2020 Nba Free Agents
10.09.2019 admin
2020 should be an exciting year to be an NBA fan. The drafts projects to be deep, the salary cap could go up, and most importantly the free agents are electrifying.
The 2020 class is stuffed with absolute superstars. With players like Kawhi Leonard and Jimmy Butler set to be available, bidding wars should be unlike anything we’ve ever seen before. Although by the time 2020 comes around, fringe contenders and true contenders for the matter need to be prepared. The players available are Franchise changing assets that can almost single handedly take a team that’s battling to even get in (playoffs) to comfortably sitting in a playoff spot. Or could be the final piece that contenders need to win a championship. So today I’ll be breaking down the 2020 free agent class or more specifically; who the top 10(5) free agents are, and the teams that they could go to. Before I start please note that the players on this list are not ranked based on their current skill level, they are rather ranked on where they will in two years time. Also, only UFAs are on this list. Enjoy!
Kawhi Leonard
2020: anthony davis will be in free agency. Paul informed the Pelicans in January that Davis wanted out and had no intention of signing a long-term contract extension with the team. Who are the free agents this year and next year? We have the lists. NBA free agents: Team-by-team lists for 2019 and 2020. 2020 free agents. Jaylen Brown. How can the answer be improved?
Arguable the best 2-way player in the league, and a sure top 10 player, Kawhi Leonard is set to be the top unrestricted free agent come 2020. In the short amount of time that he was able to play this season due to a tendinopathy in his right quadricep, Kawhi has managed to put up a very respectable 16.3 PPG 4.7 REB and 2.3 AST in 9 games. These numbers may not jump off the page but a year prior Kawhi averaged 25.5 PPG, 5.8 REB, and 1.8 STL per game. This led to him being named a member of the All-NBA first team. Kawhi could help turn any team into a dynasty and when you add in the fact that he’s a great team player, he could be a great fit into really any situation. Kawhi will only be 28 at the time of the 2020 offseason and will be in the middle of his prime. I project him to average 24.3 PPG 6.6 REB 1.2 AST and 2.1 STL that season. Now the question becomes where will he sign?
His Potential Destination
Although many teams are gonna go hard after Kawhi, the the team that will push the hardest will be the Houston Rockets. Come 2020, the Rockets won’t have a starting caliber SF as Trever Arzia will either be retired, bad, or no longer with the team. So the Rockets will need some one to take over the starting SF position. Most importantly their cap situation would fit right in with Kawhi’s wants and needs. This offseason Chris Paul will be sighed for a 4 year deal where he will be payed around 19-21M. (term over money)
Right now he’s being payed 24M so they’ll save 4 Million there. Clint Caplea should get just over Eric Gordon money. But that’s not where they’ll free up the big bucks. With Ryan Anderson (19M annually) and Eric Gordon (12M annually) coming off the books, and a few minor deals the Rockets will have around 35-39M dollars in cap space to sign Kawhi. That should be just enough and he would definitely take a discount to come and play in Screwston. Imagine a big 4 of Clint Calepa, Chris Paul, James Harden, and Kawhi Leonard! That would be a virtually unbeatable team.
Overview
2018 age-26
2020 age-28
2017 18 stats- 16.3 PPG, 4.7 REB, 2.3 AST
2019 20 projected stats- 24.3 PPG, 6.6 REB 1.2
Expected Destination- Houston Rockets
2016 17 Tag- Superstar player
2019 20 Tag- Superstar Player
Kyrie Irving
Kyrie Irving is a true franchise point guard with some of the best handles that the league has ever seen! Looking back it was less then a year again when Kyrie was traded for Isiah Thomas. This was the best thing that could of ever happened to Kyrie at that stage of his career. He’s excelled in Boston and proved that he doesn’t need Lebron to succeed. He’s solidified him self as a true superstar. With the Celtics this season Kyrie has averaged 24.7 PPG, 5.1. AST and 3.7 REB per game. When you think about the fact that he’s doing this with out any other true offensive star the stats become even more impressive. Right now Kyrie’s only 25 and has still arguably not entered his prime and he’s only gonna get better. By 2020 Kyrie will only be 27 and I project him to average 26.4 PPG, 5.6 AST, and 2.6 REB per game. These stats are absurd MVP numbers and he would make any team very, very happy.
