National Basketball Association

2017 NBA Free Agents: Projected Landing Spots For Top 10 Stars

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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There’s no shortage of star power in the 2017 NBA free agency class. Here, we explore projected landing spots for players who could help trigger a power shift in a league hijacked by the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers.

May 16, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) dribbles the basketball against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) during the first quarter in game one of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

This offseason saw Russell Westbrook and LeBron James signing three-year contracts with their respective teams. But these monumental transactions don’t undermine the 2017 NBA free agency class.

In recent years, the provision in the Collective Bargaining Agreement which allows incumbent teams to re-sign players to five-year max contracts has put a dampener on eligible suitors with a ton of money to throw around.

In 2015, the likes of Kawhi Leonard, Marc Gasol, Kevin Love, Draymond Green, Jimmy Butler and DeAndre Jordan remained with their respective teams on long-term deals.

However, this offseason, which saw Kevin Durant, Al Horford and Dwayne Wade bolt from the only teams they’ve spent their entire careers with, has restored a semblance of faith in ambitious general managers searching their next superstar piece.

Also, since the salary cap is set to stabilize by 2018, it doesn’t make financial sense for players to sign one or two-year contracts as has been the trend in recent years.

With the Golden State Warriors creating an unprecedented power shift in the league, teams are hoping to pair up multiple superstars to even the playing field, or at least hope to.

Unless the new-look Warriors fail to click as a unit, most teams not named the Cleveland Cavaliers ought to view the following year as a foregone conclusion and begin planning for 2017.

Barring injuries, you’d have to be brave to bet against Round 3 of the intensifying rivalry between the Warriors and the Cavaliers in the NBA finals.

2017 NBA Free Agents: See Full List

And unless you’re a devoted basketball fan who enjoys the process of rebuilding teams and growth of young players, there is little to look forward to before June. Most casual fans would rather fast forward to the finals, let alone the postseason.

So to those fans who are already looking ahead, the class of 2017 NBA Free Agents is intriguing because it could help a No.4 seed make the jump to elite status or an existing powerhouse team blow up to shreds.

We could witness the Clippers losing three key starters. Or the Oklahoma City Thunder succeed in finding Russell Westbrook the much-desired all-star running mate. Or LeBron James putting on his GM hat and recruiting one of his banana boat buddies.

In the NBA, it takes only one offseason to shake things up.

Here are predicted landing spots for the top 10 2017 NBA Free Agents.

Feb 19, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) sits on the court after being fouled during the first half against the Boston Celtics at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

Say for Mark Cuban successfully poaching Chandler Parsons or the Warriors letting go of Harrison Barnes to make room for Kevin Durant, it’s very rare for marquee restricted free agents to switch teams.

Therefore, one shouldn’t expect a buck in the trend.

Rudy Gobert (Utah Jazz)

The Utah Jazz, a team that narrowly missed out on a playoff berth, are projected to shock the world and seal a No.3 seed in the coming season.

The rapid improvements shown by Derrick Favors, Gordon Hayward and Rodney Hood, besides the offseason acquisitions of Joe Johnson, George Hill and Boris Diaw, must excite the Jazz faithful.

And there is very little need for Rudy Gobert to go elsewhere. He shares an impressive frontcourt dynamic with Favors, who enters free agency a year later.

It’s a given that the Jazz would match any and all offer sheets for Gobert. In fact, several reports suggest that Gobert and Jazz could work towards a contract extension later this year.

Utah Jazz and Rudy Gobert's camp have agreed to postpone extension talks until after Olympics, league sources tell @clevelanddotcom.

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) July 12, 2016

Since Gobert’s cap hold is only $5.3 million under the current rules (could possible change under the new CBA), it doesn’t make financial sense for Gobert to sign an extension this fall.

It’s likely that Jazz hold off the extension and utilize cap room before going over the cap, giving them more flexibility.

Apr 3, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives for the basket as Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) defends during the fourth quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Chicago won 102-98. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks)

With the Milwaukee Bucks moving to state-of-the-art arena by 2018, it’s crystal clear that the Greek Freak is being positioned as the new franchise player.

Last season, Giannis Antetokounmpo put up unreal numbers after the All-Star break when he started as coach Jason Kidd’s point guard. And with Jabari Parker also fully healed from his rookie year injury, the Bucks are expected to make some noise this coming season.

