
New York Knicks, Cap Space- $3.42M
With a little over 3 mill in cap space the Knicks have done their work early. After a title the Knicks will bring essentially the same team back. Losing Green may hurt a bit, but this team has earned every right to sit back and watch others overpay for mediocre players. This is one of the few teams that if the season started tomorrow would have a solid team from top to bottom.
Washington Wizards, Cap Space- $1.71M
Another team that has done their work early, however not to the level of the Knicks. There are still holes in this team, but with little cap room it's tough to patch all of them. This team is still one of the best in the East and will have no trouble competing next year. If they can find a vet shooting guard at around a million it would go a long way for their title hopes.
Chicago Bulls, Cap Space- $.57M
Jeez Charlie. While the Bulls have a good team they have little flexibility and a lot of roster spots to fill. Chuck will find a way to cut cap eventually, but he'll definitely be in saver mode this off-season. Charlie seems to always pick up one or two sneaky free agents so be on the look out for that, but even that will be tough to do with the amount of room they have at the moment. Expect the Bulls to continue to look ways to cut money in the coming weeks.
Utah Jazz, Cap Space- $14.68M
Not a true saver, because Jazz actually has a nice amount of wiggle room, but Tj doesn't need to spend per say. With only one spot on the roster to fill Tj can really go all in on a guy he likes this off-season. But because of the depth and flexibility, TJ doesn't have to spend. This will be one of the best teams in the league next year, and if TJ is effectively able to use his 14 mill to get another contributor, watch out. Other than that it should be a pretty quiet market in Utah this off-season.
Indiana Pacers, Cap Space- $1.27M
I know Jon is going to be pretty busy in China this off-season, but he doesn't really have much room to work with anyways. After re-signing Russ, there really is no flexibility for Pacers. As a result Noel will most likely walk. The Pacers are interesting position. They have essentially a full roster and little cap, but aren't yet a contender. At this point i'm not even sure if they're a playoff team. In order to free up some money i'd really look at moving Bismack or even Russell if possible.
Story Lines
Where does George Hill end up?
Point guard is arguably the most important position in the league. George Hill is the best point guard available, ensue chaos. I really have no idea who is going to go hard after him but i'm sure there will be plenty of suitors for him after his really solid year. It will be interesting though, Hill is not a franchise point guard, will he get franchise point guard money? My guess is probably yes. If i had to guess who the biggest pursuers would be i'd say the Mavericks, who have a ton of cap and need a point guard, the Pistons who really enjoyed their time with him but needed to re-sign Millsap, and the Grizzlies to be the front runners.
Where does Nerlens Noel end up?
Noel had a pretty up and down year. Is he a center piece? Probably not. But is he someone you can consider apart of a young core moving forward? Some would say yes. I've already heard the Magic and Lakers love Noel and will be ponying up big offers for him. The interesting part, it's all silent auction so a lot of mind games will be played. Another place i think emerges as a sneaky destination is Philly. That team is rounding into shape and still has some money to spend. Obviously, don't forget about Grizz who has a soft spot for any UK player. The Noel sweepstakes should get wild in a couple weeks.
Where does Dion Waiters end up?
Pay the man! Dion's gone from being one of my least favorites to one of my favorites. He's worked on his game and the results have shown. Still at the ripe age of 25, i fully think Dion can be a franchise shooting guard on a playoff team. I see a team in the rebuilding phase cashing out for Waitors. If i had to pick front runners i'd roll with the Nets and Clippers. Both already have young cores and a lot of money to spend, acquiring Dion could actually push either of them into playoff contention. Many teams will be vying for his services, and he's earned it. The 25 year old will make a difference wherever he goes.
Who's making their move?
