NBA Free Agency 2018: Latest rumors and predictions of signature for Top Stars | Bleacher's report

At least one major domino has already begun to influence the free NBA agency.

No, it was not the rough draft. Many of the best names on the market such as LeBron James and Chris Paul are veteran veterans who want to win now. Which means it was an interesting move on the board when Carmelo Anthony decided to stay with the Oklahoma City Thunder, according to Shams Charania of Yahoo Sports.

The other decisions will not come as fast, not with so many things at stake for all participants and many are waiting to see how the league is restructuring if and when Kawhi Leonard leaves the Spurs of San Antonio.

This is not a guarantee, but it accentuates the drama surrounding the free market.

James Lebron

Just at the right moment, the drama surrounding James remains dependent on what is happening elsewhere.

James could be the driving force behind every move in the market as he was when he took his talents to Miami in 2010. But the longer he hangs out, the more obviously he'll wait. This idea received more confirmation Friday FS1 Undisputed, or Chris Broussard reporter said "so many moving parts" have delayed the process for James.

It really makes sense, really. James just lost another Golden State Warriors final, despite minutes of play and an average of 27.5 / 9.1 / 8.6 during the regular season, all these figures being the most important in years.

James will be 34 in December, and his window will begin to close, so he will probably not be looking for a team to wear. He can not show his hand too soon and end up in a less than perfect scenario for his needs now, which could allow him to play more instead of being the main facilitator.

That's why in March, Kevin O'Connor The Ringer reported James would consider joining the Cleveland Cavaliers, as well as joining the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers and Philadelphia 76ers.

At this point, James stuck in Cleveland is not as unlikely as it sounds. Houston has too much on the books, and Paul lagging behind is not guaranteed. The Lakers have rebuilt well over the years while being dismissed by free agents, but James who comes to town does not promise to compete for the titles. The 76ers are exciting but a few years, and there is only one ball to go.

In Cleveland, James still has the ability to attract free agents to town and can push the front office in the direction he wants when it comes to casting the list. The longer he hangs out, the more he seems that he could end up staying at home and using his control to craft his end-of-career prospects.

Prediction: James re-signs with the Cavaliers

Chris Paul

The remaining players with their current teams are a bit boring for all, aside from the fans of these teams, but we are there.

according to USA todayof Sam Amick, the Rockets have "a strong sense" Paul will put ink on paper on an extension with the team.

And why not? The team won 65 games last year at the Western Conference, brought the Warriors to seven games in the conference finals and Paul himself averaged 18.6 / 7.9 / 5.4 during the regular season.

Unless the Rockets are reluctant to negotiate, Paul will get $ 205 million for his five-year contract, notwithstanding that he will pay him $ 46.7 million ridiculously high over the past year. Do not hesitate to associate this with the idea that Paul worked hard to recruit James to Houston, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN (h / t Ben DuBose).

James probably does not happen, which is well based on what the Rockets were able to accomplish a year ago before an unfortunate injury hits Paul. The Rockets are like the Warriors in that they do not need James argues, so unless something unexpected happens financially, expect Paul to stay on the spot rather than roll the dice by teaming up with a different superstar in one. different place.

Prediction: Paul re-sign with the Rockets

Kawhi Leonard

The saga Leonard has the power to stop the NBA.

Not difficult to see why, since Leonard is 26 years old and at its peak in 2016-2017, he averaged 25.5 / 3.5 / 5.8 on 48.5% of shots on the ground while doubling as One of the best defenders of the game. He is also one of the few to want to leave coach Gregg Popovich.

If the Spurs must lose Leonard this offseason through a sloppy relationship beyond repair, Amick reported the front office will not consider trading it against a team from the West Conference.

At first pass, it seems stupid to halve the pool of contenders. But that shows the respect that the Spurs have for Leonard in that they do not want to play him in the playoffs before the finals.

There are only a handful of teams in the East Conference who would have what it takes to trade for Leonard, including the 76ers:

The Boston Celtics also deserve to be mentioned, given the hoarding of Danny Ainge's wallet. But the most interesting of all is a note from Amick suggesting that the Cavaliers have stung around the idea of ​​a trade, although there is "no pull on it." a possible agreement. "

For Leonard, the idea of ​​having jostled an entire conference before being shot by a former rival of the Western Conference must be attractive. And outside of San Antonio, he's going to face less backlash than Kevin Durant did he go and team up with a player like James.

With what seems obvious, Leonard will not allow the relationship with the Spurs to be repaired, look for him to make his way to Cleveland and a James who returns as the Cavaliers undergo a final transformation around James.

Prediction: Leonard joins the Cavaliers