The Bucks have possibly hit another home run this draft with wild card Thon Maker. With Antetokounmpo surrounded by talented pieces, it makes little sense for the forward-guard to look elsewhere.

Also, since Antetokounmpo has two years left on his rookie contract, the first two years of a new max contract would probably understate his value. Antetokounmpo would be better served signing a five-year deal and still return to free agency at the age of 27. Age is surely on his side.

Like Gobert, Antetokounmpo has a low cap hold of $7.5 million, giving enough reason for the extension talks to be put off until next summer.

Apr 8, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Victor Oladipo (5) dunks during the second half at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Miami Heat 112-109. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Victor Oladipo & Steven Adams (Oklahoma City Thunder)

Last season, Victor Oladipo emerged as the league’s sixth-best shooting guard in Real Plus-Minus (RPM) and in many people’s eyes one of the best perimeter defenders in the sport.

Still only 24, Oladipo also improved as an offensive threat last year, averaging 16 points per game with career-high field goal and three-point shooting percentages.

Playing beside Russell Westbrook, who could jack up 30 shots per game this season, will prove to be challenging for Oladipo, who doesn’t need to score points to impact a game.

At the same time, Oladipo’s numbers could rise if Thunder coach Billy Donovan uses him as the No. 2 scoring option, a responsibility which could also go to Enes Kanter or Steven Adams.

Regardless of Oladipo’s stats, he is guaranteed to earn a maximum-level contract next summer, a year after the likes of Evan Fournier, Allen Crabbe and Evan Turner got overpaid.

In recent years, Thunder general manager Sam Presti hasn’t shied away from spending big. And he would have his job cut out next summer with Oladipo and Adams becoming restricted free agents.

Adams had his coming out party during the playoffs this year. Despite his 7-foot frame, he took up the toughest defensive assignments and showed polished post moves and made clutch free throws.

You’d be hard pressed to find five centers in the league with more two-way skills. Thunder ought to pay the man since he’s one of those players made for the dogfight, i.e. the postseason.

Expect both players to stay put with five-year deals since the Thunder can’t afford to lose either, and more importantly can go over the salary cap to sign them while still pursuing Blake Griffin.

Honorable mention

Dennis Schroder (Hawks): Expect Hawks to match any and all offer sheets since coach Mike Budenholzer intends to build the team around him in the aftermath of Al Horford and Jeff Teague departing this summer and the possible departure of Paul Millsap next year. Schroder had a breakout season last year and is projected to be a top-10 point guard down the road. For the Hawks, he’s a keeper.

Nikola Mirotic (Bulls): Since Mirotic did not sign a rookie-scale contract coming over from Spain, he isn’t eligible for an extension. Expect a few teams to pursue him but the Bulls will be wise to match all offers in light of Mirotic’s performance in the Rio Olympics, not to mention his post all-star break run which saw him shoot 44.5 per cent from beyond the arc and 14.1 points per game.

Otto Porter Jr. (Wizards): Again, it makes very little sense for the Washington Wizards to let this talented wing walk away. In his first season as a starter, the Georgetown standout ranked No. 14 among small forwards in RPM, while averaging 11.6 points and 5.2 rebounds. After signing Bradley Beal this summer, the Wizards are nearly capped out but can afford to go over the cap and sign Porter to a five-year extension.

Now, counting down the top 10 2017 NBA Free Agents.

May 26, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Serge Ibaka (9) stands on the court prior to the game against the Golden State Warriors in game five of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Serge Ibaka

A year after undergoing surgery to address his right knee, Serge Ibaka had a rather disappointing season, finishing No. 25 among power forwards in Real Plus-Minus (RPM).

Post All-Star break, Ibaka’s Defensive Rating reached nearly 108 and his eFG% plummeted below 50 percent. For the season, his Offensive Rating was worse than seven Thunder teammates.

Ibaka shot a career-low 32 percent from distance while his blocks per game (1.9) were the lowest since his rookie season in 2009-10.

Going by recent seasons, Ibaka shouldn’t feature in a top-10 list of 2017 NBA Free Agents. The likes of Jared Sullinger, Patrick Patterson, Patty Mills, George Hill and Jeff Teague deserve just as much consideration. However, Ibaka makes the cut because his reputation presides himself.

