NBA Free Agency: Predicting The Top 10 Free Agents Landing Spots

Apr 14, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns forward

P.J. Tucker

(17) reacts after a basket by Phoenix Suns guard Erc Bledsoe (2) during the first half at US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

This NBA free agency class is one of the stronger ones in recent memory as it features many star players. Many of the top free agents are on the decline as they have many miles on their bodies, but young teams like the Charlotte Hornets and Atlanta Hawks can use their experience as they are a piece away from being a true threat.

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I will now go to talk about where the top 10 free agents will land and why. Paul Pierce, Trevor Ariza, Isaiah Thomas and Luol Deng missed the cut, which says a lot.

10. Greg Monroe– The 24-year-old Greg Monroe isn’t getting the buzz of Chris Bosh and Pau Gasol, but he can be the most worthy of signing as he is much younger and can still improve. Monroe averaged 15.2 points and 9.3 rebounds last season. Monroe will likely leave the Pistons, as there are reports that he isn’t too fond of playing with teammate Josh Smith. Monroe will likely leave to a team that loses out on Chris Bosh and Pau Gasol. Monroe will go to the Cavaliers as they are looking for a threat down low. A team featuring Kyrie Irving, Andrew Wiggins, Greg Monroe, Dion Waiters, Anthony Bennett, and Monroe is certainly playoff worthy.

Prediction: Cleveland Cavaliers

9. Chandler Parsons– Chandler Parsons averaged 16.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4 assists on a Houston Rockets team that won 54 games. What makes Parsons a big target is that he is a versatile defender and is one of the better three-point shooters in the league. In the playoffs Parsons rose his stock a bit, averaging 19.3 points and 6.8 rebounds. It will come down to the Mavericks and Rockets, but he will choose the Rockets. Rockets have made it clear they are interested in Carmelo Anthony, but it is likely they don’t land him and they will re-sign Parsons in order to avoid a hole at the position. Parsons might have to take less than he would like as there is a real possibility that Chris Bosh comes to town.

Prediction: Houston Rockets

8. Pau Gasol- One of the most talked about free agents is certainly the aging Pau Gasol. While Gasol is certainly aging, he still managed to average 17.4 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 3.4 assists. After countless reports of the Lakers supposedly looking to trade him, they will re-sign him as they will land better talent than they had last year. Gasol will choose the Lakers over teams like the Thunder and Heat.

Prediction: Los Angeles Lakers

7. Lance Stephenson– Lance Stephenson is known as a clown or a knucklehead to those that don’t follow the NBA, but he is a special talent. Stephenson averaged 13.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 4.6 rebounds. What makes Stephenson an intriguing option is his toughness and he is still improving. Stephenson is surely a gamble, but there is even a higher reward if he reaches his potential. Stephenson will go to Dallas and pair up with Monta Ellis in the back court. Maybe the Pacers and he are far apart on the offer of five years $44 million, because he wants out.

Prediction: Dallas Mavericks

6. Gordon Hayward– Gordon Hayward is one of the better all-around players offensively in the NBA. The versatile wing, who can play shooting guard and small forward, averaged 16.2 points, 5.2 assists, and 5.1 rebounds this past season. While Hayward can use some improvement on his defense and efficiency from the field (41%), his all around skills are enough to give him a big deal as he is only 24 years old. The Hornets will come out and win the Gordon Hayward as they will convince him that a trio consisting Al Jefferson, Kemba Walker, and Hayward will put the Hornets in contention as they also have a talented rookie in Noah Vonleh.

Prediction: Charlotte Hornets

5. Eric Bledsoe– Eric Bledsoe had the biggest season of his NBA career this past year as he finally got starter minutes. The problem was that Bledsoe missed 39 games with a knee injury. Bledsoe averaged 17.7 points, 5.5 assists, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.6 steals. In addition to being a talented all-around offensive player, Bledsoe is a tough defender. Bledsoe will stay put in Phoenix as he and Dragic will continue to be an elite back-court.

Prediction: Phoenix Suns

4. Dwayne Wade- While the aging Dwayne Wade is certainly not the player that carried the Miami Heat in 2006, he is still a productive shooting guard that is incredibly efficient (55% field goals) and still a good defender. Wade averaged 19 points, 4.7 assists, and 4.5 rebounds this season. Wade has been in Miami his whole career and I don’t see him going elsewhere.

Prediction: Miami Heat

3. Chris Bosh– Below average rebounder, “soft inside”, and average defender are the way many see Chris Bosh, but the truth is that he is still a productive big that is capable of putting up big numbers in the right place. Bosh averaged 16.2 points and 6.6 rebounds this season, but those numbers will likely jump elsewhere. Bosh will take a big offer from Houston as he will be used as a possible second scoring option to James Harden and will make Houston instant title contenders after a first round exit to a tough Portland squad.

Prediction: Houston Rockets

2. Carmelo Anthony– Carmelo Anthony has many teams lining up for his services as he is still an elite scorer. Anthony averaged 27.4 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 3.1 assists. Anthony has improved his three point shooting (40%) and rebounding significantly. Anthony will choose between the Bulls, Knicks, and Lakers, but the Lakers will come out on top. Anthony will team up with Gasol and Kobe Bryant as they will form an elite big three if Bryant is healthy.

Prediction: Los Angeles Lakers

1. LeBron James– It’s not too often where the best player in the game is a free agent, but that is the case this season. LeBron James averaged 27.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, 6.4 assists, and 1.6 steals this season. James without question is the best two way player in the game and has many great years left in him. It will be a close call and James will give Heat fans a scare, but he will stay in Miami breaking Cleveland fans hearts once again. Maybe Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert will put his letter to LeBron back on the Cleveland Cavaliers site.

Prediction: Miami Heat