Post by shard24 on Jul 31, 2014 2:28:57 GMT
This off season could quite possibly be one of the biggest off seasons in the history of the NBA. With so many franchise changing stars available its guaranteed to be one fast and furious summer. Arguably the two greatest players in the league currently could have a new address come next season. Both Lebron James and Kevin Durant are free to test the free agency market, amongst a number of other game changing stars. We take a look at some of the top free agents in this tremendous free agent class of 2017.
SMALL FORWARDS
LEBRON JAMES
32 years old
6'7 240lbs
Career average 27.4ppg
- Arguably still the best player in the league at age 32, LeBron James still has the ability to carry a team to a title. The Knicks traded a number of young prospects for James' services. That being the case, we're confident they will go all out to try to retain James this summer.
Possible suitors: Every team in the league with cap space.
Prediction: Resigns with Knicks
KEVIN DURANT
29 years old
6'9 215lbs
Career average 23.0ppg
- Kevin Durant is one of the league's most prolific scorers. At 6'9 and with the ability to pull up from 30 he is a match up nightmare. Durant, still in his prime, has yet to truly contend for a title in Oklahoma City. The critics are starting to question rather KD has what it takes to be a champion in this league. That being the case, its highly likely this franchise cornerstone could look for greener pastures elsewhere.
Possible suitors: Every team in the league with cap space.
Prediction: KD finds a new home where he can win big
DANILO GALLINARI
29 years old
6'10 225lbs
Career average 18.4ppg
- Gallo is another nightmare match up. Standing at 6'10 tall, he has the ability to score from anywhere on the floor. He's spent his entire career in the desert and he may be looking for a change. Unlike Kevin Durant, Gallo has experienced some playoff success. There is some talent on the Suns and that may be enough to keep Gallo in Phoenix.
Possible suitors: Suns, Hawks, Raptors, Kings, Nuggets
Prediction: Resigns with the Suns
Other notable free agents: Jabari Parker, Ben McLemore
POINT GUARDS[/u]
DERRICK ROSE
28 years old
6'4 194lbs
Career average 18.6ppg
- One of the most electrifying point guards in the league, Derrick Rose is absolutely a game changer and a franchise cornerstone. Smack dead in his prime, D-Rose is primed to win. One of the most loyal guys in the league, its hard to see him leaving the T'wolves behind. Especially with the T'wolves GM displaying he's willing to go all in to bring in the talent to help him win. The Dwight Howard trade is evidence of that.
Possible suitors: Any team in the league with cap and in need of a point guard
Prediction: Resigns with Twolves
STEPHEN CURRY
28 years old
6'3 185lbs
Career average 18.7ppg
- Arguably the best pure shooter in the league, Stephen Curry will be coveted this off season. The one time NBA champion is the undisputed leader of the defending champion 76ers. The Sixers are poised to remain a contender in the Eastern conference. Their GM continues to give Curry what he needs to be successful. Even though he will have numerous suitors this summer, it's highly likely Curry remains in the city of brotherly love.
Possible suitors: Sixers, Raptors, Bulls, Nuggets, Spurs, Trailblazers, Kings
Prediction: Resigns with Sixers
RUSSELL WESTBROOK
27 Years old
6'3 187lbs
Career Average 19.8ppg
- Arguably the most athletic and electrifying point guard this league has ever seen, Russell Westbrook could change the fortunes for a number of teams. This fiery competitor is smack dead in his prime and hungry to win. In Memphis he has a veteran big man LMA and veteran wing man De'sean Butler a ton of young talent in Drummond, MKG and Exum. The Grizz look primed to win and Russ may not find a more talented team than the one he's currently on.
Possible suitors: Grizz, Raptors, Bulls, Nuggets, Spurs, Trailblazers, Kings
Prediction: Resigns with Grizz
Other notable free agents: Trey Burke, Michael Carter-Williams
CENTERS[/U]
GREG ODEN
29 years old
7'1 265lbs
Career Average 15.5ppg
- Still in his prime, Greg Oden is one of the best big men in the league. His ability to patrol the paint defensive, dominate the boards and score makes him one of the best free agents in the entire class. Oden has experienced championship success and wants to do it again. Can he do it with the Raptors?
Possible Suitors: Every team in the league with cap space
Prediction: Oden takes his talents elsewhere
TYSON CHANDLER
34 years old
7'1 235lbs
Career Average 15.7ppg
- Old reliable, Tyson Chandler is still putting up phenomenal numbers at the age of 34. Still one of the best all around centers in the league, Chandler can be the piece to put a title contending team over the top. At his age, a championship is all he has left to play for. We anticipate both Tyson and the Rockets looking to go their separate ways after an amazing run together.
Possible suitors: Hornets, Magic, Cavs, Pacers, Knicks, Wizards
Prediction: Chandler leaves for a chance to win a ring
BROOK LOPEZ
29 years old
7'0 260lbs
Career Average 20.4
- One of the most offensively gifted centers in the league, you can count on Lopez to give you 20+ every single night. He and Steph Curry have combined to make one of the best PG/C duo's in the league. As evidenced by the championship they won just last season. Like Steph Curry, there really is no reason for Lopez to look elsewhere. They are primed to be contenders for years to come.
Possible suitors: Sixers, Kings, Nuggets, Magic, Knicks, Wizards
Prediction: Resigns with Sixers
Other notable free agents: Anthony Randolph, Marc Gasol
POWER FORWARDS
KEVIN LOVE
27 years old
6'10 260lbs
Career Average 19.2ppg
- Arguably the best PF in the league, Kevin Love has been the missing piece for the Clippers to make them title contenders. This double/double machine has meshed perfectly with CP3 in Tinsel Town. His ability to score from anywhere on the court and his ability to gobble up rebounds will make him the top free agent target for every team in the league with cap space this summer.
Possible suitors: Every team in the league with cap space.
Prediction: K-Love will not leave CP3 and Embiid
CHRIS BOSH
30 years old
6'10 235lbs
Career Average 21ppg
- Bosh is one of the most versatile and talented PF's in the league. Just like Kevin Durant he's been languishing in OKC the past 5 seasons. Bosh could be the missing piece for a team on the brink of winning it all. Unless the Thunder throw major, major $$$ at Bosh he will most likely leave for a better chance to win.
Possible suitors: Thunder, Magic,Bucks, Raptors, Jazz, Spurs
Prediction: Signs elsewhere
SERGE IBAKA
28 years old
6'10 220lbs
Career Average 10.6ppg
- Ibaka's value comes at the defensive end of the court. One of the best shot blockers in the league will be highly sought after this summer. At the age of 28, Ibaka is still in his prime and will command top dollar from a team looking to bring in one of the best rim protectors in the league.
Possible Suitors: Bucks, Magic, Spurs, Raptors, Jazz, Spurs, Lakers
Prediction: Signs elsewhere