Alright we are now fully into our second season. The first season was a little dry i get that, but were back to the fun stuff. This FA class is pretty dry overall, but there defintely are guys that contribute. What i'm looking at is which fringe championship team solidifies their place with a couple sneaky free agent signings. Guys like Taj Gibson, JJ Reddick, Demarre Caroll, JR Smith. Do they land on teams that are pushing for a playoff appearance or title? I'm looking at teams like Philly, Milwaukee, Detroit, San Antonio, Which team is going to pick up 1/2 guys that fall from the cracks and end up helping their teams bit time down the stretch. It's gonna be fun.
New League, New Owners
This is the first free agency for a lot of new owners. Are there owners who will throw out huge numbers and learn to regret it later? Is this batch a more conservative bunch? Who knows. It'll be interesting to see the different strategies by different teams, and where certain guys will end up. Will John be back in time to be the most annoying bidder in league history? One thing is for sure, free agency will be frustrating, annoying at times, and downright infuriating. But it will be necessary and huge part of taking some franchises from mediocre to good, from good to great, and great to best. I can't wait to get this started.
While it may be a "weak" FA class, this is where it starts for some franchises, this is where you can get that one piece. It's important not to overlook that, without further ado let's get into it.
Start Date:
As of now, there is no official date, yes i know that may stress some of you guys out, but don't worry we do have a general outline. Restricted free agency will begin just a couple short days after the real NBA finals. From there we will figure out the best start date for unrestricted free agency, as soon as a concrete date is set you will be notified.
Free Agency Highlights
Point Guards
Ty Lawson (PHI)
Randy Foye (PHI)
Jameer Nelson (MIL)
Demetrius Jackson (TOR)
Deron Williams (UTAH)
Patty Mills (UTAH)
Shaun Livingston (SAC)
Darren Collison (DEN)
George Hill (DET)
Brandon Jennings (HOU)
Langston Galloway (OKC)
Michael Carter-Williams (WAS) (RFA)
Trey Burke (WAS) (RFA)
Jerian Grant
Malcolm Delaney
Obviously the big name here is George Hill. Hell George Hill might be the biggest name of the whole class. But when looking at the batch of point guards in this class it's a pretty functional class. Guys like Collison, Carter-Williams, Lawson, Jameer, can actually all help a playoff team right now. As for Hill i see him commanding a 20 mill + salary after a very good year. Would we ever pay that money? Hell no. But with all the money floating around, someone will. The other guy to keep an eye on is Patty Mills. The guy can play basketball, and with a good supporting cast, the guy is an NBA starter. If he lands somewhere beneficial this off-season he's going to command a hefty pay raise as well.
Shooting Guards
Ben McLemore (PHI) (RFA)
Jordan McCrae (POR)
Dion Waitors (POR)
Tony Allen (CHI)
Sergio Rodriguez (LAC)
Dwayne Wade (MIA)
Marcus Thornton (SAC)
Bojan Bogdanovic (DET) (RFA)
Nick Young (DET)
Kyle Korver (DET)
Manu Ginobli (HOU)
Jonathon Simmons (HOU) (RFA)
Brandon Rush (PHO)
Marco Bellinelli (WAS)
JJ Reddick (TOR)
Rashad Vaughn
Gerald Henderson
JR Smith
There really are some interesting names at shooting guard. Shooting guard is often overlooked, as usually they need to really contribute in secondary stats to be considered stars. However, having a solid shooting guard really does help at that next level. The big prize here is very obvious. Dion damn Waitors. The guy had a pretty solid year despite some injuries. Dion should have no trouble commanding a 20 million deal annually. Again, would i pay that much no. But Dion showed he wasn't just a scorer, and that he's ready for a big role in this league. Shooting guard is actually probably the deepest position this off-season. After a very good playoffs how much will Simmons command? Is Jr still worth a double digit deal in Cleveland? Guys like Gerald Henderson, Wade, Allen, will they land with a contender and push a team over the edge? Time will tell, but i think this group of guys play a big role in deciding our next champion.
