Next year's free agency has many big name players scheduled to hit the market. Where some of these stars land could potentially boost franchises into title contenders.
1. Kevin Durant /Forward/ Golden State Warriors
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A top NBA talent and the Finals MVP the past two years, there is not much debate on Durant in the top 3 players in the NBA in general. Potential destinations that Durant could land include the New York Knicks and as of recently the Los Angeles Clippers. If the Warriors are able to pull off a three-peat I firmly believe KD will look to another city to take to the promised land.
2. Kawhi Leonard/Forward/ Toronto Raptors
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Leonard was involved in a trade before this season that moved him from the Spurs to the Raptors in exchange for DeMar DeRozan among other pieces. Kawhi is one of the best two-way players in the game and is among only 3 players in history to win both a Defensive Player of the year award and Finals MVP in their career. Recent talks have surfaced about the Clippers trying to sign both KD and Kawhi in the offseason which could easily reestablish the team as a franchise long-term. However, don't be surprised if the Raptors try to hang on to Kawhi for at least another year with his player option for the 2019-2020 season.
3. Kyrie Irving /Guard/ Boston Celtics
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Kyrie is one the top point guards in the NBA and after being traded to the Celtics he showed what he can do being the leader of a team when Gordon Hayward suffered a season-ending injury in the first game of the season. The only thing about Irving is that he is injury-prone, he has missed at least ten games in six of his seven pro seasons. I don't see many possible options besides some whispers of the New York Knicks being a potential option. I just don't see why Kyrie would leave the young, blossoming core that they have in Boston.
4. Jimmy Butler/ Guard/ Philadelphia 76ers
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After Butler stated he was unhappy in Minnesota he was traded to the 76ers early on in the season. The only downside of this deal for Philadelphia is that Butler has a player option to become a free agent next season, which would result in the 76ers giving away young pieces for a rental player. Butler is a solid two-way guard and can give 20 points per night consistently. Some rumors have stated that Butler wants to team up and play with his buddy Kyrie Irving next year.
5. Klay Thompson / Guard/ Golden State Warriors
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Klay is one of the best pure-shooters in the game, even though he is often overlooked in the superstar-studded roster of the Warriors. He can explode and not just give you 30 in a game, but in a single quarter when he catches fire. Another plus about this splash brother is that he rarely gets injured. I don't see Thompson leaving the Warriors, especially if Golden State can't hold onto Durant.
6. Kristaps Porzingis/ Forward/ New York Knicks
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The Knicks superstar suffered an ACL tear last February and there still is not a timetable on his return. It should be key to witness Porzingis upon his return and how he rebounds from this injury. If the Knicks want any chance of being a destination for other big name free agents, it is critical that they keep Porzingis as leverage that they are serious about being a future contender.
7. Kemba Walker/ Guard/ Charlotte Hornets
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Kemba has helped the Hornets establish themselves as a potential playoff team for the 2019 postseason. He is a gritty player that has had a chip on his shoulder since entering the NBA because of his smaller stature. He is extremely durable, only missing a combined 6 games over his past 3 seasons.
8. Al Horford/ Center/ Boston Celtics
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Horford has been able to stretch the floor from the five position. It is worth noting that he lead the Celtics in total rebounds, assists, and blocks. Interesting that a center would have the most assists on a team, but this just is proof of his capabilities on the offensive end. Horford will be 33 when free agency begins, so I think he will stick with the Celtics because they are already a powerhouse in the Eastern conference with their young core of players.
9. DeMarcus Cousins/ Center/ Golden State Warriors
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It will be interesting to see what "Boogie" Cousins can do after coming off of an Achilles tear last season. Most players after this sort of injury are never the same, I figure it is even tougher for big men. If he is able to make a splash once he returns for Golden State it will be highly doubtful they will be able to hold onto him since the most they can only offer him $6.4 million for the 2019-2020 season.
10. Goran Dragic / Guard/ Miami Heat
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Dragic will also be 33 years old next July when he hits the free agent market. Sure, he is in the top half of Point Guards in the NBA and was an All-Star last year, but his career could be regressing. In addition, a lot of teams have solid point guards, the ones that don't might have rookies or sophomores still developing a feel in the association.
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