The Best Landing Spots For Free Agents This Offseason
The offseason is rapidly approaching and it’s time to review the best landing spots for free agents this summer. This is where they would best fit in and who could actually be in position to get them. Now this free agent class isn’t exactly loaded, but there are still some good players on the market and their are guys who can make an impact to playoff teams. Without further ado, here are my best landing spots for free agents this offseason.
Chris Paul – Phoenix Suns
It is likely that Chris Paul declines his player option of $44.2 million for next season and become a free agent this summer. But he’s not leaving the Suns. The Suns are up 2-1 in the NBA Finals and he’s in contention for his first ring. No reason he would leave the perfect situation he has with Phoenix.
Kawhi Leonard – LA Clippers
Kawhi Leonard missed the last 8 games of the playoffs and even then, the Clippers were only two games away from the NBA Finals without him. He has a player option this summer, but I can’t see him leaving the Clippers. If Kawhi was healthy, the Clippers might be in the Finals right now instead of the Suns. The Clippers are one of the best teams in the NBA and maybe the most talented team in the Western Conference. I find it highly unlikely that he’s leaving this offseason.
If Kawhi does decline his PO this summer, the Knicks are an option with their great defense and culture. So are the Mavericks and Heat. Again, don’t really see that happening. Likely the Klaw stays in LA and tries for a championship again next season.
Mike Conley – Jazz, Mavericks, Heat, Bulls, Knicks
Mike Conley is a unrestricted free agent this summer and is coming off an All-Star season. He is still a valuable player and a starting point guard in the NBA who should be well sought out for. As of right now, I find it unlikely that he leaves the Jazz. I doubt the Jazz are letting him walk as they desperately need him. The Jazz are likely to go into the luxury tax for Conley, so I don’t think he’s leaving.
But teams like Dallas need him. Luka Doncic is getting unhappy and they need to surround the young phenom with talent. Conley would be a great fit for Dallas. The Miami Heat need a point guard as well. Goran Dragic is aging and Kendrick Nunn is a scorer, not a floor general like Conley. The Heat should be rebuilding with their roster, but if they added Conley to their Butler-Adebayo core, they would get a lot better.
The Bulls went all-in at the deadline for Nikola Vucevic and now they’re in win-now mode. Coby White isn’t the type of point guard they need, they need somebody like Conley who can facilitate the offense. The Bulls would be a sure-fire playoff team with their Lavine-Conley-Vucevic Big 3.
The Knicks are another possible destination. Conley is the youngest PG on the market out of CP-3, Lowry, and himself and he can still play at a high level. The Knicks have the cap space and they desperately need the offense. Would also make them a lot better.
Kyle Lowry – Raptors, Mavericks, Heat, Knicks, Bulls
Kyle Lowry’s name has been thrown around trade rumors a lot this past season, many believing he would be shipped off at the deadline. But he stuck with the mediocre Raptors who missed the playoffs, still putting up solid numbers. He’s a free agent this summer and at 35, these are probably his last few seasons of being highly productive. It’s likely he stays with the Raptors where he’s absolutely beloved. But there’s also the possibility he leaves.
For the same reasons Dallas needed Conley, they could use Lowry. Same rules apply for the Heat, Knicks, and Bulls. All of these teams will be going after the best guards available in free agency and Lowry will be a hot commodity this offseason.
DeMar DeRozan – Knicks, Mavericks, Spurs
After heading to the Spurs after the Kawhi Leonard deal, DeRozan has remained one of the better scoring wings in the NBA with major improvements to his passing. He is still only 31 years old, he could help a good team become much better this offseason. I doubt the Spurs retain DeRozan, they could have money to spend elsewhere if they didn’t go after him. DeRozan made $27.7 million last year and I doubt he gets that much on the open market, I highly doubt the Spurs are going to pay him $20 million+ again.
The Mavericks need to keep Luka happy and giving DeRozan a 2-3 year deal worth like $21-22 million per year isn’t a bad option. They might have to clear cap space by moving on from Josh Richardson and Dwight Powell, which I would do in a heartbeat.
The Knicks have the cap space for a max contract but I would have to assume DeRozan would take a pay cut to go to the Knicks. The Knicks need offense and DeRozan as the #2 next to Randle would help them a lot with their offensive struggles in the playoffs against Atlanta. DeRozan would really take the Knicks to the next step in the Eastern Conference if he went there.