Small Forwards
Thabo Sefolosha (MIL)
Ersan Illyasova (MIL)
Tyreke Evans (LAC)
Matt Barnes (LAC)
Luke Babbit (TOR)
Shabazz Muhammad (LAL) (RFA)
Omri Casspi (DEN)
CJ Miles (SAS)
Joe Johnson (SAS)
Andre Igoudola (PHO)
Nemanja Belincja (OKC)
Demarre Carroll
Vince Carter
This is a pretty bare small forward class we'll admit. But there are still guys that can help you. CJ Miles can still help a team win ball games and it'll interesting to see if he gets a double digit offer. Tyreke Evans had another one of these Reke years. He still has talent, but it's apparent he'll never be a star which is a bummer. Does a team take a shot on his talent? Or do his injuries prevent him from getting a 10+ mill offer? Ersan had a pretty good year in Philly and i could see him landing in a nice situation and this being valuable in here. Meanwhile, iso Joe Johnson and Iggy are at the tail ends of their careers but again both deserve to be owned. Again, yes it's a bare class, but there are serviceable guys here.
Power Forwards
Derrick Williams (PHI)
David Lee (POR)
Donatas Motijunas (MIL)
Amir Johnson (LAC)
Michael Beasley (MIA)
Pau Gasol (MIA)
Terrence Jones (CHA)
Brandon Bass (TOR)
Pattrick Patterson (LAL)
Joffery Lauvergne (MIN) (RFA)
JaMychael Green (MEM) (RFA)
Taj Gibson (DAL)
Jonas Jerebko (DAL)
Nerlens Noel (IND) (RFA)
Jarred Sullinger (SAS)
Zach Randolph (OKC)
Dante Cunningham (SAS)
Anthony Bennett (WAS)
Brandon Wright
There is plenty of help here for teams. I think we can all agree the prize of the class is Nerlens Noel. As it doesn't look like Pacers will clear cap anytime soon, whoever gives Noel the biggest offer is gonna end up getting him. Many consider Noel a potential franchise piece, and i know the checkbooks will be out. Guys like Taj Gibson, JaMychael Green, Zach Randolph, and Pau can all help contenders now. What will Terrence Jones fetch out in this market? This really is our first free agency with new financial rules so it will be intriguing to see if teams are still out paying these guys at the end of their contracts big money, or if teams have learned their lesson. My guess is the first
Centers
Joakim Noah (PHI)
Dwayne Dedmon (MIL)
Zaza Pachulia (SAC)
Andrew Bogut (DAL)
Christian Felicio (NOP) (RFA)
Willie Reed (DET)
Nene (HOU)
Roy Hibbert (HOU)
Tyler Zeller
Aron Baynes
We have no arrived at the rarest position in basketball, the center. As expected it's a pretty weak class and really there are only two guys that we see offering any sort of value. Dedmon and Noah could still be servicable in this league. Noah looked pretty checked out after getting his money this season. Dedmon, the opposite battled in a contract year, and should get rewarded this off-season. While he'll never be a star Dedmon can help a team in real life, and in here. If he finds himself in a good situation he;ll be a solid center option moving forward. Another sneaky guy is Willie Reed. He showed flashes behind big Hassan. If a team gamble on him in real life, he could make a real impact.
Cap Situation
The Spenders
Dallas Mavericks, Cap Space- $49.21M
The Dallas Mavericks have made it very apparent they are re-tooling this summer. With almost 50 million in cap it will be their choice in which big name they go after. Do they go after Dion Waitors? Geroge Hill? My guess is Nerlens Noel. Noel looks like he'll have a very stable role in Dallas moving forward. With Dirk getting older and older, and no real center under roster, Noel should be in a position to thrive. I can easily see Landon and his Mavs throwing a 20+ mill offer for Noel and winning him. Noel would a fun pick and roll partner moving forward with James Harden.
