The top 50 NBA free agents

At the start of 2019, two-time NBA Finals MVP Kevin Durant was months away from becoming a historic free agency get and a potential savior for a struggling franchise such as the New York Knicks or Brooklyn Nets. Days ahead of July 1, he's now a 30-year-old recovering from a ruptured Achilles who likely won't play a second of meaningful basketball during the 2019-20 season. Bleacher Report's Howard Beck wrote why he believed KD will never be the same. Will a franchise nevertheless take a chance and hand him a max contract? Will Durant bet on himself, remain with the Golden State Warriors for one more year and then attempt to get paid next summer? Have we really seen the last of Durant's prime? Such questions make his future the most intriguing story of the offseason. 

Much like Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson enters the summer facing uncertainty after a torn ACL ended his NBA Finals prematurely. As Eric Ting of SFGate wrote, Golden State Warriors teammate Andre Iguodala  recently stated he believes Thompson will be back on the court by next February. It seems Iggy is also convinced Thompson isn't going anywhere despite an opportunity to potentially make extra cash in July.

It's probably wishful thinking to continue to rate Isaiah Thomas among any decent free-agent finds. After all, the 30-year-old was a non-factor on the court for much of his stint with the Denver Nuggets, and all indications are his body is broken down to the point he's barely a bench contributor for a pro team. Despite that, some wonder if he could return to the Boston Celtics this summer. Hey, it's not as if the C's have a lot else going for them following yet another disappointing postseason run. 

Linsanity is barely a memory as of the summer of 2019, but that doesn't erase the fact that Jeremy Lin is now an NBA champion. The 30-year-old was merely a face on the bench of the Toronto Raptors during the Finals, but he could still offer something as a veteran presence and an in-game sub who averages 10 points a night. This stopgap option should receive some decent offers. 

Get used to the idea of Kristaps Porzingis playing in the same lineup as Luka Doncic. The Dallas Mavericks didn't trade for this unicorn just to let some other franchise claim him this summer. Here's hoping the 23-year-old is as good as new coming off the torn ACL he suffered in February 2018 when he returns to competitive action in October. 

Taj Gibson is a 34-year-old throwback power forward with decreasing numbers. However, his defensive abilities and the fact he can still contribute over 10 points per game should extend his career for several years. A reunion with the Chicago Bulls would make for a nice story and fill a need for that club, but Gibson could land with an actual contender as a backup if he is flexible in negotiations. With that said, it'd probably be a bad sign for a team if he started over 50 games next season. 

It's easy to forget about Robin Lopez. Playing for the Chicago Bulls over the second half of the 2010s can do that to any player. The 31-year-old won't be atop a club's free agency wish list, but he's still a solid backup center even if his rebounding numbers have declined in each of the past three seasons. A rebuilding team shouldn't waste its time, but a contender in need of a backup big who can eat minutes could give Lopez a call. 

JaVale McGee did well to erase those Shaqtin' a Fool memories by averaging a career-best 12 points per game during a stop with the Los Angeles Lakers. Granted, the Lakers probably will go in a different direction, but a team in need of a veteran and proven rim protector will pay the 31-year-old who owns multiple rings. The Charlotte Hornets and Los Angeles Clippers are two franchises that could chase McGee's services unless LeBron James wants the big man back. 

Rajon Rondo won't be leading the league in assists, something he accomplished on three occasions, nor will he make another All-Defensive team, but the 33-year-old was surprisingly productive on the offensive end of the court with the Los Angeles Lakers last season. As Bleacher Report's Preston Ellis reported, the Lakers, a team void of guards, should want the inexpensive veteran to return and play with Anthony Davis: "Two years ago, he quietly enjoyed one of the best seasons of his career alongside Davis, at least from a shooting perspective. His 51.8 effective field-goal percentage in 2017-18 was the best of his career, and he averaged 8.2 assists to just 2.3 turnovers — his lowest rate in a decade." 

As Keith Jenkins of the Association Press (h/t Seattle Times ) explained, the Milwaukee Bucks used draft night as a way to prepare for free agency and keep guard Malcolm Brogdon with the club. Brogdon isn't the flashiest player in the league who fills your Twitter timeline with highlights on a nightly basis, but he's a 50-40-90 shooter who can play either guard position. In March, Daniel Lubofsky of Hoops Habit praised Brogdon as an underappreciated star and two-way talent. 

