NBA Free Agency kicks off on June 30th, and this is one of the most exciting times for NBA fans. It will be interesting to see where the top stars will end up, and see if these major moves will lead to long term success. I have listed below my predictions for this years NBA free agency, and feel free to leave your thoughts or comments below!

1. Kevin Durant: Signs with New York Knicks
The Knicks are desperate for a superstar who can deliver a championship. They have the money, but have to land a big fish in order for this goal to come to fruition. Kevin Durant is already considered to be an all-time great player. The major knock on his legacy is joining the superstar filled Warriors to win his championships. I feel he will look for a fresh start, and look for a chance to be a hero who delivers a long awaited title. I could see Durant opting into his player option, and staying with Golden State since he will miss all of the 2019-2020 season with a torn achilles. This would allow him to be healthy and hit the open market again next year with less competition.

Potential Other Landing Spots: Warriors, Clippers, Lakers, Nets

2. Kawhi Leonard: Re-signs with Toronto Raptors
A few months ago it seemed as if Leonard was simply going to be a rental piece for the Raptors. They hoped he could help them win a championship and it turns out this actually happened. I could see Leonard going to his home of California with the Clippers, but he has a great team and city behind him in Toronto. I believe Leonard became more engaged and a part of the franchise as the season progressed. His decision is still a mystery that only Kawhi knows what will happen.

Potential Other Landing Spots: Clippers, Lakers, Knicks, 76ers

3. Kyrie Irving: Signs with Brooklyn Nets
Irving grew up in New Jersey rooting for his hometown New Jersey Nets. He has roots with this team, and has the potential to take them to the next level. The Nets made the playoffs, and put up a fight in the 1st round against Philadelphia. Irving could become the face of the franchise, and the Nets also have the cap space to add another max player. If Kyrie signs another superstar could follow his path to Brooklyn.

Potential Other Landing Spots: Lakers, Clippers, Suns, Knicks

4. Kemba Walker: Re-signs with Charlotte Hornets
Kemba has been the face of a mediocre Charlotte team since he entered the league in 2011. The Hornets can offer him a max value deal of 5 years, 221 million dollars. The most any other team can offer is 4 years, 141 million. Even if Charlotte doesn’t offer the full max, Kemba will make the most money by staying with Charlotte. Walker loves being the face of the team, and has immersed himself within the community. The only way I see him leaving is to join a legit title contender.

Potential Other Landing Spots: Lakers, Mavericks, Celtics, Knicks

5. Jimmy Butler: Signs with Los Angeles Clippers
The 76ers can offer Jimmy the most money, but he has not been the best fit in Philadelphia. Butler has not been happy being the third or fourth option, and has had some clashes with head coach Brett Brown. The Clippers have the money to sign a big time free agent, and I believe their best chance is to sign Butler. He could be the leader for a young, energetic roster with loads of potential.

Potential Other Landing Spots: 76ers, Nets, Knicks, Mavericks

6. D’Angelo Russell: Signs with Orlando Magic
If the Nets sign Kyrie Irving, it is unlikely they will bring back Russell. D’Angelo became a star in Brooklyn taking advantage of the opportunity for a new start. The Magic made the playoffs last year, and do not want to fall back into the doldrums of the eastern conference again. Their biggest position of need is point guard, and they would be wise to recruit a young, talented guard like Russell.

Potential Other Landing Spots: Nets, Suns, Timberwolves, Clippers

7. Klay Thompson: Re-signs with Golden State Warriors
The Warriors can’t afford to lose both Klay and Kevin Durant. Thompson is the perfect co-star to Stephen Curry, and the Warriors will have to finally pay up for Thompson’s services. Klay’s free agent market may be slimer than expected with an ACL injury forcing him to miss most of the year.

Potential Other Landing Spots: Lakers, Clippers, Mavericks, Kings

8. Khris Middleton: Re-signs with Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks have some tough decisions to make in regards to keeping their roster together. I highly doubt they are going to let their best player outside of Giannis Antetokounmpo walk. They will have to pay the max, but re-signing Middleton will keep Giannis happy.

