NBA’s free agent class large and deep
As we approach the official start of free agency, USA TODAY ranks the top 25 free agents who may — or may not — be on the move in the coming weeks.
1. LeBron James, Cleveland (player option): No one commands a free agency conversation like James, who has the entire NBA wondering where he will go next — again. The Lakers are on his short list of options, with teams including Houston and Philadelphia considered long shots. Don’t count out the Cavs, though, as the 33-year-old could stay put.
2. Kevin Durant, Golden State (player option): The Warriors star told USA TODAY during the Finals that he plans on re-signing, but it remains to be seen whether he’ll sign another short-term deal or commit .
3. Paul George, Oklahoma City (unrestricted): If he returns to OKC, it will be a huge win for the Thunder organization and his co-star, Russell Westbrook.
4. Chris Paul, Houston (unrestricted): Paul, who had a wonderful first season with the Rockets before a hamstring injury sideline him, is expected to re-sign.
5. DeMarcus Cousins, New Orleans (unrestricted): Has always raved about playing with Anthony Davis and the Pelicans, but the noise about him possibly signing with Dallas grows by the day.
6. Nikola Jokic, Denver (restricted): A restricted free agent by definition only, as he reportedly plans to sign a five-year, $146 million deal with the Nuggets.
7. Clint Capela, Houston (restricted): The Rockets have no intentions of losing Capela.
8. DeAndre Jordan, Los Angeles Clippers (player option): The Clippers, who traded with Washington for big man Marcin Gortat this week as a Jordan insurance policy, are waiting on him to decide.
9. Julius Randle, Los Angeles Lakers (restricted): The big man is coming off a career year (16.1 points, eight rebounds per game), but the Lakers are too focused on trying to land big stars.
10. Aaron Gordon, Orlando (restricted): He is coming off his best season, averaging 17.6 points and
7.9 rebound. The Magic aren’t likely to let him walk.
11. Zach LaVine, Chicago (restricted): Is there a team willing to pay LaVine, who was a major part of the Jimmy Butler trade, what he wants?
12. Tyreke Evans, Memphis (unrestricted): Had his best all-around season in 2017-18, averaging 19.4 points and a career-best 39.9 percent on 3-pointers.
13. Marcus Smart, Boston (restricted): The Celtics love what Smart brings, especially his mentality and defense. It remains to be seen if Smart can get the offer sheet he wants from another team.
14. JJ Redick, Philadelphia (unrestricted): After getting a huge deal from the Sixers a year ago, don’t be surprised if Redick takes a team-friendly deal that suits his personal life and his professional life.
15. Jusuf Nurkic, Portland (restricted): Solid on both ends of the court and only 23, but as a 7-footer who doesn’t stretch the floor, where does he fit?
16. Derrick Favors, Utah (unrestricted): All signs point to Utah wanting to re-sign Favors.
17. Trevor Ariza, Houston (unrestricted): Given his two-way role and production with the Rockets, Ariza is a valuable player.
18. Jabari Parker, Milwaukee (restricted): Has wanted a big-time payday from the Bucks, who have been reluctant to give that much money to an injuryplagued player.
19. Avery Bradley, Los Angeles Clippers (unrestricted): Coming off season-ending abdominal surgery,he struggled to find the right role after being traded from Boston.
20. Isaiah Thomas, Los Angeles Lakers (unrestricted): Hip still a concern but with the right team can provide a scoring punch.
21. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Los Angeles Lakers (unrestricted): A one-year rental with the Lakers last season, Caldwell-Pope improved his shooting — his 3-pointers, in particulal.
22. Enes Kanter, New York (player option): Has stated a desire to remain with the Knicks.
23. Will Barton, Denver (unrestricted): Developed into one of the top sixth men in the league; plenty of teams would benefit by adding him.
24. Fred VanVleet, Toronto (restricted): Another one of the league’s best bench players, VanVleet finished third in the Sixth Man of the Year voting.
25. Luc Mbah a Moute, Houston (unrestricted): Many of his contributions don’t show up in the box score, but make no mistake: Mbah a Moute is a big part of what makes Houston so dangerous.