2018 Free Agent Frenzy

The frenzy of the NBA free agent frenzy is almost upon us. Owners, GM’s, Coaches, Players, and agents are all in preparation for the madness. Various teams are waiting for the start of the memorandum period to present offers to unrestricted and restricted free agents. The goal is to better their perspective franchises or to retain players that are vital to the overall success geared towards obtaining a championship caliber squad. From a players perspective, there are many different goals to obtain in free agency.

Some would like to sign a deal for a max salary. Others are seeking a chance to move to a team that can compete for a championship. Others want to sign with teams for personal reasons that present a better fit. Considering all these things, here are some of the top free agents available this year.

2018 Unrestricted Free Agents

LeBron James: The Cavaliers forward is entering free agency for the 3rd time. This time is no different with multiple teams vying for his services to lead them to hoist the NBA Championship Trophy. LeBron is still considered the best player in the game today and has been rumored to have narrowed down his choices to the Lakers and Cavs.

Kevin Durant: Durant’s pending free agency is less dramatic. He is expected to return to the Warriors, potentially signing a 5-year max deal for over 200 million dollars. With 2 consecutive championship rings and a team currently dominating the NBA, there seems to be no reason for a change.

Paul George: George’s impending free agency has been just as much anticipated as LeBron’s. His declaration last year that he was looking forward to joining the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018, set speculation that upon him opting out of his contract with OKC, it was inevitable that he would be joining the Lakers. However, many variables will factor into his decision now.

For one, it seems as if Paul has bonded with the Thunders superstar Russell Westbrook and will strongly consider staying in OKC. It has also been reported that George is extremely interested in playing with LeBron, which could introduce a slew of alternatives. One theory floating around is that if LeBron can persuade George to play with him in Cleveland, he can force a sign and trade to the Cavaliers, forming a new big three of James, George, and Love. This is an interesting twist along with James and George teaming up with the Lakers.

Chris Paul: CP3’s decision was also said to be set in stone that he would be returning to Houston. With his set back in the Rockets game 6 win against the Warriors, it could be argued that if Paul was not injured and was able to play in game 7, the Rockets likely would have dethroned the Warriors, setting up a finals matchup between the Rockets and the Cavs. However, because of the injury, the latest in a series of misfortunate injuries for Paul in the playoffs, Houston has seemed unwilling to sign CP3 to a max salary for the next 4 seasons. This may cause Paul to look elsewhere, even to Cleveland to chase a title opportunity.

DeMarcus Cousins: With the Achilles tendon injury that has him out for the first half of next season; Boogies value on the open market has come under question. Many athletes never return from this injury the same and this puts in doubt as to what teams are willing to pay Cousins. New Orleans is said to want to retain him but at what price? The Mavs are also in the market for his services and are reported to be willing to go all out to obtain him.

Clint Capela: Clint has developed into an efficient role player, but may price himself out of Houston. Many teams will be interested in his services.

DeAndre Jordan: He is a dominant center, but at his age will teams be willing to offer a big man whose game is predicated on his athleticism a four-year max contract? The reason for speculation is that Jordan is entering his early thirties, typically the age of decline of an athlete’s physical gifts.

Some of the top restricted free agents will also hit the markets as well. With their ability to switch teams solely determined by their current teams' interest in matching any proposed offer sheet, it is hard to project what will happen with each. Here are a few players keep in mind:

Aaron Gordon 6-9 PF Orlando

Julius Randle 6-9 PF Lakers

Jabari Parker 6-8 PF

Tyreke Evans 6-6 SG, SF Memphis

Trevor Ariza SF 6-8 Houston

Jusuf Nurkic C 6-11 Portland

#FreeAgent #2018FreeAgents