Potential Other Landing Spots: Suns, Mavericks, Clippers, Hawks

9. Tobias Harris: Re-signs with Philadelphia 76ers
Tobias is a good compliment to have next to Simmons and Embiid. He is also less of a problem in the locker room, and less likely to cause friction like Butler. In today’s NBA, Harris is likely to get a max contract. The 76ers can’t afford to lose both Butler and Harris for nothing.

Potential Other Landing Spots: Raptors, Celtics, Nets, Timberwolves

10. Kristaps Porzingis: Re-signs with Dallas Mavericks
The Mavericks paid a heavy price to get Porzingis, and will work to lock him up long term. I don’t see anyone else even bidding for his services

Other Landing Spots: Suns, Cavaliers

11. Nikola Vucevic: Signs with Atlanta Hawks
The Magic already have their potential center of the future in Mo Bamba. They should use their cap space for other positions, and Vucevic is likely to be targeted by teams needing a legit center

Other Landing Spots: Magic, Mavericks, Kings, Spurs

12. DeMarcus Cousins: Signs with Boston Celtics
Unfortunately for Cousins, the past two years of his free agency he enters with shaky health at best. Some are concerned about his long term health, and he is unlikely to get the long term deal he covets. Boston is going to have cap space with Irving and Horford leaving. Don’t be surprised if DeMarcus signs a two to three year deal with the Celtics.

Other Landing Spots: Warriors, Lakers, Magic, Pelicans

13. Julius Randle: Signs with Denver Nuggets
Randle bet on himself last year, signing a one year deal with the Pelicans to prove himself. He responded with the best season statistically of his career. He has likely secured a long term contract on the open market. If the Nuggets decline Paul Millsap’s 30 million dollar option their cap situation will drastically improve. Randle offers athleticism, youth, and more potential than Millsap.

Other Landing Spots: Mavericks, Pacers, Suns, Jazz

14. Al Horford: Signs with Los Angeles Lakers
A sturdy veteran who possess basketball skills and leadership traits teams desire. Horford is 33, but still plays at a high level, and contributes by doing a little bit of everything. His market is hard to predict because of his age and asking price. The Lakers could use a solid sidekick to back up Anthony Davis in the post.

Other Landing Spots: Mavericks, Warriors, Hawks, Nets

15. Marc Gasol: Signs with Golden State Warriors
The Raptors are going to be completely focused on re-signing Kawhi Leonard. The Warriors are going to need a dependable center more than ever next season. With KD possibly leaving, and Klay being hurt their roster will need to be upgraded. Gasol brings both offensive and defensive value as well as experience. The Warriors could offer him a short term lucrative deal.

Other Landing Spots: Raptors, Bucks, Celtics, Spurs

16. Bojan Bogdanovic: Signs with Phoenix Suns
The Suns have plenty of money to spend, and could stand to upgrade the roster around Devin Booker. Bogdanovic is a consistent player who can play on or off the ball. With the Pacers trading he former Sun T.J. Warren, it is unlikely Bojan will be back in Indiana. Bogdanovic is not a big fish, but a solid free agent signing for any NBA team.

Other Landing Spots: Kings, Heat, Trail Blazers, Rockets

17. Brook Lopez: Re-signs with Milwaukee Bucks
Lopez had a fantastic year as a significant role player in Milwaukee last season. The Bucks know he fits their style of play, and will have a hard time replacing him if he leaves. Whether he stays or goes depends on the money the Bucks have remaining.

Other Landing Spots: Lakers, Celtics, Magic, Hawks

18. DeAndre Jordan: Re-signs with New York Knicks
DeAndre had another solid season between the Mavericks and Knicks. He is a good mentor for Mitchell Robinson, and has a good relationship with a number of the top stars across the league. He could help recruit for the Knicks if he is re-signed.

Other Landing Spots: Lakers, Bucks, Raptors, Warriors

19. Malcolm Brogdon: Re-signs with Milwaukee Bucks
Brogdon’s potentially and upside is too bright for Milwaukee to give up on. The former rookie of the year, was derailed by injury for majority of last season. The Bucks traded Tony Snell to improve their cap situation. This shows me the the franchise is going all in on keeping their team together.