Tim Hardaway Jr – Mavericks, Grizzlies, Spurs
Tim Hardaway Jr’s value went up exponentially this past season. He had been a streaky player for a long time, but he was more consistent than ever and his shooting and complimentary scoring are enticing for any team on the market.
Dallas needs to keep him. Not only is he good, he fits very well with Luka and they need to surround Luka with talent. Hardaway is familiar with Dallas, they cannot afford to lose him this offseason. Hardaway is 29 and is likely to get a 3-4 deal, maybe $15-20 million per year. Again, Dallas better do that otherwise Luka will (rightfully) be mad.
The Grizzlies need the shooting. The fit with Dillon Brooks would be interesting and they would likely be placing Hardaway above some guys like Tyus Jones or De’Anthony Melton. But the Grizzlies need some more offensive punch and Hardaway could really help with that.
The Spurs have the money assuming that they don’t keep DeRozan this offseason. I doubt Hardaway would go to a middling team like the Spurs, but you never know. The Spurs lack shooting and a direction in general, maybe they could use Hardaway as a trade piece.
Dennis Schroder – Lakers, Raptors, Mavericks, Heat
Dennis Schroder, the man with a very large ego. Schroder got offered a 4yr/$84 million dollar extension with the Lakers and turned it down. It’s reported that he wants a $100-120 million contract, which is just bizarre because he’s not worth that much money. He’s a good player, but he’s more like that the Lakers offered him than what he is actually worth.
Now, the Lakers might still have to pay him a lot more than they want to because they don’t have better options. The Lakers are going to have to have a very good offseason to be successful next season because they just aren’t close to being the most talented team in the West. So Schroder back to LA on a ludicrous deal isn’t unlikely.
If the Raptors lose Kyle Lowry, they might want to snag a decent replacement. The fit with VanVleet is interesting, but the Raptors might want an immediate replacement.
The Mavericks want to add talent and the Heat need a point guard. Wouldn’t be surprised if Schroder ended up on either of those teams.
Evan Fournier – Celtics, Blazers, Knicks, Mavericks
Fournier went to the Celtics at the trade deadline and we was solid. But he’s a UFA this summer and coming off of a great season, he’ll be wanted all around the league for his excellent shooting and shot creation abilities.
Boston definitely needs him with Kemba gone, he would be the perfect 3rd option behind Tatum and Brown. I’m guessing Fournier wants to win, staying in Boston isn’t unrealistic.
The Blazers need a 3rd option behind Dame and CJ. The Knicks need offense and so do the Mavericks. Fournier is likely going to a good team and he would be a great addition for most teams this offseason.
Will Barton – Nuggets, Mavericks, Lakers
Will Barton has been a very good scorer for Denver the past few seasons, but health has slowed him down. He has hardly played in the 2020 or 2021 NBA playoffs, where Denver missed him sorely. But he still has scoring prowess and he could be a valuable bench piece to a good team.
Denver is a team on the rise and if Jamal Murray comes back healthy next season, they’re going to be contending for a title. I doubt Barton would want to miss that. He has a player option this summer and he could just become a free agent next summer instead of this summer.
The Mavericks and Lakers could greatly use his scoring as both lack offensive firepower outside of their superstars.
Lonzo Ball – Pelicans, Bulls, Knicks, Raptors, Mavericks
Lonzo Ball has turned his career around with the Pelicans. He has become a much improved shooter and with his passing and defense, he’s a great point guard in the NBA today. He fits very well with Zion and Ingram in New Orleans, But it’s being reported that the Pelicans wouldn’t match a large offer sheet for Ball, so I’m guessing if he gets a max contract from somebody else, he’s on the move. That is incredibly stupid, but it is what it is. Get ready for Kira 2022 baby.
The Bulls need a facilitating point guard like Ball, he would work very well with Vucevic and Lavine. They should throw an offer at Ball. The Knicks didn’t have a real point guard last year, Lonzo offers some more shooting for them as well as playmaking. They should also offer big on Ball instead of going after Collin Sexton.
The Raptors might want their Kyle Lowry replacement immediately and Ball would fit well with VanVleet and Siakam along with whoever they take at #4. A Luka/Lonzo backcourt? Two elite playmakers with size and Lonzo plays defense and offers shooting. That would make Dallas a lot better very quickly.
Spencer Dinwiddie – Bulls, Pelicans, Knicks, Mavericks
Spencer Dinwiddie is certainly not going to be a Brooklyn Net next season. The Nets don’t have the cap space for the contract that he wants, apparently 5yrs/$125 million. The Nets should have traded him this past season when he was hurt, but now he is going to decline that player option and get a big contract this offseason.
