Predicted Landing Spots For Top Free Agents

There are less than 30 days until negotiations and free-agent signings begin. Beginning August 2nd, teams will be allowed to negotiate with free agents. Four days later, teams will be allowed to sign free agents. This offseason is going to be packed with multiple signings, the draft, and trades. There will be multiple trade rumors about disgruntled stars, players who want out, and unwanted players. Even before the offseason, trade rumors about Damian Lillard and Ben Simmons have circulated the internet.

In this article, we will be viewing landing spots for five free agents. There will be multiple teams attempting to sign these players this offseason. The top destinations have been selected for the players to choose, along with other teams they can go to. Let us get started!

After two unsuccessful playoff runs, Kawhi Leonard’s future with the Clippers is unclear. In his two seasons with the Clippers, Kawhi has averaged 26 points, 6.8 rebounds, and five assists. Leonard has a $36 million player option he can either accept or decline to explore the free agency market. By declining his player option, Kawhi could change the atmosphere of the free agency market.

The Dallas Mavericks and Miami Heat have been noted as the top two teams to pursue Kawhi this offseason. After losing in the second round, the Mavericks will be active this offseason to improve the team. Signing Kawhi would reduce Luka’s workload and increase the likelihood of a deeper playoff run.

The Heat will be looking to make a big signing this offseason with their available cap space. After reaching the Finals the previous season, Miami lost key role-players through free agency and the Victor Oladipo trade. The Heat would be an intriguing location for Kawhi. The culture they have built around Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo would draw many free agents.

Primary Destination: LA Clippers

Secondary Destinations: Dallas Mavericks, Miami Heat

This offseason Chris Paul intends to decline his $44 million player option to sign a long-term contract. Chris Paul has shown his value over the last two seasons, leading two teams to the fifth and second seeds in the Western Conference. Without Paul, the Thunder and Suns would either have missed the playoffs or been the 8th seed.

Chris Paul is making over $40 million this year, with the opportunity to make nearly $45 million next season. Multiple sources have reported that Chris Paul will decline the player option and explore the market. After leading the Suns to the NBA Finals, chances of Paul leaving the team are slim. He will most likely sign a 3–4 year contract worth between $100–120 million. If he does decide to leave, the Knicks would be the front-runners. Paul’s leadership and experience would benefit the team’s growth.

Primary Destination: Phoenix Suns

Secondary Destination: NY Knicks

NBA teams have shown interest in DeMar DeRozan, but it is unknown which team he prefers. In the 2021 season, Demar averaged 21.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 6.9 assists. He had career highs in assists and free throw percentage.

Born and raised in Compton, the Lakers are the front running team to sign DeMar. LA does not have the cap space to sign DeMar. Therefore a sign-and-trade would be initiated. A proposed trade would likely involve Kyle Kuzma, KCP, and possibly Dennis Schroder. Trading Kuzma would not hurt the Lakers, though trading KCP would decrease the team’s defensive intensity.

The Mavericks are a team to watch since they are interested in acquiring a star to help Luka. The Memphis Grizzlies is another team with the cap space to add the veteran star to improve their team’s experience and add veteran leadership.

Primary Destination: LA Lakers

Secondary Destinations: Dallas Mavericks, Memphis Grizzlies

After landing the fourth pick in the 2021 NBA draft, the Raptors are likely to move on from Kyle Lowry. The Raptors were actively shopping Lowry during the trade deadline but were unable to reach a deal.

A sign-and-trade with the 76ers could land Lowry in his hometown, with the Raptors receiving Ben Simmons in return. The Sixers have been shopping Ben Simmons for an all-star. Compared to Simmons, Lowry is a better facilitator with 7.3 assists last season versus Ben’s 6.9 assists. Signing Lowry would give the 76ers veteran leadership and championship experience.

The Miami Heat would not need to sign-and-trade for Lowry since they have the cap space to sign him. The Heat attempted to trade for Lowry before trading for Victor Oladipo. Lowry’s grit and determination would fit perfectly with the Heat’s culture. He can also help with the development of Tyler Herro by giving veteran advice. Signing Lowry may depend on whether or not the Heat resign Oladipo.

Primary Destination: Philadelphia 76ers

Secondary Destination: Miami Heat

Lonzo Ball’s long-term future with the Pelicans is unknown. Since being traded to the Pels, Ball has averaged 13.1 points, 6.4 assists, and 5.5 rebounds. He has proven to be a solid defender, defending the best player most of the game.

The New York Knicks are presumed the number one destination for Lonzo. Lavar Ball has expressed that he Lonzo to play in the Big Apple. The Knicks are projected to have the most cap space this offseason with the money they can sign Lonzo and have enough cap space to sign another contract over $20 million.

The Bulls and 76ers are two teams willing to sign Lonzo. A sign-and-trade for the Sixers would involve Ben Simmons. The 76ers would get a cheaper all-around, ball-handling playmaker point guard. Meanwhile, the Bulls can sign Lonzo to be their starting point guard. Lonzo can create plays and facilitate the ball to his teammates. He is a solid player to play alongside Zach Lavine and Nikola Vucevic.

Primary Destination: NY Knicks

Secondary Destinations: Chicago Bulls, Philadelphia 76ers

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