Power Forwards
1 Blake Griffin, Los Angeles Clippers, Unrestricted
Blake Griffin is expected to opt out of his contract and become a free agent with his future looking uncertain. Griffin, when healthy, is a top three power forward but his health has become an inconvenience for the Clippers. Blake has suffered a season-ending injury in the playoffs two years in a row but his elite play still makes him very desirable. Griffin averaged 21.6 PPG, 8.1 RPG, and 4.9 APG for the season. Griffin will receive a max salary for his services.
Prediction: Re-signs with Clippers.
2. Paul Millsap, Atlanta Hawks, Unrestricted
Hoops Habit
Paul Millsap is headed to free agency after four years with the Hawks. Millsap is a crafty veteran capable of scoring effectively. Millsap is having his best year in the NBA at 32 years old. For the season, Millsap is averaging 18.1 PPG and 7.7 RPG. Millsap may not get a max contract but he will definitely receive a salary north of $20 million.
Prediction: Re-signs with Atlanta.
3. Serge Ibaka, Toronto Raptors, Unrestricted
Serge Ibaka is going to be a free agent after being traded twice in the last year. Ibaka remains a good defensive player with a solid jump-shot, and is playing at his highest level in years. For the season, Ibaka is averaging 14.8 PPG and 6.8 RPG but he was slightly more productive in Orlando. Ibaka is looking at a large contract slightly lower than a max.
Prediction: Signs with Detroit.
4. Pau Gasol, San Antonio Spurs, Unrestricted
Pau Gasol is set to head to free agency after one season in San Antonio. Gasol even at 36 remains an effective scorer. Pau’s stats have taken a hit in the Spurs system but he has been a good player off the bench. Gasol is averaging 12.4 PPG and 7.8 RPG for the season. Gasol is likely to receive another one-year deal around $15 million.
Prediction: Re-signs with Spurs.
5. Zach Randolph, Memphis Grizzlies, Unrestricted
Zach Randolph is going to free agency after eight seasons in Memphis. Randolph is still a very good player in the post and can still grab rebounds at an effective rate. Randolph was asked to come off the bench this season and made the most of that role as it barely affected his stats. For the season, Randolph averaged 14.1 PPG and 8.1 RPG, only a slight dropoff from last season. Randolph will likely receive a one or two-year deal worth around $15 million annually.
Prediction: Stays with Memphis.