Moves I want to see happen! Unrestricted free agent overview.
Hi welcome back everybody! Like most of you know I posted about the regular season of the NBA weekly as well as I did while the play-offs were on. During the past season I posted over 30 times about my take on the best performers weekly. I really enjoyed doing it and will be back for sure next year!
A few days ago I watched the Championship parade in Auckland and realized we all have to wait until the last week of October again to watch some regular season action. Luckily we are in for a great off-season if you ask me, I expect many great moves and the Warriors will be looking closely on who wants to dethrone them.
Today I past about the moves I want to see happen this off-season, but first I will explain the terminology briefly so we understand the different types of free agents.
Unrestricted free agent
Is free to sign with any team although some have options or restrictions in their contract that may impact their choices.
Restricted free agent
Can sign an offer of every team, but the players original team can retain the player by matching the offer.
Player option
Grant the player the power to decide whether to stay for another year or become an unrestricted free agent.
(Lebron James)
So let’s have a small rundown on whatever I want to see happen!
Kevin Durant
Let’s start with the NBA finals MVP! I really don’t expect much to be honest, Durant made a impactful decision two years ago and it paid off. I believe many players would love to play with the best players and that is just what Durant is doing! Many role players are unrestricted free agents as well; Nick Young, David West, Zaza Pachulia, JaVale McGee, Kevon Looney and Patrick McCaw. So there will be many changes to the Warriors roster. I just expect some other players to really want to play for the Warriors, experienced players that also want a ring such as; Arron Afflalo, Salah Mejiri to maybe sign with the Warriors.
Lebron James
He holds the keys to the NBA landscape! What will he decide? If we only knew, many teams are waiting mostly to make moves after the decision of the King. One thing I would like to see happen in him staying in Cleveland, I don’t like players that change teams much. Therefore I love John Stockton and Karl Malone so much. Do I think he will stay in Cleveland? Don’t think so unfortunately. Especially after he needed to do everything himself these play-offs.
The other question would be, is he staying in the East or does he dare to the West? Therefore I believe there are two options.
The Philadelphia 76ers and Los Angeles Lakers. The Sixers have talent and Lebron his best student in Simmons. The Lakers have to spotlight and maybe Kawhi Leonard. If you really want me to pick his destination I think he will join the Lakers.
Kawhi Leonard
There is never ever trouble in paradise, but it seem like this time there is something that did not stay intern at the Spurs, even a meeting with the coach could not change Leonard mindset. He wants out!
So whats next for him? Unlike all other players mentioned in this post Kawhi will need to get traded, so it will be more complicated for him to end up where ever he wants.
I believe the Lakers will make a strong push, they have the salary space for it and as mentioned I would love to see Lebron and Kawhi team up. I am not sure if the Lakers have what the Spurs want. The other option could be the Boston Celtics, they have talent, picks and great players to trade.
Chris Paul
What if Paul did not get injured? The Rockets had a big change on being in the Finals. Before the season started I was eager to see how a team with two ball dominant players would operate, but by now I believe Harden and Paul can play together. I think Paul in convinced as well and therefore I believe he will resign with the Rockets and try again next year.
DeMarcus Cousins
Before Cousins went down with a Achilles tear he averaged 25.2 points, 12.9 rebounds and 5.4 assists! So every team would want that! But where do I think he will go? I see him staying in New Orleans because they were on a great run before he injured himself. Other options are Dallas and the Spurs. I think the Spurs is a great option especially when the trade Leonard.
So as you see the season might be over but the NBA never sleeps and is still exciting without games are played. Many moves depend on the first big star to change teams so for now it will be slow for a few more weeks but from July 1 onwards we can expect great moves!
What will be your dream move? Let me know, and thanks for stopping by Steamian friends.
Will be back soon with part two and discus other players.
