Rewriting the NBA landscape: The ripple effect of restricted Free Agency

Patrick Patterson

The signing of Gibson would have prevented Oklahoma City from calling on, and eventually signing, Patrick Patterson.  

What could have been his destination?

Patterson signed for three years and $16.4 million. This deal would have fit well on many teams. Many called it one of the best bargain contracts in this free agent class.

Based on reporting by Marc Spears and the Miami Herald, Patterson received interest from Miami and Sacramento in addition to the Thunder.  

Sacramento would have been an appropriate fit given Dave Joerger’s clear interest in signing veterans to mentor their young talents. The fit between Joerger and Zach Randolph was too perfect to be disrupted, and thus their vacancy was filled.    

The Heat seems like a natural fit for Patterson. He is an undersized power forward with a knack for long range shooting. Slotting him in next to Hassan Whiteside would hide his defensive limitations. His three-point shot could the floor for Dragic and their stable of wing players to drive and kick.  

Patterson’s signing may have signaled the end of Dion Waiters or James Johnson’s time in Miami. The more likely odd man out would have been recently inked Kelly Olynyk.  

Olynyk, the Toronto-born big man, possesses many of the same skills as Patterson. On the other hand, he fits in more naturally at the center position. The seven-footer, per the Miami Herald, recently signed a four-year, $50 million deal with the team. He could start next to Whiteside in the frontcourt even though they both play best at the center position.

Given Patterson’s more natural fit in Heat lineups and his more reasonable contract, it is certainly likely that he would have found his home in Miami for the upcoming season.

Where would Olynyk find himself if thrust back onto the free agent market?  

What other subsequent moves would follow?