2019 2020 Nba Free Agents List
His Potential Destination
Detroit Pistons- I would say that Kyrie would stay in Boston but with future young stars like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown set for contracts extensions, the Celtics won’t have enough money for all 3. I honestly think that the Celtics would take Tatum and Brown over Kyrie, especially 2 years down the line. That’s where the Pistons come in. Come the 2020 offseason, the Reggie Jackson contract will finally come off the books (19M annually) plus Jon Leuer and Langston Galloway will also be up (a combined 16M annually) so Detroit will have around 35-42M in cap space. That should be more then enough to sign Kyrie and would give them a championship caliber big three. Imagine Andre Drummond, Blake Griffin, and Kyrie Irving all on the court at once. That would give other teams nightmares. One more thing. I know it may seem far fetched that Kyrie will leave the Celtics, so I want to clear it up. I think that there is a very high chance that the Celtics find a way to keep all 3 players and Kyrie will stay. He would only go to the Pistons if the Celtics couldn’t. So I reiterate, Kyrie is only going to the Pistons if the Celtics can’t keep him. There is a very high chance that the Celtics mange to keep all 3 of their players. I just wrote about him going to the Pistons so the blog would have more variety.
Overview
2017 18 Age-25
2019 20 Age-27
2017 18 stats-24.7 PPG, 5.1. AST, 3.7 REB
2019 20 projected stats-26.4 PPG, 5.6 AST 2.6
2016 17 Tag- Superstar Player
2019 20 Tag- Superstar Player
Jimmy Butler
The thing that really makes Jimmy Butler a star is how good he is with and without the ball. It’s almost like he’s always a step ahead of everyone else. Always anticipating. His stats prove this as he’s averaging 22.2 PPG, 5.4 REB and 5.0 AST per game. All while needing sharing the ball with other stars like KAT and Andrew Wiggins. Jimmys 28 and in the middle of his prime. He’s a 5x all star and a 4x all NBA player. The mans a living demon. Jimmy can also enter almost any situation and succeed, like he’s done in Minnesota this season. So by 2020 I project him to average 21.8 PPG, 5.6 AST and 5.2 REB per game. Although his stats may be a little diluted due to a surgery that repaired a right meniscus injury. Some say that this will slow him down, but as Kelly Clarkson once famously sang “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” I personally think that he will only get better.
Potential Destination
Minnesota Timberwolves- Jimmy Butler may be one of loyalist players in the NBA. He stayed in Chicago and played in a crappy a situation. He even took a pay cut. So what makes you think that he wouldn’t do the same to stay with the Timberwolves. Him staying also works with their current cap situation. Come 2020 the Timberwolves will no longer need to pay Jeff Teague (19M annually) and Taj Gibson (14M annually) this will free up 33M and with the addition of minor contracts the T-Wolves will have around 37-41M in available cap space. This should be more than enough to keep Jimmy Butler and maintain their elite big three.
Overview
l2016 17 Age-28
2019 20 Age-30
2016 17 Stats-22.2 PPG,5.0 AST, 5.4 REB
2019 20 Projected Stats- 21.8 PPG, 5.6 AST, 5.2
2016 17 Tag- Superstar Player
2019 20 Tag- Superstar Player
Khris Middleton
Khris Middleton is finally having the breakout season that we all knew he could. He’s showing the entire NBA, the talent that Pistons saw when they drafted him early in the second round. Khris is an elite SG-SF combo with a great shot, responsible defensive values and most importantly a high degree of sportsmanship. A quality that’s generally overlooked. Khris has just entered his prime and at the tender age of 26 has the potential to become a Superstar. In his breakout season (2017-18) Khris has averaged 20.0 PPG, 5.3 REB, and 4.1 AST. By 2020 I can see him averaging near 22.1 PPG, 5.1 REB, and 6.6 AST (as Giannis gets better he will put up more points which would lead to more AST for Khris) these are elite numbers and would solidify Khris as one of the greatest draft steals of the 2000’s.
