The NBA is an ever-changing ecosystem. Players phase in and out, affecting the game in their own unique way. Teams sign players during free agency in hopes that in whatever way those players affect the game, it renders positive results for that organization. One good year can turn into a massive payday for a player.
Whether or not that player performs adequately enough to justify their contract is never a concrete metric. Free agent deals at times carry more of a latent impact as opposed to an immediate one. It is very easy to judge the immediacy of an offseason signing, but sometimes those signings have an impact later down the line that change the trajectory of a franchise. It may sound trite or like an oversell, but during this time of year, it becomes important to trust the front office.
The 2017 NBA Free Agency, however, looks to be one of the more intriguing periods. We have a draft class loaded with talent from the top of the lottery to the late second round and a free agency period that is filled with incredible talent. There are going to be signings that shift the landscape of the league, one way or another.
An undersold aspect of free agency is, in fact, the players’ agency. We place the onus on the front office to go out and sign the best players that they can. Yet, the players’ wants are sometimes scoffed at or are a footnote in the grand scheme. If we have learned anything from the Kevin Durant saga, it’s that players may be looking to take back the 2017 NBA Free Agency as their own. This year’s class has all the incentive in the world to look for a better situation both on, and off the court.
The new CBA gives teams a greater advantage of keeping their talent in the building. However, with what the Golden State Warriors were able to achieve this season, why wouldn’t players want to do what makes them happy as people?
What makes players happy isn’t public record, and it isn’t the same for everyone. Some in the league want to chase that elusive, coveted championship. Some just want to be comfortable and happy. Right now in the league, there is a prime juxtaposition of this very thing.
Kyle Lowry is 32 years old. That is pretty much all of the information that you need. Lowry isn’t getting any younger, and the competition isn’t getting any less talented. The Toronto Raptors have reached their max peak the last couple of regular seasons with Lowry playing a major part. By opting out of his 12 million dollars for the next season, he is eligible for a new 5-year deal. But is it worth doing it all over again with Toronto?
The Raptors have vowed to make changes within the organization. Off the court, they have new front office staff. On the court, they want to play a faster brand of basketball. This is their concept and they want to run with it. However, starting center Jonas Valanciunas isn’t one known for speed. If they want to upend their normally elite (efficiency-wise) offense, Jonas is going to have to be moved. Is Lowry down for a change up?
Toronto really has no avenue to increase the chances of getting past the Cleveland Cavaliers next season. They have 21 million dollars in cap space and a 79-million-dollar bill next season for 9 contracted players. Serge Ibaka, PJ Tucker, Patrick Patterson are all also free agents.
Lowry has a couple of options at his disposal. For one, The San Antonio Spurs. Lowry made it a point to voice his hunger for a ring, and well, San Antonio has made it a point in the last couple of decades to provide those. DeMar DeRozan is a really good player, but Kawhi Leonard is a different breed of basketball player. To play alongside greatness of that level might even help rid Lowry of his postseason yips.
How about the Rockets? Once again, his partner in crime would be a slight upgrade. From the Rockets side of things, it doesn’t make much sense to add an older player to an already older roster. And the roster juggling would have to be massive. For Lowry, however, there is the hope that James Harden takes some notes from last season and changes his approach as it pertains to rest. If Harden doesn’t flame out in the postseason next year, there may be a definite trip to the Western Conference finals waiting for him. If he gets there, anything is possible. Even facing the reality of not beating the Warriors in that situation is better than a sweep in the Eastern Conference Semis.
For Paul Millsap, at the same age as Lowry, things are getting close to the end. Millsap hasn’t expressed any desire to leave the Atlanta Hawks. He doesn’t seem to have gone mad over the ever elusive championship. In fact, he is supposedly going to discuss his contract directly with management. His 18 points and 7 rebounds last year earned him an all-star spot and a playoff berth. His versatility at the power forward spot is nearly unmatched. What cannot be stressed enough is that these two players, while potentially making drastically different decisions, are doing what is best for themselves.
In Atlanta, he is recognized for his greatness as he has ingratiated himself in the community. Still, his skills are profitable and a number of contending teams would love to employ his services. The Hawks are in a purgatory of sorts. They aren’t good enough to have any real shot a finals or even conference finals and they aren’t bad enough to conceivably build through the draft. However, Taurean Prince and DeAndre’ Bembry look to be players.
Almost 3 seasons removed from their 62-win season, the Hawks have new management and no real direction. With only 8 players under contract for next season, the Hawks could be looking at either a rebuild, or a hefty bill. The Hawks have expressed interest in keeping center Dwight Howard around. Howard had a fantastic season for himself, but was less than pleased with his role. Tim Hardaway Jr. is up for a payday during the 2017 NBA Free Agency and if Atlanta is wise, they’ll be sure to pay Hardaway for his season.
A core of Paul Millsap, Dennis Schroder, and Hardaway Jr. is better than what most East teams have. It’s enough to get back to the playoffs.
Millsap wants to stay in Atlanta, and frankly, there isn’t much incentive for him to want otherwise. If you’re Atlanta, letting Millsap walk is the best case scenario. Put the team in a better position to allow the league to change whilst keeping flexibility would be the goal of the 2017 NBA Free Agency. Yet, in a league where the players want more and have more of the power, the Hawks may have no choice.
What these players ultimately decide to do is a mystery. What isn’t a mystery, however, that they made the best decision for themselves.