To Ibaka’s credit, he redeemed himself during the playoffs, especially during the conference finals against the Golden State Warriors. Ibaka finished second in Value Over Replacement Player (VORP) behind Russell Westbrook and third in Offensive Win Shares.

When coach Billy Donovan played Ibaka at the 5, the Thunder played a highly exciting brand of basketball that nearly beat the Golden State Warriors in their own game.

Having been traded to Orlando, Ibaka could form an exciting frontcourt duo with fellow Congolese big man Bismack Biyombo. However, with Nikola Vucevic and Stephen Zimmerman lurking, there’s a lot of uncertainty about Ibaka’s future in Orlando.

Also, the blossoming Aaron Gordon will be better playing the 4 spot .

If Ibaka can return to his 2013-14 form, there’s every likelihood that he warrants a max contract. Though the Magic are projected to have $44 million in cap room next summer, Ibaka could lean towards testing the free agency waters.

The Raptors, who tried to acquire Ibaka prior to February’s trade deadline, have emerged as early suitors. According to Michael Grange of Sports Net, Raptors GM Masai Ujiri has known Ibaka since he was a teenager.

“In the summer of 2017 Ibaka – who Ujiri has known since the Cameroonian was a teenager – is a free agent when all he would cost the Raptors is money.”

According to Doug Smith of The Star, the Raptors have two primary objectives next summer – re-signing Kyle Lowry and pursing Ibaka with a maximum-level contact.

Jonas Valanciunas and Ibaka should form an interesting frontcourt while Jakob Poeltl eases into the NBA.

Mar 28, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday (11) drives with the ball against the New York Knicks during the second half of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Knicks 99-91. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Jrue Holiday

The Sixers signed veteran Jerryd Bayless this summer as a stop-gap arrangement at the 1 spot. Since it’s a cap-friendly contract worth $27 million over three years, the Sixers are well armed to pursue marquee point guards next summer.

Sergio Rodriguez was mighty impressive during the Rio Olympics. But the Spaniard doesn’t have age on his side and is viewed as a backup PG in the league, at best.

Though coach Brett Brown expects to give rookie sensation Ben Simmons a few minutes playing point guard, the Sixers still need a longterm solution at the most critical position in modern day basketball.

Jrue Holiday, 26, had a nice bounce back season with the New Orleans Pelicans.

After missing a combined 90 games during the 2013-14 and 2014-15 seasons, Holiday played 65 games last year and averaged 16.8 points and 6.0 assists, ranking No. 13 among point guards in RPM. Not bad.

Though not many analysts view Holiday as a max-worthy player, the former UCLA standout seems determined to have a solid year and earn his money next summer.

According to Liz Mullen of Sports Business Daily, Holiday is switching agents with hopes to land a major payday next June.

The Sixers, a team with most players on rookie-scale contracts, should be able to offer Holiday the max money. The Pelicans lack depth at the 1 spot with only Norris Cole and Tim Frazier backing up Holiday.

And even though Frazier showed a ton of promise last year, he’s not a starting-caliber point guard.

The Pelicans could be willing to max out Holiday. With Tyreke Evans also approaching free agency, New Orleans will have $24 million available against a projected salary cap of $102 million.

However, it would be a feel good story for Holiday to return to the Philadelphia 76ers, the team that drafted him in 2009. Holiday became an All-Star in 2013 when he led the Sixers to a 38-44 record, the last time the city of Philadelphia witnessed a respectable basketball team.

Feb 26, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari (8) and forward Kenneth Faried (35) look to control the ball as Dallas Mavericks forward Chandler Parsons (left) and center Zaza Pachulia (27) defend during the first quarter at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Danilo Gallinari

The Clippers have been blessed with star-studded front and backcourts but they’ve been scrambling to find a starting small forward for a number of years.

They’ve had to resort to veterans Luc Mbah a Moute and Paul Pierce to start the 3, besides former lottery pick Wesley Johnson. But they could definitely use an upgrade at the wing.

There could be mutual interest between the Clippers and Danilo Gallinari, who signed a two-year $34 million extension with the Denver Nuggets last summer.

According to Chris Broussard of ESPN, the Clippers tried to acquire the Italian prior to February’s deadline in a trade surrounding Blake Griffin.

