Although the NBA preseason is just underway and the regular season itself is less than 2 weeks away, here at Def Pen, we can’t help but think about the future beyond the end of October. In 2016, the free agency class rocked the NBA, making headlines all around sports for the spike in salary these players we’re receiving. With the $24.4 million increase in the salary cap to $94.4 million in 2016, tons of players were taking advantage of the market and exploring their options. The dynamic of the NBA has changed just because of this.
In the West, Kevin Durant has shaken up the rankings of contenders by joining the Warriors and the Spurs strengthened their front-line by adding Pau Gasol to replace the legendary Tim Duncan. As for the East, Al Horford has made the Celtics legitimate contenders, while the Knicks and Pacers traded for point guards they needed desperately. Ultimately, the 2016 free agency frenzy was hectic, so we want to make sure we’re ready for 2017, which might just be even crazier. With the salary cap set to increase yet another time to a projected $102 million, the 2017 free agency class will want to get its money’s worth.
2017 NBA Free Agency
The Stars
Stephen Curry – UFA
We start off by stating the obvious. Stephen Curry will be a free agent next year, but leaving Golden State? It’s probably not going to happen, but that’s not going to stop him from listening to offers. It’s not likely that the Warriors will be giving away the MVP of the league anytime soon, but with the salary cap going up, teams will be looking to gauge his interest. A lot of Curry’s free agency depends on a guy we are going to mention very soon, and how the Warriors work together with their new member. Will Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry be able to share the limelight?
Kevin Durant – Player Option
Durant was the biggest name in free agency 2016, with literally every team in the league trying to get a meeting with the former MVP of the league. Now he’s with the illustrious Warriors and although he’s stated he’s going to be in Golden State for a long time, he has the option to opt out after this season. So that means if Steph Curry and the boys aren’t being nice to Durant and passing him the ball, he could be throwing himself back into the free agency frenzy, sooner than he hoped.
Blake Griffin – Early Termination Option
The Los Angeles Clippers have not been able to reach the heights they’ve expected when putting this group of players together. They have consistently made it to the playoffs, since the addition of Chris Paul, but they just haven’t been able to put themselves over the edge and with the competition in the West just getting better, the time may be closing for Blake Griffin and the Clippers. Could Griffin be setting up to join Oklahoma and Russell Westbrook? Durant’s departure leaves the window open for Griffin to consider a hometown return.
Chris Paul – Early Termination Option
The window is closing for the Los Angeles Clippers to win a ring and there’s really no telling how the 31-year old All-star will reach his ultimate goal of a championship ring. Nonetheless, if he decides to terminate his contract early, there will be teams throwing money at him, and if Chris Pauls offseason is any indication, he could be looking to his NBA brotherhood for a new team. Could Chris Paul pair up with LeBron James or Carmelo Anthony? It’s a long shot, but a man can dream.
The All-Stars
Paul Millsap- Player Option
Paul Millsap was the subject of a lot of trade rumors this summer because the Hawks wanted to clear enough room to sign Al Horford and Dwight Howard, which is bound to bother Millsap and lose his trust in management. The likelihood of him leaving this offseason is pretty high, so look for the Hawks to try and trade him over the season.
Pau Gasol – Player Option
Pau Gasol will be trying to fill some pretty big shoes at the Centre position for the San Antonio Spurs, after the retirement of legend Tim Duncan. Pau has always been a player that is open about how he feels and what teams interest him and he will make it apparent if he needs a change. He had a stellar season for the Bulls last year, and now with the Spurs, he has a chance to win as well.
Kyle Lowry – Early Termination Option
The King of the North will most likely not be departing from Toronto. Lowry signed a $12 million per year with the Raptors 2 years ago with the intentions to win championships there. With his best buddy DeRozan inked a huge contract, Lowry is probably going to just look for a pay raise from Toronto.
Derrick Rose – UFA
Unlike everyone else in this list, Derrick Rose will most likely be losing money over the summer. Either he’ll be spending his money on lawyers for his legal case or teams will be reluctant to throw money at a former MVP and All-Star who just hasn’t been the same since coming back from a range of knee and leg injuries. We’ve had glimpses of the ‘Playoff Rose’ in games, and this year with the New York Knicks, he is getting his last chance to show the NBA he still has anything left in the tank.
The Starters
Gordon Hayward – Player Option
The Jazz will have a busy summer in 2017, with both Rudy Gobert and Hayward potentially hitting the open market. Hayward has been a member of Utah since he was drafted by them in 2010, so it could be time for a change. He’s mostly likely going to opt out of his contract to get a raise, but whether it’s in Utah or somewhere else, really depends on the guy who’s next, Rudy Gobert.
Rudy Gobert – RFA
Rudy Gobert will be one of the biggest sought out players in summer 2017, literally. With his defensive ability and ability to protect the rim, he’s become one of the premier defending big men in the league. Which means teams will be willing to pay a lot of money for his talents, which ultimately means the Jazz will have to pick between matching any offer the RFA Gobert gets, or stop Hayward from running away this summer. A lot rides on this season for the young Jazz team.
