The Biggest Names to Watch in Free Agency: Part 1
Evaluating Key Players Who Could be on the Move This Summer
Although the Conference Finals are still underway, it’s never to early for free agency rumors to begin. Already, there is speculation about who’s going where, making for an exciting offseason ahead.
With all but four teams eliminated, here are the biggest names to watch in free agency (so far).
Player Options: Russell Westbrook and James Harden
I’ve already written extensively about Westbrook’s and Harden’s current situations. Both of them have Player Options for $47 million, and, should they choose to exercise them, will become free agents in the 2023 offseason.
Westbrook and Harden— who were teammates in Oklahoma City — have each gone through their fair share of struggles this year, with noticeable declines in production at 33 and 32 years old, respectively. Westbrook’s first year in his hometown was far from perfect, while Harden was moved from Brooklyn to Philly and, like Russ, has shown he is clearly past his prime.
Regardless of what these guys do this offseason, their decisions will surely impact their teams and the rest of the league.
Zach LaVine
The current Chicago Bull is looking for a change of scenery, as his recent comments indicated that he “[plans] to enjoy free agency.”
He continued, “We’re going to have to experience A through Z without making any fast decisions. I think that’s something me and [agent Rich Paul] are going to go through” (CBS Sports).
The 27-year-old was moved from Minnesota in the Jimmy Butler trade, and has spent five years in the Windy City since then, averaging 24.4 PPG, 4.7 RPG, and 4.4 APG in that time. However, with the Bulls out of the playoffs with another first-round exit, which was LaVine’s postseason debut, their star player just might be moving on and saying “see ya” to Chicago.
Deandre Ayton
The 22-year-old, who many believed would earn a max deal from Phoenix, could be moving on from his team after three years in The Valley. After averaging 17.9 PPG, 8.9 RPG, and 1.7 APG in the playoffs, a run that ended tumultuously as the Mavericks manhandled the Suns, Deandre Ayton may not be part of the Suns’ core after all.
Despite the struggles between Ayton and head coach Monty Williams, Suns GM James Jones still has high praise for Phoenix’s first #1 overall pick in franchise history (as quoted by RealGM):
“Deandre had an amazing season and he’s progressed every year and improved every year,” Jones said. “He’s been here and so he’s a big part of what we do. His future with us is something we will address at the proper time which is in the future. He’s a free agent and I’ve said all along: he’s about the same things were about, which is winning. We’ll address it at the proper time.”
A lot of teams could be interested in a young rim-running big who can be a force on both ends while spacing the floor (albeit in limited attempts), and the ones who have cap space and such a need should have Ayton near the top of their lists. Nonetheless, his time with the Suns could be coming to an end, and if so, it will be exciting to see where the promising center winds up.
Jalen Brunson
Finally, from Luka’s backup to his breakout backcourt partner, the Mavericks have a tough decision to make with Jalen Brunson once their playoff run is over. The 25-year-old finished his third year in the league with regular-season averages of 16.3 PPG, 3.9 RPG, and 4.8 APG on 50–37–84 splits. He’s had a fantastic playoff run, boasting 22.3 PPG, 4.6 RPG, and 3.5 APG on 46–29–82 splits at the time of writing, including 31- and 41-point outbursts in the first round against Utah.
As of now, the Mavericks hope to re-sign Brunson this summer, but will have to make some major moves to do so, according to FanSided’s The Smoking Cuban:
“The Mavericks will need to go deep into the luxury tax to re-sign Jalen Brunson as Luka Doncic’s max extension kicks in. Dallas could look to trade Tim Hardaway Jr., Spencer Dinwiddie, or Davis Bertans this summer to try to free up some space, but they will still be in the tax unless the team makes a massive roster overhaul.”
-Tyler Watts, The Smoking Cuban/FanSided
Additionally, the Mavs are reportedly in competition with the Knicks, Pistons, and Pacers for the Villanova alum’s services. Even though Cuban and Dallas would do everything in their power to retain their emerging star, expect Brunson to have league-wide interest and get a hefty contract as well.
Overall, these names are just a few that we’ll be hearing about in the coming weeks and months, as their moves could be enough to move mountains and, potentially, change the landscape of the league.