“I’ve been told the Clippers actually called Denver and offered Blake Griffin and Lance Stephenson for Danilo Gallinari, Kenneth Faried, Will Barton and Nikola Jokic. Denver turned it down because Blake will be a free agent after next season. Plus they like some of those young kids.”

Doc Rivers, coach and GM of the Clippers, reportedly rubbished the rumor.

Despite Gallinari’s consistent production as a starter, injuries have caused him to miss an average of 32 games per year since entering the league in 2008. Unless Gallo manages to stay healthy this season, general managers could hesitate to pay him max money.

The Clippers, however, could be left with a ton of cap room next season if free agents Blake Griffin, Chris Paul and J.J. Redick decide to leave Los Angeles. Gallinari shouldn’t warrant a max contract but could be given one by the Clippers, who could be forced to go that route.

Apr 28, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) shoots the ball against Boston Celtics forward Jonas Jerebko (8) during the first half in game six of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

Paul Millsap

Paul Millsap and the Atlanta Hawks are on good terms despite the myriad of rumors surrounding the three-time All-Star, according to Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders.

The defensive ace, who signed a three-year, $60 million max contract last summer, is most likely to decline his player option next year and pursue a long-term deal.

Millsap, with more than 10 years of experience in the league, will be seeking the most lucrative contract of his career since he’d eligible for the highest possible percentage of the salary cap (35 percent under the existing CBA).

Since Millsap turns 32 next year, the next contract will be his final opportunity to cash in. This eliminates the possibility of Millsap opting into his player option for the 2017-18 season.

According to Kyler, the Hawks are invested a frontcourt pairing of new acquisition Dwight Howard and Millsap, albeit for the short-term.

“The story from Atlanta is that Millsap is a cornerstone to their season (2016-17). Whether that’s true in the long-term remains to be seen, but in the short-term the Hawks see Millsap as the counterbalance to Dwight Howard and a focal point for their season.”

However, Kyler also noted that the Hawks could explore a trade if the team starts the season 5-15 and are made aware of Millsap’s intention to opt out next summer.

Zach Lowe of ESPN reported in July that the Hawks discussed a trade surrounding Millsap with multiple teams ahead of the February deadline.

“They (Hawks) talked about Millsap trades with Phoenix, Denver, Toronto and Houston; the Nuggets were ready to flip a players-and-picks package headlined by Kenneth Faried, according to several sources familiar with the matter.”

It doesn’t make sense for the Suns or the Nuggets to pursue Millsap since they have invested in a number of young frontcourt players over the last few draft nights.

The Nuggets seem to be set with the international duo of Jusuf Nurkic and Nikola Jokic, Kenneth Faried and new draftee Juan Hernangomez.

The Suns are loaded in the frontcourt with Alex Len, veteran Tyson Chandler, rookies Marquese Chriss and Dragan Bender, to name a few.

It would make perfect sense for the Rockets to pursue Millsap. Even though Clint Capela has shown signs of an NBA-caliber starter, they lack depth in the frontcourt with veteran Nene on board as a 1-year solution and Montrezl Harrell still to develop into a decent rotational player.

Though Ryan Anderson is likely to start the 4 this season, he’s there for his ability to stretch the floor and shoot threes and not to bolster the team’s defense. A frontcourt pairing of Millsap and Anderson or even Capela and Millsap should prove to be efficient on both ends of the floor.

After losing Dwight Howard, the Rockets splurged quite a bit this summer, signing Eric Gordon and Anderson to lucrative, four-year contracts.

Technically, they are nearly capped out and won’t be able to offer Millsap a max contract. However, general manager Daryl Morey is capable of moving a few contracts around to accommodate a legitimate all-star frontcourt player.

Mar 30, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) and Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) fight for a loose ball during the second half at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Golden State won in overtime 103-96. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

Gordon Hayward

If the Jazz win 50 games this season, Gordon Hayward should consider staying in Utah to grow side-by-side with fellow rising stars Derrick Favors and Rudy Gobert.

However, the 26-year-old can’t be faulted for wanting to re-unite with Celtics coach Brad Stevens, who was the coach at Butler during Hayward’s two-year collegiate career in Indianapolis.