Potential Destination
Milwaukee Bucks- Do you think there’s even a chance that Khris is gonna leave Giannis and the Bucks. By 2020 Giannis will be the best player on the planet and Khris could be the Ying to Ginnas Yang. The Dwayne Wade to Lebron James. The Scottie Pippen to Michael Jordan and if Khris can have even half the career of Dwayne Wade or Scottie Pippen then Bucks will be in good shape. Come 2020 the Bucks should have around 20-27M in available cap space to re sign Khris. If Bledsoe resigns (I expect he will; 21M over 5 years) then the Bucks will maintain their then deadly big 3 of Eric Bledsoe, Khris Middleton, and Ginnias, I’m not even gonna try your last name.
Overview
2016 17 Age-26
2019 20 Age-28
2016 17 Stats-20.0 PPG, 5.3 REB, 4.1 AST
2019 20 Projected Stats-22.1 PPG, 5.1 REB 6.6
2016 17 Tag-Star Player
2019 20 Tag- Fringe Superstar
Draymond Green
Draymond Green, has arguably been the best defensive player in the league for the last 3 years, but last season he finally solidified himself as the best. Last season was the best of Draymond’s career, firstly he won a championship with the Warriors, secondly he was a member of the NBA’s all defensive team #1, and finally he won the DPOTY. All incredible accomplishments, and enough to solidify your season as one of the best of a defensive player ever. When you add this all up you find a defensive stalwart averaging 11.4 PPG, 7.8 REB, and 7.4 AST per game. He’s almost averaging a freakin triple double. Although his incredible stats are being over shadowed by the Warriors other 3 Superstars and he is being underrated. By 2020 Draymond will be 30 and I project him to average 10.9PPG, 7.6 REB, 7.2 AST. I don’t project him to really decline until he’s around 34-35 so that should be around 4-5 years of effective play from Draymond.
Potential Destination
The Golden Warriors- The Warriors are arguably the deepest team in the entire NBA, and one of the few teams that could truly compete for a championship this season. Draymond is one of the biggest parts of their team and a member of their elite big 4. So I don’t think there’s a chance that he leaves them. I expect the Warriors to offer Draymond a contract that would pay him between 17-25M a year. Draymond is selfless and would be taking a major pay cut to stay in the bay. He would definitely take rings and championships over money.
Overview
2017 18 Age-28
2019 20 Age-30
2017 18 Stats-11.4 PPG, 7.8 REB, 7.4 AST
2019-20 Projected Stats-10.4 PPG, 7.6 REB, 7.2 AST
2017 18 Tag-Fringe Superstar
2019 20 Tag-Fringe Superstar
Notables
6)Kevin Love
Kevin Love remains one of the best PF in the game but by 2020 he’ll be 31 and in the “beginning of the end” stage of his career.
7)Hassan Whiteside
Hassan Whiteside will remain one of the top centres in the game. But come 2020 he will be older and his numbers will be worse.
8)Harrison Barnes
Harrison Barnes will be in the middle of his prime and by then be a sure all star who puts 18-19.5 PPG.
9)Jonas Valanciunas
JV will be at the top of his game but will still be behind the other players on this list. By then I expect him to be at least a top 15 C in the league if not already.
10)Serge Ibaka
Serge is currently one of the best defensive players in the league and come 2020 I would expect him to keep this title. Defensive minded players can stay better for longer
Well that’s it, the top 10 (or 5) Free Agents entering the 2020 class. If you enjoyed or want to see more blogs breaking down future free agents classes please leave a like, give me a follow and comment on what class you would like to see broken down next. Also feel free to comment on how you, would rank the free agents. Finally I would like to thank bb04 who helped me come up with the idea to analyze the 2020 class in particular. Thanks for reading!