Other Landing Spots: Mavericks, Suns, Bulls, Cavaliers

20. Paul Millsap: Signs with Utah Jazz
Millsap is still productive, but far from his days of being an all-star. He still provides a versatile offensive game, rebounding, and a physical defensive style. The Jazz could use some beef at the power forward position.

Other Landing Spots: Nuggets, Pacers, Trail Blazers, Rockets

21. Danny Green: Signs with Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets need to find some help for Kemba if he re-signs. Green is a solid 3 and D type player who would instantly upgrade their shooting guard position. The Hornets do not have a ton of cap space which could derail their free agency aggression.

Other Landing Spots: Warriors, Raptors, Spurs, Lakers

22. J.J. Redick: Signs with Los Angeles Lakers
Redick is excellent off the ball, and makes a high amount of three point shots. The Lakers are going to need spacers on the floor who can take coverage away from Lebron and Davis. Redick is the perfect fit, and knows how to produce in big moments.

Other Landing Spots: Nets, 76ers, Thunder, Pistons

23. Harrison Barnes: Re-signs with Sacramento Kings
I doubt the Kings traded for Barnes just to let him walk in free agency. Barnes is a solid all-around player who does not stand out in any one area. He played well with the Kings after the all-star break and fits their style.

Other Landing Spots: Suns, Cavaliers, Wizards, Nuggets

24. Nikola Mirotic: Signs with Brooklyn Nets
The Nets could use some perimeter shooting, which Mirotic certainly provides. He also is a capable rebounder and above average defender. Adding Mirotic would give the Nets a more balanced inside and out game.

Other Landing Spots: Celtics, Kings, Grizzlies, Bucks

25. Marcus Morris: Re-signs with Boston Celtics
Morris has become one of the respected leaders for the Celtics. He plays with a high energy motor, and has shown an ability to hit big shots. The Celtics need to keep Morris on their roster for his toughness alone.

Other Landing Spots: 76ers, Pacers, Trail Blazers, Jazz

26. Jonas Valanciunas: Re-signs with Memphis Grizzlies
Jonas put up big numbers after being traded to Memphis. He is an old-school type center, but can hit a mid range jumper from time to time. He was one of the key pieces in the Marc Gasol trade, and he will be a key role player next to Ja Morant.

Other Landing Spots: Spurs, Lakers, Pelicans, Knicks

27. Thaddeus Young: Signs with Orlando Magic
Young is a dependable rebounder, defender, and do the little things type of contributor. The Magic could use a solid veteran presence behind Aaron Gordon.

Other Landing Spots: Pacers, Celtics, Nets, Rockets

28. Rudy Gay: Re-signs with San Antonio Spurs
Gay is a solid scorer who can improve an NBA teams bench. He fits the Spurs roster well, and became one of their most consistent bench scorers. He could look for a better opportunity to win a championship.

Other Landing Spots: Warriors, Nuggets, Raptors, Trail Blazers

29. Ricky Rubio: Signs with Phoenix Suns
The Suns drafted Ty Jerome, but could use a veteran point guard to temporarily hold down the fort. Rubio would fit Booker and Ayton’s playing style perfectly. The pass first guard would make life easier, and could help Jerome develop his game.

Other Landing Spots: Mavericks, Magic, Celtics, Pacers

30. Derrick Rose: Signs with Philadelphia 76ers
Rose resurrected his career with a impressive numbers in Minnesota this previous season. Including a career high 50 point game against the Jazz. The 76ers need bench scoring, and the weakest part of the bench is point guard position. Rose would instantly improve their ability to score, and give the 76ers a more balanced offensive approach.

Other Landing Spots: Pacers, Thunder, Lakers, Bulls

Free Agency list credit: https://hoopshype.com/2019/06/21/nba-free-agency-2019-the-top-players/

Photo Credit: https://thebiglead.com/2019/02/14/nba-free-agency-kevin-durant-kyrie-irving-jimmy-butler/