In mid-June, John Karalis of Mass Live wrote about how the Boston Celtics and Terry Rozier need each other this summer. Rozier's diminished numbers likely affected his free agency status, and staying put with a team and coach he knows and featuring as a starter for a season would, theoretically, bolster his value in the trade market and, ultimately, when his next contract comes due. Besides, the Celtics should at least try to keep some recognizable faces around on a roster that, to be blunt, isn't chasing a title next spring. 

DeAndre Jordan is both a shell of what he was during his best years with the Los Angeles Clippers and also a walking double-double who remains one of the best rebounders in the Association and who protects the rim and opens scoring chances for those around him. The veteran who is about to be 31 years old is close with Kevin Durant, as Bleacher Report's Ric Bucher wrote, and he'd fit right in with the Golden State Warriors. He could also follow KD if the two-time Finals MVP takes his talents to a club such as the Brooklyn Nets.

The Utah Jazz upgraded at the position and are allowing Ricky Rubio to walk. It's what is best for all parties. On June 19 The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor reported the Indiana Pacers are targeting the 28-year-old who averaged 12.7 points and 6.1 helpers per game while shooting 31.1 percent from beyond the arc. His brilliant movement of the ball and reliable defending make up for a shot that betrays him far too often.

Nikola Mirotic's actual shooting fails to match its reputation, something seen during the 2019 Eastern Conference Finals, as Matt Brooks of Elite Sports NY touched upon: "When he’s off, Mirotic is unplayable. Nikola was a Game 1 starter during the conference finals. Twenty-five missed threes later, Mirotic received a big fat DNP during Game 6 — potentially his final game in a green-and-white jersey." Even if the Milwaukee Bucks don't spend to keep Mirotic, he'll quickly find a home with a side in need of a forward who shoots 36 percent from deep. 

As Forbes' Tony East wrote, the Indiana Pacers all but announced they're moving on from Thaddeus Young after the season ended. Some other team will happily take the 31-year-old who was snubbed in All-Defensive voting. Last February Tommy Beer of Rotoworld (h/t Yahoo Sports) offered this stat: "Thaddeus Young is one of eight active players in the NBA with at least 11,000 points, 5,000 rebounds, 1,000 assists and 1,000 steals in his career." 

Depending on Marcus Morris' approach to free agency, he could be viewed as the top value grab of the summer by 2021. He averages 14 points per game, is a 6-foot-9 forward who shot 51.9 percent from the field during the playoffs and who is an aggressive defender willing to come off the bench for a playoff team. His second-half shooting slump, written about by Michael James of Hardwood Houdini in March, may scare some teams off from giving anything other than a "prove it" deal.

As Kristian Winfield of SB Nation wrote in July, Jabari Parker has no interest in pursuing an All-Defensive nod. Maybe that's one reason the Washington Wizards are declining his option, as Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports reported on June 22. Parker got buckets to the tune of 15 points per night last season, but his three-point shooting dipped below 30 percent after the Chicago Bulls traded him in February. Haynes added the Wizards are open to re-signing Parker and that the 24-year-old is interested in staying put. The second-overall pick of the 2014 NBA Draft who has suffered multiple ACL tears remains a work in progress and, thus, could be a wise investment at the right price. 

Per ESPN , Willie Cauley-Stein and his agent want the player to receive a fresh start. Whether or not he gets one is up to the Sacramento Kings, as the franchise is able to match any offer he receives. While the 7-footer is a good fit in the high-paced Sacramento offense, he's often left his employer wanting more and wondering when he was going to develop further. In May,  James Ham of NBC Sports Bay Area described the 25-year-old as "consistently inconsistent." The hope that his best is yet to come will lead to a team in need of a big taking a chance on him if the Kings let him leave. 

As Marilyn Dubinski of Pounding the Rock wrote, The Athletic's Jordan Brenner reported the San Antonio Spurs intend to re-sign Rudy Gay. The 32-year-old did well to adjust what he offers playing under Gregg Popovich, and his 40.2 three-point shooting percentage from last season was a career best. San Antonio won't relish paying him $12 million to $13 million a year on a three-year deal, but losing him this summer would sting much worse. 

"I am Chicago. I’m from Chicago. I bleed Chicago. I really think I can help the city. I think I can save the city," free agent guard Patrick Beverley said in June, per K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune. The Chicago Bulls have a need for a veteran at the position who plays tenacious defense, and the fact he's a hometown guy could lead to the organization handing the 30-year-old the contract he wants. The Los Angeles Clippers, Beverley's employer for the last couple of seasons, are going big-game hunting, but the seven-year pro who has shot nearly 39.5 percent from three-point range since the start of the 2015-16 campaign could remain in the city playing for the team that shares the Staples Center with the Clippers. 

