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NBA: Predicting where the top 15 free agents will sign

By Michael Saenz

May 4, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) shoots the basketball against Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) during the fourth quarter in game two of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Jazz 115-104. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
May 4, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) shoots the basketball against Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) during the fourth quarter in game two of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Jazz 115-104. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 7, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards forward Otto Porter Jr. (22) reacts against the Boston Celtics during the third quarter in game four of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
May 7, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards forward Otto Porter Jr. (22) reacts against the Boston Celtics during the third quarter in game four of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

Random Predictions

Before we jump into the top 10 free agents heading into the summer, there are a few other random predictions that I’d like to make. These are a few players that just fall out of the top 10 but also will play key roles in shaping the 2017-18 NBA season.

Otto Porter Jr., Restricted – barring some unforeseen event, I fully expected the Washington Wizards to match any offer sheet that Porter gets on the open market. Something that could throw a loop in it all is a potential trade for Carmelo Anthony or Paul George. It’s unlikely, but something to keep an eye on.

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Nerlens Noel, Restricted – I have a hard time seeing the Dallas Mavericks letting Noel walk this summer. He’s the ideal center in today’s game, and is a natural fit next to Dirk Nowitzki. He will have plenty of suitors, but in the end the Mavs will match any offer he gets.

J.J. Redick – this is actually a tough one. Redick will be looking for one last big payday, and the LA Clippers simply don’t have the means to deliver. He will almost certainly find his way on a new team next season, but your guess is as good as mine. If I had to guess, I’d say the Sixers.

Andre Iguodala – Iggy is another interesting development. Originally, it seems as though the Warriors were going to re-sign him with ease. Although, now it’s looking more and more like it will be difficult for Golden State to keep him. Still, with the combination of Kevin Durant taking a little less than a max deal coupled with Iggy taking a bit less than he would make on the open market, I believe Iguodala re-signs in Golden State.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Restricted – I’m going to guess the Brooklyn Nets. If Stan Van Gundy really wants to blow it all up, and they reportedly want to ship Reggie Jackson and Andre Drummond away, then I don’t see why he’d give another (potentially) good player big money. We still don’t know what KCP is, or what he can be. Still, I don’t think SVG can afford to give him a max contract. The Nets will.

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