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - FEBRUARY 25: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans stands on the court with Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the first half at the Smoothie King Center on February 25, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
GettyConsidering the talented crop of top-tier free agents up for grabs this offseason, there is plenty of pressure on teams with cap space to make a splash. However, what if a team fails to reel in a big fish this summer? Should they look to overpay to improve their roster immediately, or might it make sense to carry the majority of that cash into next year?
To help answer that question, let’s put on our binoculars and look all the way ahead to July of 2020. Obviously much can change between now and then; specifically, it’s difficult to predict which players with opt-out clauses might choose to test the free agent waters this offseason or next.
Listed below is a preliminary ranking of the top 15 players that, as of now, have the opportunity to become free agents following the 2019-20 season. (We won’t include players such as Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard and Kyrie Irving, who have players options for next season but have already indicated their plans and are fully expected to enter free agency this summer.)
1. Anthony Davis - Player Option - New Orleans Pelicans:
Davis’ future remains as cloudy as ever. He informed the Pelicans earlier this year that he would not sign the super-max offer they plan to put in front of him this summer. With the ability to opt out of his current contract next June, it remains to be seen which team is willing to offer the best trade package to the Pels. In addition, there have been rumors that David Griffin, who just was hired as president of basketball operations, plans to try to convince AD to rescind his trade demand and sign an extension with New Orleans. Stay tuned.
2. Draymond Green - Unrestricted - Golden State Warriors:
There is no denying Green’s value to the franchise, but whether or not the Warriors pony up max money to keep Draymond in Golden State may depend on what happens with Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson this summer. If both KD and Klay sign max contracts with the Warriors in 2019, their luxury tax bill would be exorbitant even before attempting to re-sign Green.
3. Andre Drummond - Player Option - Detroit Pistons:
In 2017-18, Drummond became the first NBA player to record 1,000-plus points, 1,000-plus rebounds, 200-plus assists, 100-plus steals and 100-plus blocks in a season since Kevin Garnett in 2004-05. This past season, he averaged a career-high 17.3 points and a league-leading 15.5 rebounds to go along with 1.7 steals and 1.8 blocks. According to Basketball-Reference, Drummond is the first player in NBA history to average at least 15 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 1.5 blocks over the course of a full season. As I discussed previously, depending on whether or not he is named to an All-NBA team, he may be eligible for a super-max extension this summer.
4. DeMar DeRozan - Player Option - San Antonio Spurs:
DeRozan is extremely unique in that he’s a shooting guard in 2019 that does not shoot 3-pointers. Nonetheless, he remains extremely effective and efficient. This past season he became the first player in Spurs history to average at least 20 points, five assists and five rebounds per game. He has a $27.7 million option for 2020-21.
5. Kristaps Porzingis - Unrestricted - Dallas Mavericks:
Despite the fact that Porzingis has intimated he will seriously consider signing a one-year qualifying offer this offseason, doing so would require him leaving over $150 million in guaranteed money on the table, which seems incredibly unlikely. Is it possible that the Mavs will offer him less than the max? If he does shockingly decide to ink the QO, he would become an unrestricted free agent in 2020.
DALLAS, TX - APRIL 09: Kristaps Porzingis of Dallas Mavericks warms up prior the game between Phoenix Suns and Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on April 9, 2019 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images)
Getty6. Al Horford - Player Option - Boston Celtics:
Horford has a tough decision to make this summer. He turns 33 years old in June and has a player option worth $30.1 million for the 2019-20 campaign. He won’t come close to $30 million in annual salary under a new contract, but he would be able to tack on a few more years of guaranteed money. He’s still playing at a high level, so it will be interesting to see which way he goes.
7. Mike Conley - Player Option - Memphis Grizzlies:
Conley’s player option for the 2020-21 season is worth $34.5 million. Opting out would require him having to accept a dramatic pay cut, but I suppose it’s possible Conley (who would be 33 years old at that point) might want to lock in one last long-term deal. Still, the smart money says he opts in and happily collects his $34 million. The Grizzlies may look to trade him this summer.
