The NBA season is coming to its end as we are just a few days away from the beginning of the Finals and the end of the campaign, where another competition will start. This upcoming free agency is expected to be a very entertaining one seeing all the players that will be trying their luck to earn a better contract, while others will remain with their current teams for another season or more.
Several players have already decided what they’re going to do next season and where they want to take their talents next, with most of them deciding not to re-sign with their current squads and go play elsewhere in order to find a better place to showcase their game, a better contract or just a happier work environment. Of course, not every player in the league thinks like that, but a big part of the soon-to-be free agents look set to become one and head to play somewhere else.
While some free agents are definitely going to go back to their teams as they know they won’t get that much money at any other place, some are most likely heading out the door.
Today, we’ll let you know about the top 10 free agents that are a lock to leave their teams.
10. Taj Gibson
Taj Gibson is and has always been Tom Thibodeau’s war dog. With Thibs out of the Minnesota Timberwolves and the team back to being un-relevant, we wouldn’t be surprised if Gibson would want out.
Taj is one of the best defenders at the power forward spot in the NBA. He can guard all the way to the perimeter and also protect the rim despite his lack of size. He’s a hustler and will have plenty of offers from contending teams.
9. Terry Rozier
Terry Rozier wasn’t comfortable at Boston for most of the year, and judging by his latest comments, there’s just no way in hell he’s going to resign with the Celtics, even if they lose Kyrie Irving.
Rozier is determined to prove he’s a top-tier point guard in the NBA, and while that may seem like a huge reach, he’s going to bet on himself and go to a team where he can get as many shots as he can.
8. Trevor Ariza
Trevor Ariza was pretty close to joining the Los Angeles Lakers earlier this season when the Phoenix Suns were trying to move him, but eventually, the Washington Wizards stepped up on a last-second attempt to save their season.
With John Wall sidelined throughout the entire upcoming campaign, there’s just no way they’re going to be able to hold on to the veteran, who may be once again in the Lakers’ agenda, or try and play for a contender before retiring.
7. Julius Randle
Julius Randle proved Magic Johnson wrong ever since stepping out of the Staples Center. He’s finally the guy we all wanted him to be out of the University of Kentucky, and he’s bound to get paid big time next season.
With Anthony Davis out of the Pelicans, there’s no reason for Randle to try and stay playing for Alvin Gentry’s team, and with teams like the Indiana Pacers or Brooklyn Nets around him, he’s a lock to leave New Orleans.
6. DeAndre Jordan
The New York Knicks were unwilling to waive DeAndre Jordan right after acquiring him, but we all know he’s not a part of the team’s long-term plans, especially with Mitchell Robinson coming together so fast.
Jordan is still a dominant rebounder in both ends of the glass and a top-tier rim protector, but the only way he’ll stay with the Knicks is by taking a huge pay cut after they land Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant.
5. J.J. Redick
J.J. Redick has been a liability for the Philadelphia 76ers ever since they traded for Jimmy Butler. Butler gave them a guy that could create off the dribble, so there wasn’t much of a need for Redick to be a starter anymore.
Redick is a great sharpshooter, but he was terrible defensively for Brett Brown’s team. They need to bring a 3 and D kind of player at the shooting guard spot, and Redick isn’t going to be that guy.
4. Derrick Rose
Derrick Rose had one of the best starts of the season we’ve seen from him since he suffered that gruesome injury that completely changed his career, and, while he wasn’t able to stay healthy throughout the whole campaign, he proved he’s still got it.
Rose is going to try and fight for an NBA Championship or a Sixth Man of the Year Award, and neither of them is going to happen if he doesn’t leave the sluggish Minnesota Timberwolves in the summer.
3. Tobias Harris
Tobias Harris made a huge name for himself throughout the season. He was a borderline All-Star and his value didn’t take the hits when he was traded from the Clippers to the Sixers.
Harris is one of the best three-point shooters in the league right now, and he’ll demand a max contract this summer so the Sixers will have to let him go.
2. DeMarcus Cousins
Steve Kerr has openly admitted that he’s well aware of the fact that the Golden State Warriors aren’t going to be able to keep DeMarcus Cousins beyond this season as they look to keep Klay Thompson and/or Kevin Durant.
Cousin’s market value took another major blow after suffering an injury in the playoffs, but he’s still going to draw a lot of interest around the league once he hits free agency in the summer, especially if he’s able to come back further in the postseason.
1. Jimmy Butler
And finally, Jimmy Butler is not likely to come back to the Philadelphia 76ers and not because of something they’ve done, as he’s actually built a nice rapport with Ben Simmons, Joel Embiid, and Brett Brown.
Butler wants to win a Championship now and there are a handful of teams that could offer him the best shot at the ring. Philadelphia will try to keep him, but we see him joining the Lakers, Nets, or Clippers.
Trending
Make Your Choice To Rewrite NBA History With One Of These Dream Scenarios
NBA Free Agency: Top 5 Best Destinations For Tobias Harris
5 NBA Free Agents The Chicago Bulls Should Avoid This Summer