Serge Ibaka – UFA
Serge Ibaka was traded to the Orlando Magic in what seemed like an extremely confusing trade for the front-court stacked Magic roster. Nevertheless, Ibaka defensive ability and his ability to stretch the floor make him a target for teams who need someone in the middle. He’s been rumored to be interested in joining the Raptors, who also have their eyes on the Congo native.
Greg Monroe – UFA
Greg Monroe has not lived up to the expectations of the Milwaukee Bucks, and they have tried to move on. Monroe has been in numerous trade rumors throughout his time with the Bucks, but nothing has ever materialized. This could be the way out.
Jeff Teague – UFA
Jeff Teague was traded to his home state of Indiana, after spending 7 years with the Atlanta Hawks, helping them reach their own records. Now he has joined an Indiana Pacers team that is looking to win now. The Pacers were arguably one of the busiest teams this offseason and adding Teague should help their offense. With that being said, Teague struggled his last year with the Hawks, he’s going to have to show the NBA and the Pacers, this is more than just a contract year for him. The team wants to re-sign him to a long-term deal, will he feel the same way come July?
Danilo Gallinari – Player Option
Since being traded to the Nuggets, Gallinari has shown his ability to be a pure scorer in the NBA. He knows how to put the ball in the basket, and his ability to play both forward positions will help his value in free agency as well. After numerous losing seasons in Denver, he will most likely opt out to get his chance to score for a winning team.
Others: Jrue Holiday – UFA, Dirk Nowitzki – Team Option, Steven Adams – RFA, Deron Williams – UFA, Michael Carter-Williams – RFA, Tyreke Evans – UFA, J.J. Reddick – UFA, Bojan Bogdanovic – RFA, Rudy Gay – Player Option, Victor Oladipo – RFA, Brandon Jennings – UFA
The Veterans
Kyle Korver – UFA
3-point shooting is something that just doesn’t age. At 35 years old, Kyle Korver is still one of the best perimeter shooters in the NBA and his value should not go unwarranted. He was a vital part in the Hawks 60 win season just 2 years ago, and he would be a good addition to any playoff team trying to strengthen their outside shooting.
Andrew Bogut – UFA
Supposedly he sets the best screens in the NBA, so why not have him? Andrew Bogut was an important part of the 2015 Championship Warriors and his defensive ability and size just makes him a good addition to any team.
Andre Iguodala – UFA
Is it really likely that Iggy leaves the Warriors? Those guys seem so close, it just seems like they want to play together forever, so it’s probably not the case. But if things end up going downhill with the addition of Kevin Durant, the 2015 Finals MVP is a player any team will want.
Shaun Livingston – UFA
Livingston has bee huge for the Warriors as their backup point guard. When Stephen Curry is tired and needs his rest, Livingston comes in and provides a spark off the bench almost every game. It’s unlikely the Warriors let him or Iguodala walk, but with Curry and Durant as possible free agents, they may have to in order to shed off some salary.
George Hill – UFA
George Hill will be looking to seize the most out of his opportunity with the Utah Jazz. He is finally in a system that will suit his playing style and with this being a contract year for him, expect a big year out of Hill, which will mean a big payout for him in the offseason.
Others: Amir Johnson – UFA, Zaza Pachulia – UFA, Vince Carter – UFA, Tony Allen – UFA, Taj Gibson – UFA, Darren Collison – UFA, Manu Ginobili – UFA, Zach Randolph – UFA, Jeff Green – UFA, David Lee – Player Option, Patrick Patterson – UFA
The Future
Nerlens Noel – RFA
The Philadelphia 76ers might be looking to deal Noel before the season comes to an end but the fact of the matter remains, he’s a coveted talent in the NBA. He’s a rim runner who blocks shots and plays really good defense when put up against just about every position. His post moves are still in the early stage of development and he is beginning to find a nice touch around the rim. A lot of his future next summer will depend on what the Sixers do with him this season. Either way, expect him to hit the free agency market and cash in big time.
Mason Plumlee – RFA
Mason Plumlee stepped up big time for the Portland Trail Blazers last year being the main man in the middle for them, even in the Playoffs. With the help of Plumlee, the Blazers led by Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum went to the 2nd round. He has become a big part of this young and exciting team, so it’s unlikely the Blazers let him go.
Dennis Schröder- RFA
The Atlanta Hawks really believe they have their point guard of the future in Dennis Schroeder. Schroeder will be taking on the starting point guard position after the Hawks traded Jeff Teague and it will be interesting to see how he develops throughout the year. With a new core of Schroeder, Howard and Bazemore, the Hawks will be looking to push the envelope, starting with Schroeder.
Nikola Mirotic – RFA
Nikola Mirotic was a wonderful surprise for the Chicago Bulls as he has developed into a good young stretch forward for them. His ability to stretch the floor, while being able to do all the little things in a game, his value will be something to see on the open market. He’s a restricted free agent, so the Bulls will try to do everything in order to keep him.
Kentavious Caldwell- Pope – RFA
The Pistons like him. Stan Van Gundy likes him and he has developed into a young and sporadic scorer for Detroit over the last couple years. His game is still developing and that’s a good thing for a guy who would already demand a high value on the open market.