8. Gordon Hayward - Player Option - Boston Celtics:
Hayward struggled mightily for most of the regular season, as he shook off the rust and worked his way back from a traumatic leg injury. However, he played his best basketball of the year over the final month of the regular season, as he averaged 16.4 points, 6.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists, while shooting 58.5% from the floor and 87.9% from the free-throw line. He has a player option worth $34.2 million for the 2020-21 campaign.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - APRIL 05: Gordon Hayward #20 of the Boston Celtics talks with teammate Kyrie Irving #11 during a game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on April 5, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Celtics won 117-97. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
Getty9. Danilo Gallinari - Unrestricted - Los Angeles Clippers:
Not only did Gallinari stay relatively healthy (starting 68 games), he also posted career-high numbers across the board in 2018-19. He ranked fifth in the NBA in 3-point percentage (43.3%) and was the only player in the league to average at least 19 points and six rebounds, while shooting over 43% from 3PT-range. In addition, according to Synergy Sports, Gallo averaged a league-leading 1.17 points per possession.
10. Marc Gasol - Player Option - Toronto Raptors:
After spending the entirety of NBA career in Memphis, Gasol was shipped to Toronto at the deadline. At 34 years of age, he is in a similar predicament to Al Horford. Gasol’s player option for 2019-20 is worth $25.6 million, and although there would be plenty of interested suitors should he opt out, he would have to settle for a reduced annual salary.
11. Kyle Lowry - Unrestricted - Toronto Raptors:
Lowry’s frustrating struggles in the playoffs have continued this month, but he’s been remarkably solid and consistent for the Raptors in the regular season. Lowry has been named to the Eastern Conference All-Star team in each of the last five seasons. In 2018-19, he averaged a career-high 8.7 assists, which ranked second in the league behind only Russell Westbrook. However, he will be 34 when he becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2020.
12. Otto Porter - Player Option - Chicago Bulls:
It’s unlikely Porter opts out of the final year of his current contract, as he is set to earn $28.5 million in 2020-21. Yet, if he has a terrific year for the Bulls, it’s possible he may look to secure a new long-term deal.
13. Montrezl Harrell - Unrestricted - Los Angeles Clippers:
Harrell enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2018-19, and is a legitimate candidate for the NBA’s Most Improved Player Award. After scoring 20-plus points nine times over his first three pro seasons, he scored at least 20 points in 29 games this year. Harrell ranked fifth in the NBA, shooting 61.5% from the field. For his career, he averages over 21 points and nine rebounds per-36 minutes. The Clippers have him locked in at a remarkable discount (just $6 million) for 2019-20, but he’ll cash in the following offseason.
14. Serge Ibaka - Unrestricted - Toronto Raptors:
It looked like Ibaka might be slowing down a bit last year, but he bounced back with a very impressive campaign in 2018-19. In fact, he was one of only seven players in the NBA to average at least 15 points, eight rebounds, one block and 0.5 3-pointers per game. The other six were Giannis Antetokounmpo, Karl-Anthony Towns, Joel Embiid, Anthony Davis, DeMarcus Cousins and Nikola Vucevic.
15. Paul Millsap - Team Option - Denver Nuggets:
Unlike others with an option on this list, it’s the team that will decide on Millsap’s future this summer, as the Nuggets hold a $30.5 million option for the 2019-20 campaign. Although Millsap averaged fewer than 13 points per game for the first time since his sophomore season back in 2007, his all-around game still allows him to contribute in a variety of ways. Nonetheless, Denver may view a $30+ million price tag as not commensurate with his current value.
It is also important to note that there are a number of players from the 2016 Draft that will become restricted free agents in 2020, if they don’t agree to extensions first.
Potential Restricted Free Agents:
Ben Simmons, Brandon Ingram, Jaylen Brown, Buddy Hield, Pascal Siakam, Jamal Murray, Dejounte Murray, Kris Dunn, Caris LeVert, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Dario Saric, Domantas Sabonis, Malik Beasley, Taurean Prince.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 15: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts against the Brooklyn Nets in Game Two of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at the Wells Fargo Center on April 15, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Getty
'>NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - FEBRUARY 25: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans stands on the court with Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the first half at the Smoothie King Center on February 25, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
GettyConsidering the talented crop of top-tier free agents up for grabs this offseason, there is plenty of pressure on teams with cap space to make a splash. However, what if a team fails to reel in a big fish this summer? Should they look to overpay to improve their roster immediately, or might it make sense to carry the majority of that cash into next year?
