2018 NBA free agency: The best matches, the most likely destinations for LeBron, Paul George, the best players available



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NBA free agency is less than a week away. Everyone wants to know what the future holds for LeBron James, but he's not the only big name who could change his place this summer. Paul George is someone who might decide that he would also like a change in the environment. This could be a monumental and changing league summer.

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The free agency officially begins on Sunday, and if LeBron and George withdraw from their contracts (which everyone should do), we will see a food frenzy that will not be over. It happens only once every few years, with potential superteams hanging in the balance. This class goes well beyond these two, however, so we decided to take a look at the best adjustments and likely destinations for eight of the best free agents of this offseason.

Kevin Durant and Chris Paul will technically also be free agents, but they should both return to their current teams, so we did not want to waste your time. To complicate the issue of adequacy, 80% of NBA teams should be above the cap, meaning that only a few have the money to attract the most expensive talent. So, even if some players would be a good choice, for example, the Wizards, they just do not have the flexibility to get there.

That being said, here are the best adjustments and likely destinations for the best free NBA agents in the 2018 class.

Best result: Lakers, Rockets, Cavs

There are many Teams with the desire and the means to acquire LeBron, but let's be honest – teams like Indiana, Atlanta and Sacramento are not exactly in the equation. Among the expected contenders, however, the Lakers have the athletes and the up-tempo style to suit James' sense of play. The Rockets already have two baseball players, but James would fit in perfectly as another lethal isolation player able to find perimeter shooters or finish at the rim. And if you're talking about fit, you can not ignore the Cavs, who have built their list entirely around James for most of the past 15 years. Clearly, he does not have the distribution he needs right now, but if you get the right pieces around him, Cleveland remains a great place for The King to finish his reign.

Most likely: Lakers

Vegas oddsmakers do not lie, and there is a reason why the Lakers are huge favorites to land LeBron. They not only have the flexibility to attract a second star, but they also have a host of young talents who can flourish alongside James or be used in trades to bring help to veterans. This is not even considering the story of bringing back the Lakers to their glory days and the out-of-court benefits of living in Los Angeles. At this point, it's the race of the Lakers to lose.

Best Fits: 76ers, Lakers, Cavs

George seemed to be the perfect star to put next to Russell Westbrook in Oklahoma City, but that did not work as they hoped for it. Wing 6-8 has been eyeing the Lakers for a while now, and it would fit well into their system alongside their young talent. But he is almost the perfect player to add to the emerging Sixers – integrating it perfectly with Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid as an All-Star 3-D who can double as a crunch time playmaker. And while some envision George playing with LeBron in LA, the duo would be just as devastating if James were able to attract him to Cleveland.

Most likely: Lakers

Although he is apparently more interested in returning to OKC than expected, the only thing we really heard from George is that he wants play for the Lakers. With the franchise on the rise and George in the driver's seat, it seems like it would be the perfect time to fulfill his childhood dream.

Perfect Fit: Rockets, Mavericks, Bulls

Basketball, it would be crazy to see Capela leave the perfect situation in Houston, catching lobs of Chris Paul and James Harden while beating on the other end – but a maximum contract would be difficult to pass. Houston just can not afford to keep Capela, so a team like Dallas or Chicago, both of which have a leadership position and young players who fit the 24-year-old Capela timeline, could make a Godfather offer.

Most likely: Rockets

If Daryl Morey has proven one thing over the years, it is that he will make sure that the numbers work. Keeping Paul-Harden-Capela's momentum alive is the # 1 priority this season for a team that believes it would have beaten the Warriors without Paul's untimely injury. Running it back is the best option, and maybe only, for Houston.

Best result: Bulls, Mavericks, Pelicans

Boogie has a case of free agent perplexed this offseason. If it was not for his Achilles injury in January, a maximum contract would be a virtual guarantee. Instead, teams will be reluctant to sign the 270-pound contract for a long-term agreement until it proves that he is 100% healthy. If this is the case, a team like Chicago or Dallas could follow suit with a big short-term contract with their capitalization.

