Now that the season is over, it’s time to start preparing for next season! While the Warriors will celebrate this victory now, they and every other team have already begun thinking about how to improve for the 2015-16 NBA season. Players will be on the move, and some will be making very high-profile changes that could shake the foundation of the entire league. For all intents and purposes, we’re assuming LeBron James will be returning to Cleveland, and if his status were uncertain he would without a doubt be the headline of this list. With that said, let’s take a look at the top 10 NBA free agents this summer.
Jimmy Butler - Chicago Bulls
For his first few seasons in the NBA, Jimmy Butler was an unheralded, solid two-way player on a defensive-minded team. This season, however, Butler busted out in a huge way, and won the NBA’s Most Improved Player award. He has become a go-to scorer on an offensively potent team, but his defense has still cemented his status as a premier small forward in the NBA. Butler will be a restricted free agent this offseason, which means the Bulls can match any offer sheet he may sign. There will be many teams looking to draw him away from Chicago, but he has indicated he wants to sign a short-term deal this summer. Not bad for a 30th overall pick.
Draymond Green - Golden State Warriors
Draymond Green stepped his game up in a huge way this season, and is one of the reasons why the Warriors were able to win the NBA Championship. A perennial candidate for the NBA’s DPOY award, Green has proven his ability to guard anyone from point guard to power forward. On the offensive end, he has improved his jumper and was inducted an honorary splash brother along with Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. Not too shabby for the Michigan State product. While he only makes $915,000 this season, the restricted free agent will also have many suitors this summer. If he stays in Golden State, he will certainly be a cornerstone of that team for the foreseeable future. If he leaves, he could have a monster deal coming his way.
LaMarcus Aldridge, Portland Trail Blazers
LaMarcus Aldridge will be an unrestricted free agent next season, and is playing at a career level. Averaging 23 points and 10 rebounds per game, he is the backbone of this Blazers team. He also showed his desire to play and win when he tore a tendon in his left thumb, but delayed surgery on it to continue playing for this team. Many different sources indicate different opinions about Aldridge’s future in Portland. Some say he wants to stay, while others feel he is headed back to Texas, where he is originally from. Wherever he ends up, it appears LaMarcus Aldridge is on his way to a monster payday.
Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio Spurs
Another similar situation as Butler’s is that of Leonard, who recently emerged as a go-to scorer on a championship team. The 2014 NBA finals MVP and reigning NBA DPOY has dealt with injuries for the past few years, but when he is healthy he is as dominant as they come. He rebounds, shoots threes, and was most recently seen locking down LeBron James in the finals. Another restricted free agent, the Spurs must re-sign him. Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, and Tim Duncan don’t have much tread left on the tires (probably), and Leonard is the future of the Spurs. It’s pretty clear they will match any offer sheet thrown Kawhi’s way, and that too should be a huge amount.
DeAndre Jordan, Los Angeles Clippers
Jordan has a very specific role on the Clippers, and performs it impeccably well. He is an elite rim protector and finisher, and is a force in the paint. Though his offensive game doesn’t expand much past dunks and layups, he still leads the league in FG % and knows his strengths and weaknesses. He averages over 2 blocks per game, and rebounds the ball at an elite rate. There aren’t many dominant big men left in the league, and having one is a commodity. The Clippers have made it clear in the past how dedicated they are to him, and his recent play has demonstrated why he will be offered a lot of money this summer.
Marc Gasol, Memphis Grizzlies
As one of the premier centers in the NBA, Marc Gasol proved time and time again just how important he is to the Memphis Grizzlies. His stellar play helped earn him a spot on the All-NBA First Team, and a second round trip to the playoffs. Gasol commands double-teams and is a capable passer from the post, a trait that is becoming increasingly rare in today’s NBA. It might be a surprise to see him anywhere but Memphis, but don’t be surprised to see several teams throw money his way. An unrestricted free agent of his caliber will no doubt turn heads this offseason.
Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat
An NBA with Dwyane Wade on a team other than the Heat seems surreal, yet that could be the outcome in reality if Wade doesn’t get his way. Dwyane reportedly wants a bigger, short-term deal and could opt out of his contract this summer. Though he may be past his prime, a healthy D-Wade is still an elite shooting guard that almost carried Miami to the playoffs. Even at this stage in his career, Wade would be a valuable asset on a playoff contender. It will be fascinating to see the interest levels of some other teams, but there are far worse free agency options than a 3x NBA Champion.
Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs
Time stops for no man, except apparently Tim Duncan. Despite being well past his prime, Duncan put up one of his best seasons in recent memory. He was healthy and was dominant at times on both ends of the floor. He still is the heartbeat of the Spurs, and it’s almost a foregone conclusion that if he does not retire this summer, he’ll be back in San Antonio. However, that doesn’t mean other teams will just ignore him. He’d be a great asset to any team, with championship experience, a great work ethic and a model to try to emulate. Duncan might be in the twilight of his career, but he’s shown no signs of slowing down.
Kevin Love, Cleveland Cavaliers
Much like LeBron, Love has recently indicated that he expects to be back in Cleveland next season. However, that doesn’t mean he will. He still has a player option he can opt out of, and it remains to be seen if he will test the market this summer. After suffering a brutal injury in the first round of the playoffs, Love may be hungry to get revenge and a taste of NBA glory. For a guy that only experienced four playoff games, it appears he’ll be back in Cleveland next season. After all, there aren’t too many guys who would pass on an opportunity to play next to LeBron James.
Brook Lopez, Brooklyn Nets
The major issue with Lopez going forward is his health. He has dealt with foot issues in the past and has a checkered history. However, there is no denying his talent offensively when he is healthy. Lopez was dominant at times for the Nets and is a major reason why they were able to make the playoffs and push Atlanta to six games. He is not a traditional big man, but is a proven scorer and has improved his rebounding and defense. The Nets have stated their desire to have him back, but with their luxury tax problems they may not be able to keep him. If he opts out of his contract, expect many teams to be calling for his services next year.