To help answer that question, let’s put on our binoculars and look all the way ahead to July of 2020. Obviously much can change between now and then; specifically, it’s difficult to predict which players with opt-out clauses might choose to test the free agent waters this offseason or next.
Listed below is a preliminary ranking of the top 15 players that, as of now, have the opportunity to become free agents following the 2019-20 season. (We won’t include players such as Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard and Kyrie Irving, who have players options for next season but have already indicated their plans and are fully expected to enter free agency this summer.)
1. Anthony Davis - Player Option - New Orleans Pelicans:
Davis’ future remains as cloudy as ever. He informed the Pelicans earlier this year that he would not sign the super-max offer they plan to put in front of him this summer. With the ability to opt out of his current contract next June, it remains to be seen which team is willing to offer the best trade package to the Pels. In addition, there have been rumors that David Griffin, who just was hired as president of basketball operations, plans to try to convince AD to rescind his trade demand and sign an extension with New Orleans. Stay tuned.
2. Draymond Green - Unrestricted - Golden State Warriors:
There is no denying Green’s value to the franchise, but whether or not the Warriors pony up max money to keep Draymond in Golden State may depend on what happens with Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson this summer. If both KD and Klay sign max contracts with the Warriors in 2019, their luxury tax bill would be exorbitant even before attempting to re-sign Green.
3. Andre Drummond - Player Option - Detroit Pistons:
In 2017-18, Drummond became the first NBA player to record 1,000-plus points, 1,000-plus rebounds, 200-plus assists, 100-plus steals and 100-plus blocks in a season since Kevin Garnett in 2004-05. This past season, he averaged a career-high 17.3 points and a league-leading 15.5 rebounds to go along with 1.7 steals and 1.8 blocks. According to Basketball-Reference, Drummond is the first player in NBA history to average at least 15 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 1.5 blocks over the course of a full season. As I discussed previously, depending on whether or not he is named to an All-NBA team, he may be eligible for a super-max extension this summer.
4. DeMar DeRozan - Player Option - San Antonio Spurs:
DeRozan is extremely unique in that he’s a shooting guard in 2019 that does not shoot 3-pointers. Nonetheless, he remains extremely effective and efficient. This past season he became the first player in Spurs history to average at least 20 points, five assists and five rebounds per game. He has a $27.7 million option for 2020-21.
5. Kristaps Porzingis - Unrestricted - Dallas Mavericks:
Despite the fact that Porzingis has intimated he will seriously consider signing a one-year qualifying offer this offseason, doing so would require him leaving over $150 million in guaranteed money on the table, which seems incredibly unlikely. Is it possible that the Mavs will offer him less than the max? If he does shockingly decide to ink the QO, he would become an unrestricted free agent in 2020.
Application fees waived. See how your credits will transfer. 
DALLAS, TX - APRIL 09: Kristaps Porzingis of Dallas Mavericks warms up prior the game between Phoenix Suns and Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on April 9, 2019 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images)
Getty6. Al Horford - Player Option - Boston Celtics:
Horford has a tough decision to make this summer. He turns 33 years old in June and has a player option worth $30.1 million for the 2019-20 campaign. He won’t come close to $30 million in annual salary under a new contract, but he would be able to tack on a few more years of guaranteed money. He’s still playing at a high level, so it will be interesting to see which way he goes.
7. Mike Conley - Player Option - Memphis Grizzlies:
Conley’s player option for the 2020-21 season is worth $34.5 million. Opting out would require him having to accept a dramatic pay cut, but I suppose it’s possible Conley (who would be 33 years old at that point) might want to lock in one last long-term deal. Still, the smart money says he opts in and happily collects his $34 million. The Grizzlies may look to trade him this summer.