The Bulls might want to add the shooting and scoring. Dinwiddie to the Pelicans would make a lot of sense, immediate Eric Bledsoe upgrade and gives them a lot more punch offensively.
The Knicks need the offense and Dinwiddie with Luka and maybe Tim Hardaway? I doubt Luka could be mad with the Mavericks if that happened.
Norman Powell – Blazers, Mavericks, Knicks
Norman Powell had a great season with both Toronto/Portland and with him almost 100% declining his player option this summer, he’s going to be a very well sought out free agent this summer.
I would love for Portland to keep Norman. He wasn’t great with Portland, but I would love for him to be Dame’s #2 instead of CJ. He’s a very good player, hopefully by Blazers can keep him this offseason.
The Mavericks make a lot of sense with Luka, him, and Hardaway. Similar to Dinwiddie, that’s a lot of offensive help for Luka who desperately needs it. The Knicks also desperately need the offense.
John Collins – Hawks, Mavericks, Bulls, Raptors
John Collins has become one of the best young forwards in the NBA, being a key piece to this past seasons Atlanta Hawks, who were two games away from the NBA Finals. Collins is a RFA this summer and there’s almost no way that the Hawks are letting him leave. He’s probably going to get max money or something close to that, but I highly doubt he’s leaving. Unless the Hawks think Onyeka Okongwu is better right now, he’s staying in the A.
But John Collins to the Mavericks? Maybe a Porzingis sign-and-trade? The Luka-Collins pick and rolls would be lethal.
The Bulls have a thing for stretch forwards, but both Markkanen and Vucevic aren’t the best interior threats. But Collins is such a pick and roll threat, if they can secure a point guard like Lonzo in free agency, look out for the Bulls this offseason.
The Raptors didn’t have anything resembling an interior presence last year and while Collins isn’t a center, he would be a nice compliment to Siakam and VanVleet, potentially Lowry is he stays this offseason.
Jarrett Allen – Cavaliers, Hornets, Raptors, Spurs
Jarrett Allen was a key-piece moved in the James Harden mega-trade in January and he’s one of the best young defenders in the NBA. Down low, he’s a very good rim protector and at only 23 years old, he has the potential to be one of the best centers in the NBA for a long time.
Allen is a RFA this summer and I find it very hard to believe that he’s going to be let go by the Cavs. The Cavs essentially got Allen for free and he could be their franchise center as they try and navigate through this long, never-ending rebuild.
But teams that could go after him are the Hornets, who are in desperate need of a center. The Raptors one weakness last year, aside from playing in Florida, was not having a center. They also desperately need Allen’s defensive prowess.
While the Spurs have Jakob Poeltl, they need a face of their franchise again. Since Kawhi left, they haven’t had that. I know they don’t need a center, but a 23-year old center on a max contract? Maybe that gives them something resembling a direction.
Duncan Robinson – Heat, Mavericks, Grizzlies, Knicks
Duncan Robinson is one of the best shooters in the NBA and he’s due for a big contract. He’s a RFA this summer and due for a big contract. Davis Bertans got a 5yr/$80 million dollar deal. Joe Harris got a 4yr/$75 million dollar deal. Both great shooters, so Robinson should be getting something like that.
The Heat should rebuild with most of their roster being older. But Robinson is one of their best players that I actually like for the future and he’s only 27, so he has a lot of shooting ahead of him.
But a lot of teams will be after him. Dallas, Memphis, and New York can all use the shooting and I expect them to throw big contract offers at Robinson. But it’s highly unlikely that he leaves Miami.
Richuan Holmes – Hornets, Knicks, Kings, Lakers, Mavericks
Richuan Holmes has turned himself into a above average center in the NBA. He’s a solid defender and a great partner in the pick and roll for any point guard, especially with that little floater in the paint that he has mastered. Holmes is a UFA and probably the best center on the market? Unless you think Andre Drummond is better. If that’s the case, another sport might be best for you.
The Kings really need Holmes, because he’s at least decent defensively. The Kings suck defensively and he works really well with Fox/Haliburton. The Kings need to bring him back.
But the Hornets could use him. Lamelo and Holmes? Scary duo. The Lakers haven’t had a center since Dwight and Javale left, so they could use him. With Mitchell Robinson’s injury history and the scenario where Nerlens Noel leaves in free agency, Holmes as a safety net isn’t the worst idea.