According to Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders, the Celtics were keen to trade for Hayward this summer but held onto their assets since they intend to pursue the wing in free agency next year.

Kyler also reported that Jazz are hoping to re-sign Hayward next year despite growing fears that the seventh-year forward could head elsewhere next July.

“It’s easy to lock in on Hayward as the best long-term option, especially due to his history with Celtics coach Brad Stevens, but the truth of that situation is the Jazz are not overly interested in moving Hayward and to get them to the table may cost a lot more than the Celtics wants to spend.”

Jae Crowder, the Celtics’ starting small forward, wasn’t thrilled when the rumor of a Hayward-Stevens reunion surfaced earlier in the summer.

After all, Hayward would be taking Crowder’s spot in the starting unit!

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— JAE CROWDER (@CJC9BOSS) July 19, 2016

According to ESPN Forecast, Hayward has the sixth-best odds of emerging as a first-time All-Star this season. The Celtics ended their All-Star free agency drought this July with the addition of Al Horford. Could they possibly have two successful offseasons in succession?

Apr 10, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (right) and guard Kyle Lowry (7) react on the bench during the second half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. The Raptors defeated the Knicks 93-89. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

Kyle Lowry

This one is rather easy.

Kyle Lowry has become an icon in Canada and there’s a million-to-one shot that the point guard goes elsewhere next summer.

Lowry, entering his 12th season this year, will be eligible for the highest possible percentage of the salary cap (projected to be $102 million).

If he were to sign a five-year max extension, similar to Mike Conley Jr’s deal with the Memphis Grizzlies, Lowry could earn the most lucrative contract in league history.

There’s too much money on the table for Lowry to leave behind. Therefore, it’s almost a foregone conclusion that Lowry would sign a five-year deal on the first day of free agency.

Also, the Raptors would prefer to secure Lowry for five years, one summer after signing DeRozan to a five-year extension worth $139 million.

In June, Lowry used social media platform Instagram to write a heartfelt letter to Raptors fans after leading Toronto to its deepest playoff run in franchise history. Though the Raptors lost the conference finals 4-2 to the Cleveland Cavaliers, they went down fighting.

Lowry registered a career-high 21.2 points and 6.4 assists last season while being voted into the All-Star Game as a starter. The point guard also became the first Raptor to earn All-NBA honors since Chris Bosh.

January 16, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) meets with Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) following the 126-121 victory at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Chris Paul

Chris Paul is a nine-time All-Star, four-time assists leader, six-time steals leader with eight All-NBA honors and All-Defensive honors. And despite all those accolades, Paul has never gotten past the second round of the playoffs.

Paul will be 32 when he enters free agency next year. Surely, the best point guard of the generation, who wants nothing more than the elusive ring, realizes he’s nearing a now-or-never situation.

Luckily for Paul, concerns about his left knee have subsided in recent years. In 2010, the Los Angeles Clippers star underwent arthroscopic surgery and at the time, there were legitimate concerns about his long-term health.

However, Paul has dispelled those fears with a series of productive seasons.

Just last season, Paul was the No. 1 point guard in the league in Real Plus-Minus (RPM) and also the best defensive floor general with an outstanding Defensive RPM of 2.44.

He trailed Stephen Curry and Russell Westbrook in most offensive advanced metrics, but Paul had his best scoring season (19.5 points per game, 26.31 PER) since 2008-09 with the New Orleans Pelicans.

Paul is still arguably a top-10 player in the game and an instant game-changer for any franchise.

But why the Cleveland Cavaliers? Don’t they already have Kyrie Irving and LeBron James handling playmaking duties? And wouldn’t Paul, a natural ball-handler and floor general, get lost in the mix?

There are a number of reasons to justify the predicted landing spot.

February 15, 2015; New York, NY, USA; Western Conference guard Chris Paul of the Los Angeles Clippers (3) high-fives Eastern Conference guard Kyrie Irving of the Cleveland Cavaliers (2) during the second half of the 2015 NBA All-Star Game at Madison Square Garden. The West defeated the East 163-158. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

In recent years, LeBron James has reiterated his wish to play from the perimeter and stay away from the power forward spot, where he excelled in his most efficient season with the Miami Heat in 2012-13.

Many analysts feel James is best suited to the 4 spot since he’s bigger and stronger than the average power forward in the league, and most efficient when not forced to attempt jump shots.

