NBA Free Agency is literally right around the corner. Tomorrow, at 5pm CT the free agent process will officially begin. There are some teams in the playoff mix, and there are some teams who are downright terrible that could play a major role in this offseason. Let’s get the fun started and discuss the top 10 teams I find most interesting heading into the new season.
10, Cleveland Cavaliers.
- What?! That’s right. A new coach, a new system, I think the Cavs finally say goodbye to 2016 and trade two of their biggest assets to playoff/championship caliber teams. Kevin Love is one of the biggest names out there on the trade market, and JR Smith can certainly help a team coming off the bench. Look for them to both be moved, and look for teams on the crisp to make that jump by acquiring one of Love or Smith. Look for Portland, Denver, and OKC to be ringing their phones off the hook.
9, Houston Rockets.
- Something has to give here. There are just way too many rumors flying around this team, and it’s crazy. It’s like you want to go to Houston just to tell Daryl Morey, “Hey! Golden State is done! Give it one more shot.” Ok obviously they know that so why not give it one more shot? There’s a problem in Houston and it’s a mix of a lot of things. There isn’t much faith in Mike D’Antoni, Harden and Paul’s relationship might have taken a turn for the worst, they have cap issues and names like PJ Tucker, Eric Gordon, and Clint Capela are out there on the rumor mill. There’s too many things happening and it tells me two things. Either they have another All Star ready to sign a contract, or they just realize they’re team isn’t good enough.
8, Indiana Pacers.
- Word on the street is Victor Oladipo won’t start the season. The Pacers could make a huge splash this summer because again, the NBA is wide open. Philly might lose Butler and Tobias Harris, we don’t know what Boston is at this moment, Toronto might lose Kawhi, and even if Brooklyn signs Kyrie and Kevin Durant they’re not going to have KD for the 2019/2020 season. The only team that you can say will definitely be a top tier team in the East is the Milwaukee Bucks. The Pacers could put themselves in that mix by signing a top tier free agent, like maybe….. D’Angelo Russell.?
7, Oklahoma City Thunder.
- The Thunder need to do something different. A comeback year from Westbrook would help, but on paper this is a team that should be in the Western Conference Finals, and instead they’re first round exits. They need to cut some cap in order to add so expect players like Steven Adams, Andre Roberson, and Dennis Schroder to be on the move so they can make a play on a player like Kevin Love, or even a Paul Millsap in free agency.
6, Knicks vs. Nets.
- Ok I’m cheating here. Sue me, lock me up, whatever. The Battle of New York is real. One New York team is walking away with two of the best players in the league, and one New York team is walking away with absolutely nothing.
5, Golden State Warriors.
- Even if they lose Kevin Durant the Golden State Warriors have to prepare to get punched in the mouth next season. No Durant, no Thompson, and no bench. If I’m Bob Myers I’m excited. It gives me an opportunity to build a team again. Add depth pieces, add veterans that still bring value, and if your owner is willing to go over the luxury tax and you don’t bring back Kevin Durant how about signing a Nikola Vucevic? This is an important offseason for Golden State as they look to move into their new arena, and a new era.
4, Dallas Mavericks.
- Doncic is the future of Dallas, and they don’t make the Porzingis trade unless they know for sure that he’s re-signing with them this summer. They have their 2, but could that be enough to sway over a star free agent. Two RFA’s to look out for in Dallas, D’Angelo Russell and Malcolm Brogdon.
3, Philadelphia 76ers.
- People want to trash on Boston for having a shitty offseason. Does anyone realize how bad things can get in Philly? They might lose Tobias Harris after trading their entire depth away to the Clippers, and they might lose Jimmy Butler. What’s left? Joel Embiid who can’t stay healthy, and Ben Simmons who can’t develop a jump shot. This is by far the biggest offseason in the era of The Process.
2, Milwaukee Bucks.
- In a year where the Bucks can make the NBA Finals, they have Middleton, Lopez, and Brogdon in free agency. This is a huge summer for Milwaukee. Giannis’ days as a free agent are coming. If you want to bring Giannis back you have to show him that you’re willing to win at all cost. Milwaukee has to bring back at least 2 of these players.
1, Lakers vs. Clippers.
- I cheated again. This time is the battle of LA. The Lakers, LeBron, and now Anthony Davis own LA. But what about the Finals MVP? What about the best player in the world right now going to the other team in LA? Lakers vs. Clippers. LeBron vs. Kawhi. The Battle of LA. If the Clippers sign Kawhi Leonard they’re not only on a quest to win a championship, but they’re on a mission to steal LA from LeBron James.
Twitter: @realJohnStocco
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