The Mavericks lack size and an elite playmaker like Luka would be perfect for Holmes in pick and rolls.
Nerlens Noel – Hornets, Blazers, Knicks, Mavericks
Nerlens Noel filled in seamlessly for the injured Mitchell Robinson this past season for the Knicks, as his defense is very valuable down low for teams across the NBA.
The Knicks would obviously love to have him back, given Robinson’s injury history, wouldn’t hurt to have another great defensive big. The Hornets need a center and like the Knicks, the Blazers center is also very injury prone, so having a backup plan isn’t the worst idea.
The Mavericks need a center badly and size down low in general and Noel checks off both of those boxes.
Lauri Markkanen – Bulls, Hornets, Mavericks, Thunder, Spurs
Lauri Markkanen hasn’t worked out with the Chicago Bulls, but he’s still a talented player and at only 24 years old, he still has potential to be a good player in the NBA. I doubt the Bulls are going to retain him this offseason, unless he doesn’t get offered a substantial offer.
There are a lot of teams who could use Markkanen. The Hornets could add some shooting to their bench, the Mavericks could add another shooting big. The Thunder are going full rebuild mode and they could sign Markkanen as a project player to see if he fits in to what they’re doing. Maybe the Spurs snag a young player with potential to try and kickstart them one way or another.
Devonte Graham – Hornets, Bulls, Raptors
Devonte Graham had a breakout 2019-20 season with Kemba Walker out of the picture in Charlotte. But with Terry Rozier having a career year and Lamelo Ball being drafted, he became the odd man out and lost his starting role. Graham is an inefficient volume scorer and with his limited size, he struggles to score at the rim. The defense is also suspect.
But Graham could still be valuable as a RFA this summer for teams. The Bulls could add somebody who is going to be a lot cheaper than Lonzo Ball and Graham could add scoring and playmaking for a team desperately needing both of those things.
The Raptors might want their Lowry replacement, giving them an interesting tandom of Graham and VanVleet in the backcourt. Perhaps they use him off the bench with Malachi Flynn, their first round pick from this past season.
TJ McConnell – Pacers, Mavericks, Grizzlies, Raptors, Pelicans
TJ McConnell is the white Patrick Beverley. He is so aggressive defensively, he just exudes energy. He steals in bounds passes, dives for loose balls, he is perfect for any team off the bench. He is a great playmaker and loves to get to the rim. One of the most underrated players in the NBA and always a joy to watch.
The Pacers would love to bring him back. Their bench is weak and he would the perfect backup guard again for Indiana. The Mavericks would love his defense. Jalen Brunson is a great backup but this would help their bench a lot.
Tyus Jones is ok, but McConnell would certainly be an upgrade for the Grizzlies. He has that Grizzlies grit and grind mentality, he would fit right in.
The Raptors might lose Lowry, but that spirit resembles with McConnell. Their potential guard core of VanVleet, Flynn, McConnell, and Jalen Suggs would be very good.
The Pelicans need some defense and some guard help. They’re stupid and want to let Lonzo go, so they’re going to need a good backup for Kira Lewis Jr. McConnell fills that need.
Nicolas Batum – Clippers, Bucks, Lakers, Suns
Nicolas Batum signed a 5yr/$120 million dollar contract with the Hornets in 2015 after past success in Portland. He played a total of 22 games in 2019-20 and averaged 12 points in his stint with the Hornets. He became a free agent after being waived and then the Clippers picked him up. I guess less money=better Batum. He was the swiss army knife for the Clippers. Shooting, passing, defense, he was the whole package. He’s still got stuff in the tank and he would be a great addition for any contender.
The Clippers are always an option. He has a great role for them and is a consistent bench piece. But the Bucks could also use him. The Bucks bench is small and lacks size. As much as I love Pat Connaughton, perhaps adding him could make them even better (they’re down 2-1 in the NBA Finals, I’m sure they’re not sweating right now).
The Lakers need wing depth. They haven’t had it since Lebron arrived, they need a swingman like Batum who fills any role. The Lakers need a lot of things this offseason and Batum would help them greatly.
The Suns could use another Torrey Craig/Jae Crowder. Batum is better than Craig offensively, he would help them a lot in their quest for (hopefully) another title.
Jeff Green – Nets, Clippers, Bucks, Lakers
Jeff Green is similar to Batum, expect he never not a max contract. Jeff Green is like the garage sale of NBA players. He’s been on 10 different NBA teams, he played with the Supersonics during their last year of existence, and he’s played over nearly 1000 games in the NBA. But nobody wants to keep him. But he’s aa very valuable player.
