NBA: Predicting the landing spots for the top 15 free agents
Julius Randle (UFA)
This time last year, Julius Randle decided to take a major bet on himself, ultimately signing a two-year, $18 million deal with a player option. That paid off huge dividends, as he’s probably played his way into getting a pretty substantial payday. Randle did a phenomenal job replacing DeMarcus Cousins last year, showing that he can truly do it all by putting up 21.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game.
The former top-10 pick for the Los Angeles Lakers has already declined his player option, so it’s really out there as to where he may go next season. Almost immediately, New Orleans is a potential option as Anthony Davis has now left the Pelicans, which opens up a role for him to be a small ball 5 (there has been mutual interest too).
Dallas has also been rumored to be a potential landing spot for him as well; the big man grew up in the Dallas area, and fans have been clamoring for a hometown reunion. However, the Mavericks allegedly don’t have him high on their wish list, which leaves the ultimate wild card for a suitor; the Phoenix Suns.
It’s definitely an intriguing fit, as he’d profile to form a pretty nice frontcourt duo with DeAndre Ayton already in the fold, and the Suns will apparently consider him as an option. They’ll have to most certainly renounce the rights of Kelly Oubre if he gets a large deal, but Randle may be the piece that finally pushes the young Suns out of the basement of the Western Conference.