However, Love’s ability to space the floor has given James the freedom to play an inside-out game, while knowing that Irving’s presence on the perimeter doesn’t allow defenses to relax.

Except for his rookie season, James has always led his team in assists per game. But as he grows older, James ought to consider the possibility of deferring to a true point guard.

In Irving, James doesn’t have that true point guard sine he still remains the primary playmaker for the reigning NBA champions. However, Paul’s arrival would allow James to post up and dominate smaller power forwards, the likes of Draymond Green and Paul Millsap, besides all the stretch-4’s.

The only problem, however, is Irving’s inability to thrive off-the-ball. Irving is at his best when operating with the spread pick-and-roll as the primary ball-handler.

Therefore, the adjustment for Irving to move to the two-guard spot and allowing Paul to take charge of the offense, could prove more challenging than the fine-tuning needed from James.

Having said that, you can never have enough playmakers on the court in the modern NBA. This season, the Warriors offense is going to historically great with Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Draymond Green and Andre Iguodala on the floor, four players who are natural playmakers.

Also, James, Irving and Paul are high IQ players who will figure out ways to thrive together.

If Golden State runs roughshod over the league this season, there’s more reason for Paul to consider joining the Cavaliers, potentially prolonging the greatest rivalry since the Celtics-Lakers.

For Cavaliers GM David Griffin, acquiring Paul would prove challenging since he has nearly $119 million committed in salaries for the 2017-18 season. The Cavs would need to move Iman Shumpert, Channing Frye and possibly Mike Dunleavy to create room for Paul.

The other option would be to do a sign-and-trade with the Clippers and use the full $9.7 million trade exception created by trading Anderson Varejao last season.

If Paul wishes to join Believeland, GM LeBron James will make it work. The real life friendship of James and Paul could very well translate into magic on a basketball court. Could you imagine Paul throwing up lobs to a soaring James? How does anyone plan to counter that?

Dec 5, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) passes the ball during the third quarter against the Orlando Magic at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

Blake Griffin

If the Los Angeles Clippers don’t make noise next postseason, Blake Griffin has every right to look elsewhere.

In recent years, the relationship between the Clippers and Griffin has been reportedly fractured.

Griffin earned a bad rep within the organization for striking a member of the team’s equipment staff, while jeopardizing the Clippers’ season by missing six weeks of action due to a right hand injury.

The Clippers never got into rhythm last season due to Griffin’s injuries and suspension.

He missed 45 games in the regular season and managed to appear in four first-round playoff games against Portland before aggravating his left quad injury, which prematurely ruled him out of the postseason.

After enduring his worst season in the NBA, Griffin is under pressure to have a bounce-back year and potentially help the Clippers challenge the Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs for the top seed in the West.

Recently, team president-cum-coach Doc Rivers told The Vertical podcast that he views Griffin as a Clipper lifer, while citing Steve Ballmer’s ownership as the primary reason.

“We’re hoping Blake ends his career playing for the Clippers. Period. So when teams call (hoping to trade for him), we say we have no interest,” said Rivers

Griffin could grapple with the impending decision since the Clippers can offer him the most lucrative possible five-year deal.

However, the power forward is still 27 and can explore ways, barring injuries, to return to free agency at the age of 30-31 to earn another maximum-level contract down the road.

Seeing as Russell Westbrook has made a three-year commitment to the Thunder, Griffin has good reason to consider a return to his hometown.

According to The Vertical’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Thunder front office has assured Westbrook that they would pursue Griffin next summer.

“Durant is deleted. Done and gone and no longer part of his world. ‘What’s next?’ he (Westbrook) asked – and the Thunder connected with Westbrook on a plan to construct their next act.
“Once, it was James Harden and Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. Now, it’s a superstar solo act – with an eye upon Los Angeles Clippers All-Star forward Blake Griffin in 2017 free agency. Griffin is an Oklahoma kid gone Hollywood, a star who has his own tensions with Chris Paul on the Clippers.

“For now, this is Westbrook’s chance to become a recruiter, a gatherer, and bringing back Griffin could make these Thunder a legitimate threat to Golden State in the Western Conference.”

Since Chris Paul is entering the final phase of his career, would it make sense for Griffin to align himself with the younger and arguably more driven Russell Westbrook? Count on it.