After escaping the Titanic known as the 2018-19 New York Knicks, Enes Kanter added value to his free-agency stock during a brief run with the Portland Trail Blazers, where he averaged 13.1 PPG and 8.6 REB. His defense is forever flawed, at best, and his outside shooting is non-existent. With Jusuf Nurkic working to return from the horrific leg injury he suffered in March, Portland should hope Kanter offers the club a discount. As Dave Deckard of Blazer's Edge wrote in April, that may be wishful thinking at best. 

If Jonas Valanciunas gets his wish, he'll meet with only one team before July. On June 13, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski ‏reported that the Memphis Grizzlies center will decline an option worth over $17 million for next season so he can negotiate a new contract with the organization. While being traded by eventual champions the Toronto Raptors in February probably burns a little at the moment, Valanciunas nevertheless shined with Memphis, averaging career-highs 19.9 PPG, 10.7 REB and 1.6 BLK. It's understandable he's quite comfortable with his new home. 

On June 22, Tony Jones of The Athletic reported restricted free agent forward Bobby Portis, who played for the lowly Chicago Bulls and not-quite-as-lowly Washington Wizards last season, wants to join the Utah Jazz this summer. The Wizards are rebuilding and likely wouldn't match an offer made by any club for the 24-year-old who averaged 14.3 PPG and 8.6 REB in 28 appearances with Washington. Mychal Lowman of SLC Dunk shared this stat: "Out of all forwards who played 25 minutes a game or more, there were only 11 who shot 39 percent from three or better last year. Coveted free agent Tobias Harris was one of those and Bobby Portis was another."

Philip Rossman-Reich of Orlando Magic Daily believes Orlando guard Terrence Ross deserved a Sixth Man of the Year nomination: "Among players who played at least 41 games this season off the bench, Ross ranked fourth in scoring average with his 15.1 points per game. Only Lou Williams, Spencer Dinwiddie, Jordan Clarkson and Montrezl Harrell averaged more points per game off the bench." Ross shot 38.3 percent from distance last season, and, as Chris Hays of the Orlando Sentinal wrote, the 28-year-old became the first player to drain at least 200 three-point attempts without starting a single game during a campaign. 

As Forbes' Richie Randall wrote, the Charlotte Hornets keeping Kemba Walker could lead to guard Jeremy Lamb spreading his wings and earning a payday with a different club. This isn't a knock on Lamb, who averaged 15.3 PPG and 5.5 REB, both career bests, while shooting 44 percent from the field. Both Bleacher Report's Greg Swartz and Evan Dammarell of Forbes have linked Lamb with the Cleveland Cavaliers. 

The Golden State Warriors will need to be creative this offseason. Josh Schrock of NBC Sports Bay Area thinks the Dubs should pursue Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in free agency. The 26-year-old saw his three-point shooting drop from 38.3 percent in 2017-18 to 34.7 last season during what was a weird year for the Los Angeles Lakers. Best of all for teams like the Warriors or other franchises considering signing Caldwell-Pope to a short-term deal, he'll be cheaper than other options. 

The Phoenix Suns really aren't in a place to let restricted free agent Kelly Oubre walk regardless of what offers come in for him. Traded to the Suns by the Washington Wizards last December, the 23-year-old averaged nearly 17 points a night while shooting 45.3 percent in 40 games with his new team. As Evan Sidery of Bright Side of the Sun wrote, The Athletic's Shams Charania reported in early June keeping Oubre is "a priority for the Suns." It makes sense because Phoenix is hardly a hot destination for top free agents in July 2019.

The New Orleans Pelicans received Lonzo Ball in the agreement that sent Anthony Davis to the Los Angeles Lakers. That likely leaves Elfrid Payton looking for a new club. As Alaa Abdeldaiem of Sports Illustrated wrote, Payton made history in March when he became the fifth player in league history to notch triple-doubles in five consecutive games. He averaged 10.6 PPG and a career-high 7.6 AST. Where the 25-year-old signs may depend on playing time and if he's willing to accept a bench role.

Forward Al-Farouq Aminu is one of the more interesting free agent cases of the summer because of what he both can and cannot offer. His length and defensive IQ helps him guard on the wing, he can hurt defenses from the corner and, as Sean Meagher of Oregon Live wrote in April, the 28-year-old is routinely willing to do "the dirty works."  While he was good for 9.4 PPG and 7.5 REB during the 2018-19 season, his offensive limitations may scare front offices. That'd be good news for the Portland Trail Blazers, because he fits on the roster at the right price. 