He offers lots of offense on the wing and is a decent enough defender not to be a liability. Helped the Nets a lot this past season but if he doesn’t return to Brooklyn, other contenders are going to want him.
Maybe the Clippers lose Batum and they want a replacement. The Lakers need help and the Bucks want to add some size to their bench. All I know is that Jeff Green is going to be on another contender next year. The question is, which one?
Reggie Jackson – Clippers, Bulls, Lakers, Mavericks
Reggie Jackson exploded in the NBA playoffs. He went from a decent scoring point guard to the Clippers 2nd option in the Conference Finals with Kawhi out with injury. He averaged 18 points per game on 40% shooting from 3 in the playoffs as he was a big reason for the Clippers reaching their first conference finals ever. He’s due for a big contract this offseason.
I think Jackson fits perfectly in LA. Complimentary scorer to Kawhi and PG, prone for big games and gets open shots because of two elite wing scorers. I don’t think he’s going to be as good anywhere else than LA.
But teams that might throw a multi-year deal to Reggie are the Bulls. They need the offense and a point guard. The Lakers need offense and they might not be getting Dennis Schroder back this offseason. They also need the offense (deperately) and Jackson would help them a lot.
The Mavericks saw what Reggie Jackson did to them in the playoffs and they might want to add some more shooting/scoring alongside Luka.
Josh Hart – Pelicans, Mavericks, Hawks
Josh Hart was part of the AD to LA deal and he’s quietly become not just a summer league legend, but a solid NBA player. He’s one of the best rebounding guards in the NBA and his hustle and defensive intensity are valuable to any team. While the Pelicans might not be matching any offer Lonzo Ball gets, they should match Josh Hart to a certain extent.
The Pelicans were a very good offensive rebounding team last season and one of the best rebounding teams overall. Josh Hart is a big reason for that, averaging a ridiculous 8 rebounds in less than 29 minutes per game. Per 36 minutes, he would have averaged more than 10 rebounds per game this past season. I think the Pelicans should keep him.
But the Mavericks need a guard who can play defense, unlike Jalen Brunson. Hart can guard 1-3, maybe even 1-4 and bring hustle and defense for Dallas. Really like the fit with the Mavericks.
The Hawks need a better bench, instead of streaky shooters they can get consistent rebounding and defense from Hart. I would really like that addition for the Hawks who were just two games away from the NBA finals this past season and trying to build on that.
Derrick Rose – Knicks, Mavericks, Nuggets
Derrick Rose is the ageless wonder. After looking washed with the Cavaliers in 2017, he was traded to Minnesota where he’s enjoyed a career renaissance. He had a great 2018-19 with the T-Wolves and then went to Detroit for 1.5 seasons where he was also great. He was traded midway through this season to the Knicks and was their best player in the playoffs, far and away better than the ice cold Julius Randle.
Rose is 32 years old but still has a lot in the tank. He’s expressed his love for New York, so him returning to the Big Apple isn’t unlikely. The Knicks have the cap space and they certainly need the offensive firepower that Rose brings.
But other teams will certainly be after D-Rose. The Mavericks need his offense and maybe Denver adds some more scoring. Will Barton could potentially leave either this offseason or in the next and with the uncertainty of Jamal Murray’s health upon returning, Rose could play a big role on a winning team like Denver.
Gary Trent Jr – Raptors, Knicks, Lakers, Mavericks
Gary Trent Jr was moved to Toronto at the deadline and he’s going to be a hot commodity in free agency this summer. He’s a great shooter and scorer and is a tough defender. At only 22 years old, he’s headed for a big deal this offseason.
The Raptors should look to keep Trent. They have already locked up VanVleet and Siakam long-term and Trent could be their future. It is possible that they lose Lowry, but retaining Trent should be their biggest priority this offseason.
But a lot of teams will be wanting Trent, rightfully so. The Knicks need the offense and Trent at a 6th man? That would be perfect for the Knicks.
The Lakers need the offense and maybe they have to clear some cap space for this to happen, but it’s a possibility they go after Trent.
The Mavericks also need the offense from Trent. Perhaps they can bring in Hardaway and Trent, that would help them greatly and bring a big smile to Luka’s face.
What Are Some Of Your Ideal Landing Spots For Free Agents This Summer? Leave A Comment Down Below!
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Excellent article!