LA Clippers, Cap Space- $51.96M
The Clippers had a bad year there is no denying it. I don't think they're in a terribly bad spot however. With over $51 million to spend Trey can choose whether to go after a top tier guy or spread his money around on different role players. If i were him i would explore what i could gt for IT with his contract ending and due for a big raise next year. With Teague and Thomas under contract i think Williw Reed and Dion Waitors are both great fits in LA. Let's see.
Cleveland Cavs, Cap Space- $55.02M
There is a difference between the Mavs and Clippers and Cavs. I think both teams will be spenders, but i can see both Clippers and Mavericks competing next year. It doesn't really seem like the Cavs have any intention of competing. Because with guys like Hield and Murray, and Payton this team will improve. In fact the Cavs are a couple free agent signings, and a trade away from being a very competent team out East. It will be interesting to see what strategy the Cavs adopt heading into the off-season, because with the amount of cap they have they could sign someone like Waitors and Patty Mills and then compete.
Memphis Grizzlies, Cap Space- $48.21M
Well that happened quick. It wasn't very long ago this team was cap strapped and looking at seeing their big man walk. Since then the Grizzlies have more than freed up enough cap to sign him and head into free agency as big spenders. The Grizzlies are a competing team, and just about every year you can count on them to be there at the end. I think next year will be no different, the way will just be different. With Porzingis, Embiid, and Klay the Grizzlies have one of the better young trios in the league and will jsut need to sign some guys to help fit around the core. 48 mill is good enough to net probably 3 very solid role players. If the Grizzlies spend smart this could be the title favorite heading into the year.
Charlotte Hornets, Cap Space- $48.78M
It's kinda tough to know what is going on with Hornets, he's traded his first next year, but also traded away his best player. Either way the Hornets have a lot of cap heading into the free agency period. I think the Hornets have one goal in mind this free agency, find a point guard. Whether it be George Hill or Patty Mills i think the Hornets would be best served to pick up a point guard. This is a young team and i don't really see them going after many of the aging vets, but there are some guys to be had in my mind that are longer term pieces. The Hornets direction in free agency will be interesting to monitor.
LA Lakers, Cap Space- $39.64M
Not quite as much space as the others, but i do know this team is going to spend. Expect big offers to be lined up for Noel and Patty Mills. The team is still kinda figuring out whether it wants to rebuild or compete but apparently both George and Ibaka are on the block, which would signal a full rebuild. If the right buttons are pushed, who know this Lakers team could scrape by into the playoffs. Either way expect the Lakers to NOT sit on their hands and make some moves this off-season.
Brooklyn Nets, Cap Space- $53.72M
The Brooklyn Nets run a tight ship. You're not gonna see them overpay for a mediocre talent this off-season which is why i was hesitant to have them here originally. BUT with 53. mill to spend, and a pretty full roster i can see the Nets pulling out the checkbook for a bigger name this off-season. Obviously my guess would be Noel as he probably has the best mix of talent and age, but who knows. Maybe he sits on the money it might be the smart move, but if the Nets do want to spend they have the money to do it.
The Savers
New York Knicks, Cap Space- $3.42M
With a little over 3 mill in cap space the Knicks have done their work early. After a title the Knicks will bring essentially the same team back. Losing Green may hurt a bit, but this team has earned every right to sit back and watch others overpay for mediocre players. This is one of the few teams that if the season started tomorrow would have a solid team from top to bottom.
Washington Wizards, Cap Space- $1.71M
Another team that has done their work early, however not to the level of the Knicks. There are still holes in this team, but with little cap room it's tough to patch all of them. This team is still one of the best in the East and will have no trouble competing next year. If they can find a vet shooting guard at around a million it would go a long way for their title hopes.
Chicago Bulls, Cap Space- $.57M
Jeez Charlie. While the Bulls have a good team they have little flexibility and a lot of roster spots to fill. Chuck will find a way to cut cap eventually, but he'll definitely be in saver mode this off-season. Charlie seems to always pick up one or two sneaky free agents so be on the look out for that, but even that will be tough to do with the amount of room they have at the moment. Expect the Bulls to continue to look ways to cut money in the coming weeks.
