NBA Free Agency Predictions
- Rim Report
- Jun 30, 2024
- 3 min read
NBA Free Agency is heating up. Plenty of good teams with cap space are ready to make a move. The 76ers are a notable team with tons of cap space. Other playoff teams prepared to make a move include the Thunder and the Magic. Some top free agents, such as LeBron James and Paul George, are on the board. Although LeBron is a free agent, there is no doubt he will be returning to the Lakers. With all these being said, it's a perfect time to make predictions for the top Free Agents. Free Agency is at 6 p.m. Eastern Time, just two hours after our predictions. LeBron James | Los Angeles Lakers There's not much worth writing here. LeBron James' son, Bronny, just got drafted by the Lakers. The Lakers also signed JJ Reddick, a friend of LeBron, as their coach. LeBron will sign a new deal with the Lakers. Paul George | Philadelphia 76ers This is a more exciting player to predict. Paul George will meet with his current team, the Los Angeles Clippers, while also meeting with top cap-space teams such as the Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic. The 76ers have the most cap space in the NBA, with a projected $58.4 million cap space. Although the 76ers can only offer slightly less than the Clippers, Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report recently reported that Paul George to the 76ers is heating up. Paul George may see the 76ers in a better direction. They're a much younger team than the Clippers, and the fit seems very good. Paul George could also take a look at the Clippers, but Philadelphia seems more likely. Tyrese Maxey | Philadelphia 76ers
Tyrese Maxey will sign for a maximum of five years and $205 million. There's not much of an explanation here. He's had the intent of staying with Philadelphia since last off-season. Maxey is another player, like LeBron, who is guaranteed to stay.
Demar DeRozan | Los Angeles Clippers If the Clippers lose Paul George, this move is essential. DeRozan isn't as good as George. However, if George leaves, the Clippers will need a number two scoring option. A return to Chicago doesn't seem realistic, given that the Bulls are looking to rebuild. The Bulls just moved Alex Caruso, and they seem to be committed to moving Zach Lavine. The Bulls wouldn't lose much sleep over losing DeRozan. Another team that could check DeRozan's availability is the Orlando Magic if they miss out on Paul George. The Clippers will likely have to work out a sign and trade. James Harden | Los Angeles Clippers The Clippers and a reunion with James Harden will happen. The Clippers are still looking to contend, and there's not much doubt Harden will leave. You also have to take into consideration that Harden has been bouncing around the league recently and that the Clippers gave up a package for him. Kawhi Leonard, Demar DeRozan, and James Harden are still a contending team when healthy. Isaiah Hartenstein | New York Knicks
The Knicks still have to take care of some financial details after trading for Mikal Bridges and making the trade official. There have been talks of the Knicks adding salary to avoid the hard cap and attempting to bring back Hartenstein. Although one of our respected writers, Ian Begley, said the chances of Hartenstein returning are increasingly unlikely, he loves New York, and we think they'll make the financials work. New York's direction is phenomenal, and we believe he will take a pay cut to return to the Knicks and help with their championship dreams. Even if it's below market value for the Knicks, the Thunder or Magic, which can offer more, has to really overpay to lure him away from the Knicks.
Klay Thompson | Dallas Mavericks
Reporters are hinting at the end of Klay Thompson's era with the Warriors. The Mavericks will make an aggressive offer, likely a sign-and-trade. There are also reports that this move can happen regardless of whether the Mavericks use their mid-level exception on Derrick Jones Jr. Another dark horse team for Thompson is the Lakers. They would be another team in the market for a sign and trade.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope | Denver Nuggets
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope fits like a glove with Denver. The Nuggets have bird rights, so they can make a big offer and go over the cap. This move is beneficial for both sides. KCP is a 3&D standout and brings a significant veteran presence to Denver. There will definitely be teams making big offers to KCP. However, in the end, he will return to Denver. The deal won't be cheap, but it will likely happen.