NBA free agency kicks off Friday, and some guy named Kevin Durant is hitting the market for the first time in his career. Maybe you’ve heard of him.
But after the Oklahoma City Thunder’s former MVP makes his decision, who’s the next man up on offseason wish lists? So much time has been dedicated to Durant’s future plans, and deservedly so — he’s arguably the second-biggest name to ever hit the free-agent market. But since only one team can land the 27-year-old, that means 29 other teams will be looking elsewhere.
We took a closer look at the top names becoming available next month, and offered a suggestion on what their best fit might be.
1. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder
Only two other players on the planet potentially could nudge Durant from this spot. LeBron James already said he’s re-signing with the Cleveland Cavaliers, and Stephen Curry still has a year remaining on his contract with the Golden State Warriors. Durant is a true generational talent and will thrive wherever he goes. Of the six teams he’s reportedly given meetings to, the Warriors clearly are the most talented. And while the Boston Celtics might be his best option should he look to the Eastern Conference, they’d still probably be a piece away from raising banner 18 in 2017.
Best fit: Thunder or Warriors.
2. Mike Conley, Memphis Grizzlies
As has been the case throughout his NBA career, Conley is being overlooked on the free-agent market this season. He’s one of the best point guards in the NBA, a good defender, shooter and passer, and he’s a leader on the playoff-experienced Memphis Grizzlies. He has the San Antonio Spurs looking all over him, though the Dallas Mavericks reportedly will push hard for his services. But as USA TODAY Sports’ Sam Amick told NESN.com recently, his close friendship with center Marc Gasol, who just re-signed with Memphis last season, might pull at Conley’s loyalty and keep him in Memphis.
Best fit: Spurs.
3. Andre Drummond, Detroit Pistons
Drummond is just 22 and has blossomed into one of the best centers in the NBA, but he’s a restricted free agent and reportedly hasn’t signed an extension with Detroit. He’d be a terrific fit on a lot of teams, despite the movement away from traditional big men, but he won’t be going anywhere this summer.
Best fit: Pistons.
4. DeMar DeRozan, Toronto Raptors
DeRozan has blossomed into a terrific scorer and averaged a career-high 23.5 points per game last season. But the 26-year-old is a streaky shooter and tends to disappear, often on the big stage. Still, he’ll command a maximum contract and likely will get it from the Raptors, who love what he brings to the table and accept his flaws. But the Los Angeles Lakers are in hot pursuit of DeRozan, who grew up in Compton, Calif. and attended University of Southern California. It wouldn’t be shocking to see him in L.A. next month.
Best fit: Raptors or Lakers.
5. Al Horford, Atlanta Hawks
Horford, 30, is one of the best pure post players on the market. He’s a major injury risk, but his All-Star appearances the past two seasons — and the relative success of the Hawks — indicate he’s worth whatever contract he gets. The Hawks’ best move might be to rebuild, so don’t be shocked to see Horford leave the ATL, especially if he happens to be the player Durant wants to leave and play with. He’s exactly the post scorer the Celtics and Warriors need, and those seem like his most likely landing spots.
Best fit: Warriors or Celtics.
6. Harrison Barnes, Warriors
Barnes had a terrible playoffs in which he practically single-handedly shot Golden State out of another title. But he’s still just 24, is a good scorer, shooter, rebounder and defender and will still get a max contract. Still, it’s probably best for the Warriors to replace Barnes with a cheaper option or keep that money for a bigger name (like Durant). We won’t know for sure if Barnes is worthy of that money and can be a No. 1 option until we see him elsewhere, but it won’t stop a team like the Lakers or Philadelphia 76ers — who were the bottom two teams in both points scored and allowed — from giving it to him.
Best fit: 76ers or Lakers.
7. Hassan Whiteside, Miami Heat
Whiteside is the best rim protector in the league, an elite shot blocker and rebounder, and has a developing post game that certainly won’t hurt a team’s offense. He’s probably not worthy of a max contract, but he’ll get one with so much money available. Portland desperately needs a big man, the Celtics need a real rim protector and the Mavericks appear to be in hot pursuit. Whiteside could be a Lakers target, too. Don’t be shocked if Miami lets him walk, especially if they keep Dwyane Wade.
Best fit: Trail Blazers or Mavericks.
8. Dwyane Wade, Heat
If the Heat wanted to pay Wade, they would have by now. At 34 and after a career full of knee injuries (despite his elite performance), Wade is a huge gamble to pay big money to. He says he’s open to leaving Miami for the first time in his career, but unless LeBron James is meeting him in that new destination, we’re not counting on it happening. Maybe the Knicks, whose most glaring whole is a shooting guard, sweep in and pay Wade to unite him with buddy Carmelo Anthony. But Miami probably will cave and give him one more big deal on a short contract — especially if they find a way to rid themselves of Chris Bosh’s contract.
Best fit: Heat or Knicks.
9. Bradley Beal, Washington Wizards
Beal just turned 23 and has shown flashes of being an All-Star when healthy. But that’s his problem — he hasn’t been healthy very often. He says he deserves a max contract, which he doesn’t but likely will get. He’s also said that if the Wizards don’t pay him, he’s happy to take his talents elsewhere. The Heat desperately need youth and shooting, which he provides. They’ll need a shooting guard if Wade moves on, too.
Best fit: Heat.
10. Dwight Howard, Houston Rockets
Howard just declined a $23.2 million player option and wants another max contract. He, too, is crazy for thinking he deserves it, but he too will probably get it. The Celtics and Mavericks have long coveted Howard. The Blazers need a big man. The Hawks will be interested should they lose Horford, as will the Heat if they lose Whiteside. The Knicks love overpaying old, former All-Stars past their prime. He still can help a team, but he’ll likely have to accept a one- or two-year contract to do so.
Best fit: Celtics or Blazers.
Thumbnail photo via Dale Zanine/USA TODAY Sports Images