Utah Jazz, Cap Space- $14.68M
Not a true saver, because Jazz actually has a nice amount of wiggle room, but Tj doesn't need to spend per say. With only one spot on the roster to fill Tj can really go all in on a guy he likes this off-season. But because of the depth and flexibility, TJ doesn't have to spend. This will be one of the best teams in the league next year, and if TJ is effectively able to use his 14 mill to get another contributor, watch out. Other than that it should be a pretty quiet market in Utah this off-season.
Indiana Pacers, Cap Space- $1.27M
I know Jon is going to be pretty busy in China this off-season, but he doesn't really have much room to work with anyways. After re-signing Russ, there really is no flexibility for Pacers. As a result Noel will most likely walk. The Pacers are interesting position. They have essentially a full roster and little cap, but aren't yet a contender. At this point i'm not even sure if they're a playoff team. In order to free up some money i'd really look at moving Bismack or even Russell if possible.
Story Lines
Where does George Hill end up?
Point guard is arguably the most important position in the league. George Hill is the best point guard available, ensue chaos. I really have no idea who is going to go hard after him but i'm sure there will be plenty of suitors for him after his really solid year. It will be interesting though, Hill is not a franchise point guard, will he get franchise point guard money? My guess is probably yes. If i had to guess who the biggest pursuers would be i'd say the Mavericks, who have a ton of cap and need a point guard, the Pistons who really enjoyed their time with him but needed to re-sign Millsap, and the Grizzlies to be the front runners.
Where does Nerlens Noel end up?
Noel had a pretty up and down year. Is he a center piece? Probably not. But is he someone you can consider apart of a young core moving forward? Some would say yes. I've already heard the Magic and Lakers love Noel and will be ponying up big offers for him. The interesting part, it's all silent auction so a lot of mind games will be played. Another place i think emerges as a sneaky destination is Philly. That team is rounding into shape and still has some money to spend. Obviously, don't forget about Grizz who has a soft spot for any UK player. The Noel sweepstakes should get wild in a couple weeks.
Where does Dion Waiters end up?
Pay the man! Dion's gone from being one of my least favorites to one of my favorites. He's worked on his game and the results have shown. Still at the ripe age of 25, i fully think Dion can be a franchise shooting guard on a playoff team. I see a team in the rebuilding phase cashing out for Waitors. If i had to pick front runners i'd roll with the Nets and Clippers. Both already have young cores and a lot of money to spend, acquiring Dion could actually push either of them into playoff contention. Many teams will be vying for his services, and he's earned it. The 25 year old will make a difference wherever he goes.
Who's making their move?
Alright we are now fully into our second season. The first season was a little dry i get that, but were back to the fun stuff. This FA class is pretty dry overall, but there defintely are guys that contribute. What i'm looking at is which fringe championship team solidifies their place with a couple sneaky free agent signings. Guys like Taj Gibson, JJ Reddick, Demarre Caroll, JR Smith. Do they land on teams that are pushing for a playoff appearance or title? I'm looking at teams like Philly, Milwaukee, Detroit, San Antonio, Which team is going to pick up 1/2 guys that fall from the cracks and end up helping their teams bit time down the stretch. It's gonna be fun.
New League, New Owners
This is the first free agency for a lot of new owners. Are there owners who will throw out huge numbers and learn to regret it later? Is this batch a more conservative bunch? Who knows. It'll be interesting to see the different strategies by different teams, and where certain guys will end up. Will John be back in time to be the most annoying bidder in league history? One thing is for sure, free agency will be frustrating, annoying at times, and downright infuriating. But it will be necessary and huge part of taking some franchises from mediocre to good, from good to great, and great to best. I can't wait to get this started.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8576931/8452_atlanta_hawks_alternate_2016.png)
