Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
NBA’s Top 10 free agents
Ira Winderman ranks the Top 10 players in this year’s NBA free-agency class. The negotiating period opens Saturday.
1. Kevin Durant
Yes, he’s back at it, after standing as the story of 2016 free agency. This time the only drama is whether Durant will take a lower salary to accommodate the Warriors’ other free-agency needs, such as Andre Iguodala and Shaun Livington.
2. Stephen Curry
As with Durant, this is an open-and-shut re-signing with the Warriors, but no longer at the discount salary that allowed Golden State to construct its championship colossus.
3. Gordon Hayward
The Jazz forward stands as the fulcrum to this freeagency class, his decision likely to set the tone. The Celtics and Heat both are expected to be aggressive, with the Jazz holding the advantage of being able to offer a fifth year.
4. Blake Griffin
The Clippers already have made one big-money decision with the trade of Chris Paul, but Griffin now has a decision about emerging as the face of the Clippers or perhaps making another team his own. The injury concerns, however, are real.
5. Kyle Lowry
The question for both Lowry and the Raptors becomes whether it is time to try something different in the wake of playoff disappointments. The Timberwolves could stand as an alternative.
6. Paul Millsap
The Hawks appear poised for a rebuild, which could have Millsap moving on. The numbers are there, but there also is concern about age and the style fit in today’s NBA.
7. Danilo Gallinari
This could become the fallback position for suitors who come up short on Gordon Hayward. But the injury history certainly creates concern.
8. Serge Ibaka
The Magic, concerned about the impending price tag, moved on last season. Now the question is whether the Raptors will be willing to meet the price point.
9. Otto Porter Jr.
Porter is a restricted free agent, affording the Wizards the opportunity to match outside offers. But in a league flush with cap space, how high would Washington be willing to go while in light of the salary commitments to John Wall and Bradley Beal?
10. George Hill
So much is in flux with the Jazz, starting of course, with Gordon Hayward. The question next becomes whether Utah goes for an upgrade or if Hill prices himself out of the Jazz’s market.