8. Gordon Hayward - Player Option - Boston Celtics:
Hayward struggled mightily for most of the regular season, as he shook off the rust and worked his way back from a traumatic leg injury. However, he played his best basketball of the year over the final month of the regular season, as he averaged 16.4 points, 6.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists, while shooting 58.5% from the floor and 87.9% from the free-throw line. He has a player option worth $34.2 million for the 2020-21 campaign.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - APRIL 05: Gordon Hayward #20 of the Boston Celtics talks with teammate Kyrie Irving #11 during a game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on April 5, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Celtics won 117-97. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
Getty9. Danilo Gallinari - Unrestricted - Los Angeles Clippers:
Not only did Gallinari stay relatively healthy (starting 68 games), he also posted career-high numbers across the board in 2018-19. He ranked fifth in the NBA in 3-point percentage (43.3%) and was the only player in the league to average at least 19 points and six rebounds, while shooting over 43% from 3PT-range. In addition, according to Synergy Sports, Gallo averaged a league-leading 1.17 points per possession.
10. Marc Gasol - Player Option - Toronto Raptors:
After spending the entirety of NBA career in Memphis, Gasol was shipped to Toronto at the deadline. At 34 years of age, he is in a similar predicament to Al Horford. Gasol’s player option for 2019-20 is worth $25.6 million, and although there would be plenty of interested suitors should he opt out, he would have to settle for a reduced annual salary.
11. Kyle Lowry - Unrestricted - Toronto Raptors:
Lowry’s frustrating struggles in the playoffs have continued this month, but he’s been remarkably solid and consistent for the Raptors in the regular season. Lowry has been named to the Eastern Conference All-Star team in each of the last five seasons. In 2018-19, he averaged a career-high 8.7 assists, which ranked second in the league behind only Russell Westbrook. However, he will be 34 when he becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2020.
12. Otto Porter - Player Option - Chicago Bulls:
It’s unlikely Porter opts out of the final year of his current contract, as he is set to earn $28.5 million in 2020-21. Yet, if he has a terrific year for the Bulls, it’s possible he may look to secure a new long-term deal.
13. Montrezl Harrell - Unrestricted - Los Angeles Clippers:
Harrell enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2018-19, and is a legitimate candidate for the NBA’s Most Improved Player Award. After scoring 20-plus points nine times over his first three pro seasons, he scored at least 20 points in 29 games this year. Harrell ranked fifth in the NBA, shooting 61.5% from the field. For his career, he averages over 21 points and nine rebounds per-36 minutes. The Clippers have him locked in at a remarkable discount (just $6 million) for 2019-20, but he’ll cash in the following offseason.
14. Serge Ibaka - Unrestricted - Toronto Raptors:
It looked like Ibaka might be slowing down a bit last year, but he bounced back with a very impressive campaign in 2018-19. In fact, he was one of only seven players in the NBA to average at least 15 points, eight rebounds, one block and 0.5 3-pointers per game. The other six were Giannis Antetokounmpo, Karl-Anthony Towns, Joel Embiid, Anthony Davis, DeMarcus Cousins and Nikola Vucevic.
15. Paul Millsap - Team Option - Denver Nuggets:
Unlike others with an option on this list, it’s the team that will decide on Millsap’s future this summer, as the Nuggets hold a $30.5 million option for the 2019-20 campaign. Although Millsap averaged fewer than 13 points per game for the first time since his sophomore season back in 2007, his all-around game still allows him to contribute in a variety of ways. Nonetheless, Denver may view a $30+ million price tag as not commensurate with his current value.
It is also important to note that there are a number of players from the 2016 Draft that will become restricted free agents in 2020, if they don’t agree to extensions first.
Potential Restricted Free Agents:
Ben Simmons, Brandon Ingram, Jaylen Brown, Buddy Hield, Pascal Siakam, Jamal Murray, Dejounte Murray, Kris Dunn, Caris LeVert, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Dario Saric, Domantas Sabonis, Malik Beasley, Taurean Prince.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 15: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts against the Brooklyn Nets in Game Two of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at the Wells Fargo Center on April 15, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
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