The NBA Finals have given us a champion in the Golden State Warriors, and the NBA draft has given us a class of talented and promising prospects. Now, all eyes are on the free agency period which commences on July 1. Apart from unrestricted agents like Kevin Durant or Stephen Curry, who will clearly re-sign with the Golden State Warriors, the three biggest names in the market will be Chris Paul, Gordon Hayward, and Blake Griffin.
Chris Paul's future
Chris Paul, 32, can either re-sign with the Los Angeles Clippers for the max, which would be five years and about $205 million or increase his chances at the NBA title by signing with another team for four years and about $152 million.
The Clippers, with the big three of Paul, Griffin, and DeAndre Jordan, seem to have reached their ceiling. Their championship hopes have been crushed year after year and earlier than expected in the playoffs.
Paul averaged 18.1 points, 9.2 assists and 5.0 rebounds per game on 47.6 percent shooting this season. These are still remarkable numbers. Several teams still see in Paul the ultimate leader and fighter. Thus, teams like the San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets, or Denver Nuggets have expressed their interest in acquiring his service. First things first, Paul has informed the Clippers that he will be opting out of his contract in order to test the free agency market. Once Paul chooses a destination, it seems like other free agency chips will then fall.
Paul's biggest opportunity to win would be with the Spurs. Playing alongside Kawhi Leonard and under Gregg Popovich would guarantee him at least a spot behind the Warriors. Joining the offensive force that is the Rockets could be fun, but that would move James Harden back to the shooting guard position. In addition, D'Antoni's system has not earned him yet an NBA finals appearance.
The Nuggets are young and talented but inexperienced.
Gordon Hayward's future
Gordon Hayward, 27, is entering the prime of his career. He must be given credit for leading an inexperienced Utah Jazz team to the second round of the playoffs. The Jazz would be even better next season with Hayward on their team. Hayward is expected to opt out of his contract.
While he could sign a better deal if he remains with the Jazz, the Boston Celtics will be an enticing option.
The Celtics were not able to acquire Jimmy Butler, so that will further push them to pursue Hayward. Having another ball-handler on the floor apart from Isiah Thomas would greatly benefit the Celtics. He could fit in nicely at the 2 or 3 spot. In addition, Hayward could reunite with his college coach Brad Stevens. The Miami Heat have also been linked with Hayward, but the Heat are not in a better position in the Eastern Conference.
Blake Griffin's future
Blake Griffin, 28, looks ready to start a new chapter in his NBA career. Griffin needs to leave behind his off-court LA drama and on-court misfortune with injuries.
Griffin will also be opting out of his contract and could re-sign with the Clippers for more money than with any other team. Griffin's athleticism-based play will soon fade away. Thus, he will need to carefully choose a destination that will enable him to grow as a player.
Griffin could return to his hometown Oklahoma City, but that seems unlikely. The Miami Heat have shown interest, but their team lacks talent at the moment. Other options could include the Rockets or the new-look Minnesota Timberwolves. The Celtics seem to have better chances than anyone else. The Celtics are ready to win right now, and their power forward spot is in desperate need of a player of Griffin's calibre.
A special mention has to be given to quality free agents like Paul Millsap, Kyle Lowry, Jrue Holiday, Serge Ibaka, and Danilo Gallinari. They will draw considerable interest from teams, but it looks like the future of many of these players will only be resolved once Chris Paul, Gordon Hayward, and Blake Griffin decide their future.