The reason people like Forbes' Tony East and Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report are mentioning the Phoenix Suns as a potential destination for Darren Collison isn't flattering to the player. Collison turns 32 years old before summer ends, and, while he can average 11.2 PPG and 6.0 AST as a starter, no aspect of his game is great, and contracts presumably available probably price him out of joining a franchise ready to win now. 

Those lucky enough to not watch the Phoenix Suns or Washington Wizards last season missed most, if not all, of Trevor Ariza's forgettable season. Ariza will be 34 years old before the ink dries on his next deal, but he remains a strong two-way player who still makes a living off the corner three, as Bleacher Report's Yaron Weitzman wrote in March. The Houston Rockets clearly missed his three-and-d work during the postseason, and the club likely would welcome him back with open arms if money wasn't an issue. He'll have his pick of playoff suitors. 

On June 18, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski ‏reported Harrison Barnes declined a player option worth $25.1 million, but that doesn't mean his time with the Sacramento Kings is up. Per Jason Anderson of the Sacramento Bee, "a four-year deal in the range of $18 million to $20 million per year" could keep the 27-year-old and the Kings married for the foreseeable future. After the Dallas Mavericks traded Barnes to the Kings, he shot 40.8 percent from three-point land, and he averaged over 14 points per game in 28 regular-season appearances with the organization. The one-time champion is a good mentor for the younger would-be stars on the Sacramento roster. It's possible he and the club already have an understanding regarding his next contract. 

Perhaps watching Danny Green defend Stephen Curry during the NBA Finals convinced the Philadelphia 76ers the sharpshooter should be targeted this summer. Which version of Green will the Sixers or any other team be signing: the one who shot over 45 percent from three-point range during the regular season, or the player who made fewer than 33 percent of those attempts during the playoffs? Torching the Warriors for six threes in Game 3 and then going 1-of-7 from beyond the arc the next contest was on-brand for the 32-year-old. 

As Ryan Blackburn of Denver Stiffs wrote, it's believed there's "mutual interest" in Paul Millsap remaining with the Denver Nuggets, but it's not yet known if the club will do so via a costly team option or by asking the 34-year-old to restructure or sign a new deal. The veteran isn't worth $30 million a season regardless of how well he defends, but Denver can't afford to lose him. A new multiyear deal should prevent Millsap from being anything other than a free agent in name only on June 30.

In 81 starts with the Indiana Pacers, Bojan Bogdanovic averaged 18.0 PPG and shot over 42 percent from three-point range and over 49 percent from the field, all career bests , and he showed he can be his team's top scorer after Victor Oladipo was lost for the season in January. While replacing a 30-year-old his size who can shoot the ball would be an ask for any team, the Pacers may not be able to win a bidding war for the veteran, as Joe Beckham of 8 Points 9 Seconds explained. Bogdanovic is no longer underrated, and his next contract will reflect that. 

There were times last season when Derrick Rose seemed to turn the clock back and remind us of his MVP days. He averaged 18 points per night, and the 30-year-old shot 48.2 percent from the field and 37 percent from three, the latter being good for a career high. Of course, this is D-Rose we're talking about, so an injury ended his season prematurely. The Chicago Bulls should bring him home, both for the heartwarming story and because it's not as if the franchise has anything to lose in 2019-20.

After Brook Lopez signed with the Milwaukee Bucks, the 31-year-old showed he's a championship-level stretch five who posted career bests in blocks per game (2.2) and three-point shooting (36.5 percent). At the risk of linking just about anybody and everybody with the Los Angeles Lakers, can one think of a better rim protector to play in a lineup that features LeBron James than Lopez? The King and Anthony Davis would cover the holes in Lopez's defensive game, and the Lakers need his shooting touch.

Marc Gasol may never again defend as well as he did for the Toronto Raptors during a playoff run that saw him win battles vs. Joel Embiid, Giannis Antetokounmpo and the dynastic Golden State Warriors. That won't affect his wallet. The 34-year-old shot over 44 percent from three-point range after the Memphis Grizzlies traded him to Toronto in February, and that touch coupled with his passing skills have allowed him to age gracefully as his athleticism noticeably declined. After winning a title, he may look to cash in with the highest bidder. He's earned that payday. 

One can't blame the New Orleans Pelicans for essentially picking Zion Williamson over Julius Randle, but don't feel too bad for the 24-year-old who averaged a career-high 21.4 PPG ahead of testing the market. Marc Berman of the New York Post reported the New York Knicks could sign Randle if the club fails to acquire a superstar such as Kawhi Leonard, Kyrie Irving or Kevin Durant. As Mike Fisher of 247Sports wrote, worries about Randle's defensive limitations could prevent a team such as the Dallas Mavericks from making a real offer. 