Also, the Thunder is blessed with more depth and talent than an aging Clippers team. It sounds like a non-brainer if you’re Griffin.

Aug 5, 2016; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; USA basketball players Klay Thompson , Kevin Durant , Draymond Green during the opening ceremonies for the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games at Maracana. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports

Kevin Durant

When Kevin Durant agreed to join the Warriors on a two-year deal with an player option next year, analysts had reason to speculate that the 2013 MVP doesn’t view Golden State as a long-term destination.

However, that’s not Durant’s current thought process. During his introductory press conference in July, Durant told reporters that he had no intention of going through the process of free agency two years in a row.

You can’t blame Durant. He met six teams in the Hamptons before picking the Warriors on a Fourth of July which he called the “toughest day of my life.” Surely, Durant must be emotionally exhausted.

Durant’s decision to make a one-year commitment makes financial sense since he can maximize his earnings with a fresh contract next summer.

Also, Durant would complete the 10-year criterion which allows him to earn the maximum possible percentage of the salary cap (35 per cent of a projected $102 million, subject to change in the new CBA for 2017 NBA Free Agents).

It’s important to note that the Warriors front office will have their hands full next offseason. Besides Durant, Stephen Curry, Andre Iguodala and Shaun Livingston will also become unrestricted free agents.

But if the Warriors reign supreme this season, expect them to bring back all four players even if it means convincing a pair of them to forego more money from outside suitors.

Why break up a potential dynasty?

Despite Durant’s assurance to stick in Oakland, Warriors president Rick Welts isn’t taking anything for granted. During an interview with CBS Sports Radio, Welts said that the team isn’t looking beyond 2017.

“There’s no commitment from Kevin. He signed a one-year contract with a player option. So I think the hope and expectation is there’s a business reason for doing that more than there is a basketball reason for doing that.
[blockquote]“We’ve got to be a place that is as good as he thought it was when he selected the Warriors over the other options that he had. I think we’re going through a really interesting time in our league. We’re all trying to figure out what the new world is going to look like.”

Bet on Kevin Durant to sign a five-year max contract extension next summer.

June 19, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts while speaking to media following the 93-89 loss against the Cleveland Cavaliers in game seven of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Stephen Curry

Stephen Curry is one of those generational players who alters a franchise forever. After drafting him in 2009, the Warriors front office has done everything possible to build the team around Curry.

By 2011, the Warriors management realized that trading Monta Ellis would benefit Curry’s game. They were proven right. And in 2014, they resisted a trade that would have sent Klay Thompson to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Kevin Love.

Jerry West, the most successful executive in history, reportedly threatened to quit if the Warriors proceeded with the Love-Thompson trade. Mychal Thompson, father of Klay, told the Bay Area News Group that owner Joe Lacob and GM Bob Myers wanted to pull the trigger.

However, West and coach Steve Kerr vetoed the proposed deal, reasoning that Curry’s game would suffer in the absence of his Splash Brother. Again, they were proven right.

Curry is arguably the most impactful offensive weapon since prime Shaquille O’Neal. However, his shortcomings on the other end of the floor make it imperative for Thompson to guard other elite point guards in the league, while Curry focuses most of his energy on offense.

If the Warriors had traded Thompson, Draymond Green would have never assumed the role of starting power forward and Curry would have been under enormous pressure to play defense. In other words, the Warriors would have never revolutionized basketball.

It has also been proven that the decision to replace Mark Jackson with Kerr benefitted Curry’s game. The Warriors have made every decision to benefit Curry.

And now it’s Curry’s turn to repay the franchise by making a five-year commitment. The Warriors move to a new arena in San Francisco by 2019. By securing Durant and Curry to five-year deals, they will strengthen their position as the No. 1 box office attraction in all of pro basketball.

After the Warriors failed to repeat as champions, Curry had a powerful message for Dub Nation.

A special message to #DubNation from @StephenCurry30 ???????? pic.twitter.com/5RXTQLQv0E

— GoldenStateWarriors (@warriors) June 20, 2016

Bet on Curry to finish his career with the Golden State Warriors, proving that it’s possible for modern-day players to pull a Tim Duncan, Dirk Nowitzki or Kobe Bryant.