The NBA offseason is right around the corner, the favorite time of year for many. While the top-tier talent is not hitting free agency as we’ve seen in years past (LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard), there are a lot of names that teams will seek after.
While this free agency class is certainly interesting, not many teams have enough cap space to sign difference makers. Currently, only five teams: the Detroit Pistons, San Antonio Spurs, Indiana Pacers, Portland Trail Blazers, and Orlando Magic are projected to operate as teams with cap space.
Other franchises can free up room if they really want to, but it would require multiple transactions. Among those teams, only Portland is looking to compete now, after they sold everything this past trade deadline to build around Damian Lillard in the future. Therefore, it wouldn’t be shocking to see them land one of the top names in free agency.
Also, this list of the 5 most interesting free agents doesn’t include James Harden or Bradley Beal, as something would have to go seriously wrong for either of them to not play on their current team next year. At the very worst, Harden will accept his $42.7 million player option, and Bradley Beal is eligible for a 5-year, $235 extension with the Wizards.
That’s nearly $70 million more than any other team can sign him to, making it an easy decision for the superstar from St. Louis.
Without further ado, let’s get to the list.