JJ Redick is the perfect guard to pair with LeBron James, a sharpshooter who consistently makes 40 percent of his three-point attempts, who just averaged a career-best 18.1 PPG and who is a veteran who won't have to be taken under anybody's figurative wing. He's also 35 years old and running out of time to win a title. The question is whether he believes he has a better chance to reach the mountaintop with the Philadelphia 76ers or with a different squad.

Nikola Vucevic produced quite the contract-year, glow-up campaign, averaging career highs in PPG (20.8), REB (12.0) and AST (3.8). Sure, he's often a liability on defense and failed to offer a memorable outing during the playoffs, but the Orlando Magic can't afford to let such a scorer go for free. The thought of playing with Kristaps Porzingis and Luka Doncic as a member of the Dallas Mavericks, not to mention getting away from Mo Babma, could convince Vucevic to bolt from Florida. 

Giannis Antetokounmpo is the Batman of the Milwaukee Bucks, and Khris Middleton was the team's Robin. In February, The Ringer's Jonathan Tjarks called the first-time All-Star and versatile defender "a perfect second option," and the fact that he converted nearly 38 percent of his attempts beyond the arc while shooting more threes than ever before will only help him receive the max contract he desires. Earlier this month, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported the Bucks wisely intend to pay Middleton. 

Al Horford electing to enter unrestricted free agency was yet another blow the Boston Celtics suffered following the playoffs. Recently, Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald tweeted the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Clippers are the two teams most interested in the 33-year-old two-way veteran. Imagine having to attack a defense with Horford and Kawhi Leonard serving as opposition while also taking note Horford shoots at least 36 percent from three-point range. His versatility will get him paid even if injury concerns will have fans worrying about the second half of whatever contract he signs. 

Who would've thought back in July 2018 fans of the Brooklyn Nets would be debating on local sports talk radio over whether the team should sign Kyrie Irving or retain D’Angelo Russell? Russell averaged a career-best 21.1 PPG during a season worthy of Most Improved Player considerations, and, as Chris Milholen of Nets Daily explained, the 23-year-old recently expressed his love for New York. Could he be the next big star who joins the Los Angeles Lakers as LeBron James tries to win a fourth ring? 

Tobias Harris could not be entering free agency at a better time. He showed with the Los Angeles Clippers that he can be a leading scorer for a postseason squad, and the 26-year-old is coming off his best season. Whether or not he returns to the Philadelphia 76ers could depend on what happens with the next man showcased in this piece. 

As Ky Carlin of Sixers Wire/USA Today explained, Jimmy Butler is one of several NBA personalities who may have an interest in joining the Los Angeles Lakers this summer. The 29-year-old is a tremendous two-way player who is a four-time All-Star with four All-Defensive appearances. Could the perception that he isn't always the best teammate cost him a chance of winning a title while in his prime? 

An Achilles tear and torn quad coupled with a lackluster showing in the NBA Finals could affect the type of offers DeMarcus Cousins receives this summer. Cousins bet on himself when he joined the Golden State Warriors after rupturing his Achilles, and Bleacher Report's Yaron Weitzman reported in June one league executive doubts Cousins will be as coveted as he hopes. Any team signing him will be taking a risk, which is why the 28-year-old agreeing to another one-year contract shouldn't shock anybody.

Weeks before the start of free agency, Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer wrote why he believes the Charlotte Hornets re-signing Kemba Walker could make the team's overall roster weaker. Fans of the club may disagree. The three-time All-Star named to his first All-NBA squad after the 2018-19 campaign is about to receive the biggest contract of his professional career, and it's possible the opportunity to play alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis could persuade him to ditch Charlotte for the West Coast. 

Kawhi Leonard will forever be a hero among Toronto Raptors fans regardless of his next career step after guiding that franchise to its first title. The two-time NBA Finals MVP continues to be linked with the Los Angeles Clippers, as Andrew Greif of The L.A. Times explained, but ESPN's Brian Windhorst has suggested Leonard could re-up with Toronto, keep the band together and try to go back to back in an Association that's more wide open than it's been at any point during the 2010s.

By now every team in the league knows what it will be getting in Kyrie Irving. One of the best ball-handlers of his generation capable of draining a championship-winning shot over a unanimous MVP will, as ESPN's Jackie MacMullan explained on an episode of the "Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective" podcast, eventually fall out of love with where he's living and playing home games. Ask the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers about that. That's probably why plenty of fans of the Brooklyn Nets want the franchise to pass on Irving, as Brian Lewis of the New York Post wrote.