Most likely: Pelicans

Although some claim that New Orleans is better at playing the shooting style, which allowed them to access the second round of playoffs after the Injury of Cousins, The word in the street is that Anthony Davis likes to play with his twin tower. And the Pelicans do everything they can to keep their superstar happy.

For: Clippers, Mavericks, Bucks

Would not it be funny if after the ridiculous saga of three years ago, Jordan ended up signing with Dallas? As we mentioned with Capela and Cousins, they are in the market of a center and have money to spend. The Bucks also need a center, and Jordan is the lob-catcher / rim guard they're looking for – but they'll have to let Jabari Parker sign elsewhere to make it financially. And of course, there are the Clippers, who will continue the ambitious task of staying competitive while rebuilding, and who already know how to maximize Jordan's skills.

Most likely: Clippers

Jordan can not even get freedom of action if he and his representation think that he will not get the $ 24 million dollars that he will be paid by Los Angeles next season under his patronage. current contract. This seems to be the most likely scenario, with D.J. bringing it out with the Clips for another year.

Adjustments: Suns, Magic, Hawks

For a rebuilding team, a starting team consisting of Devin Booker, Josh Jackson, Aaron Gordon, and DeAndre Ayton is not bad at all. Provided that he can continue to improve his three – point shot (29 percent to 34 percent last season), Gordon would be the athletic vanguard who would go in the direction of the team. attack of the Suns. The Hawks are another troubled franchise that is trying to build a young and exciting team by participating in Trae Young, and a front yard of Gordon and John Collins would test the limits of human athletics. But Gordon was Orlando's best player last season, and they can make a long-term commitment by matching all the offers that come his way.

Most likely: Magic

Orlando has had little reason to hope in recent years, but a core of Gordon, Jonathan Isaac, and Mo Bamba is at least promising. Given the absence of any other viable option, the most likely outcome is that they remain hooked on Gordon and hope he will continue to improve.

For: Knicks, Nets, Kings

It was a horrible 2017-18 season for Thomas, who was online for a maximum contract at the end of his 2016-17 season . Now, given his injury problems, his defensive defenses and his dominant behavior, the teams will be much less inclined to invest long term in the 29-year-old team. That being said, Thomas proved that he could be an elite scorer and a good player with the Celtics, something that every team could use. The Knicks, who will likely be without Kristaps Porzingis for the better part of next season, could benefit from Thomas's scoring ability – and we know that they love the big names. He would also join Brooklyn's up-tempo style, and could play alongside Jeremy Lin and / or Spencer Dinwiddie. And you can not rule out a return to Sacramento, where Thomas was absolutely loved by the fans. They had the second-worst offensive rating in the NBA last season, and could use a proven veteran talent.

Most likely: Knicks

A short-term agreement with New York is quite logical. Thomas flourished in the Boston spotlight and will be the Knicks' top scorer next season until Porzingis returns. The Knicks could pay a little above the value for Thomas on a one-year contract, which would keep their future options open and give Thomas a chance to show up for another shot at the agency. free next summer.

That's fine with him: Lakers, Pacers, Mavericks

Randle's got in shape last summer (just as he was entering his free season, what a surprise ) and it was on the ground. His efficiency went through the roof, from a career of 46 percent to 56 percent last season, and he averaged a career of 16.1 points per game. The Lakers used him as a power forward and a small ball center because he punished the defenses in transition and on the low block. L.A. can not afford to keep it if their LeBron-P.G. Dreams come true, but it would be a good plan B since he already has chemistry with young people. The Pacers could use it to replace Thaddeus Young (though he declines his option), as he is basically a younger and better version of Young at this stage. And if Dallas does not find the center he's looking for, Randle has already proven that he could play the five and go out in transition with Luka Doncic and Dennis Smith Jr.

Most likely: Mavericks

If we assume that LeBron and George are both going to Los Angeles, that leaves no room for Randle. Indiana seems logical, but if Young Re-ups then it's a moot point. So, that leaves Dallas, who could lock up the 23 year old to flourish with their suddenly young and exciting core.

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