THE NEXT BEST
ANDRE IGUODALA GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
The 2015 Finals MVP could fit in the headliners category, though the best bet is he remains a key to the league’s best team as it is uncertain he would leave.
JAMES JOHNSON MIAMI HEAT
Johnson dramatically improved his conditioning, had a breakthrough season as one of the keys to the Heat’s second half run and will likely be rewarded.
DANILO GALLINARI DENVER NUGGETS
Gallinari is coming off the two best scoring seasons of his career, but has continued to have durability issues. He played for Mike D’Antoni in New York.
JRUE HOLIDAY NEW ORLEANS PELICANS
The Pelicans will need to keep their point guard, but he has a ton of leverage, which will make him very expensive whether he stays or goes.
J.J. REDICK LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS
If they end up breaking up the band in Los Angeles, Redick will likely be a hot commodity, though he will have a hard time finding a better situation.
OTTO PORTER WASHINGTON WIZARDS
Porter should be a restricted free agent that cashes in one way or another, with the Wizards likely to match rich offers to keep Porter’s shooting next to John Wall.
DWYANE WADE CHICAGO BULLS
Wade planned to pick up the option on the final year of his contract and has 24 million reasons to stick with the plan. But the Bulls are rebuilding.
DION WAITERS MIAMI HEAT
Waiters was a bargain signing last season, but will opt out to cash in, having made it work in Miami as he could not in previous stops.