This summer might be the
biggest crop of NBA big men free agents ever. There is a chance that most, if not
all of the top big men will sign with a new team. Signing one of these big men
could instantly impact a team to a playoff or even a finals contender.
Wednesday, when the league’s
annual feeding frenzy — otherwise known as free agency — will begin at 12:01
a.m.
Much discussion have been
made about where these players will end up. Here is a list of the top bigs and
rumored destinations.
Where do you think these
players will be playing next year?
1. LaMarcus Aldridge, PF, Portland
Age: 29
6-foot-11, 240 pounds
2015 FA status: Unrestricted
2014-15 stats: 23.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 1.0
blocks
Favorites: The favorites to land him are the
Spurs, but the Lakers, Mavericks and others will make serious runs at him.
2. Marc Gasol, C, Memphis
Age: 30
7-foot-1, 265 pounds
2015 FA status: Unrestricted
2014-15 stats: 17.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.6
assists
Favorites: Having spent his high school and
spent his entire pro career in Memphis, most expect for him to stay in Memphis.
The Lakers and Knicks will go hard in talking him into a new home.
3. Kevin Love, PF, Cleveland
Age: 26
6-foot-10, 243 pounds
2015 FA status: Unrestricted
2014-15 stats: 16.4 points, 9.7 rebounds, 2.2
assists
Favorites: Possibly resign with the Cavs, but
growing expectation that will sign elsewhere. The Celtics have made it known of
the interest. Love could return home to the Lakers. Expect the Knicks to be a
top suitor.
4. DeAndre Jordan, C, Los Angeles
Clippers
Age: 26
6-foot-11, 265 pounds
2015 FA status: Unrestricted
2014-15 stats: 11.5 points, 15 rebounds, 2.2
blocks
Favorites: The rumblings of issues between him
and Chris Paul seems to be an exaggeration. Likely to resign and if not, include
the Lakers, Mavericks and Knicks — to have a shot at him.
5. Brook Lopez, C, Brooklyn
Age: 27
7-foot, 275 pounds
2015 FA status: Unrestricted
2014-15 stats: 17.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.8
blocks
Outlook: Nets have stated that resigning
Lopez is first priority. But after trade rumors all year, Lopez will explore
his options. If Spurs miss out on Aldridge, Lopez will be their next target.
6. Greg Monroe, PF, Detroit
Age: 25
6-foot-11, 250 pounds
2015 FA status: Unrestricted
2014-15 stats: 15.9 points, 10.2 rebounds, 2.1
assists
Favorites: Rumors have Monroe linked to the
Knicks to play in the triangle offense. Most believe he will not resign with
the Pistons, but do not count out Stan Van Gundy love for post players like
Monroe.
7. Paul Millsap, PF, Atlanta
Age: 30
6-foot-8, 253 pounds
2015 FA status: Unrestricted
2014-15 stats: 16.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.1
assists
Favorites: Atlanta wants to bring him back,
but he’ll have plenty of options to choose from. But if Kevin Loves leaves the
Cavs, Millsap would be a perfect replace next to Lebron James at a lesser
salary.
8. Draymond Green, PF, Golden State
Age: 25
6-foot-7, 235 pounds
2015 FA status: Restricted
2014-15 stats: 11.7 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.7
assists
Favorite: Green being the X-Factor to allow
the Warriors to play small ball. Likely to return to the Bay Area, but many
expect him to demand a max contract. If the Warriors feel that is a too high of
a price tag. Look for him to get offers from teams like Suns.
9. Tristan Thompson, PF, Cleveland
Age: 24
6-foot-9, 238 pounds
2015 FA status: Restricted
2014-15 stats: 8.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, 0.7
assists
Favorites: Rumors that the Cavs will resign
Thompson, mainly because he shares the same agent as Lebron. Whatever Lebron
wants he gets in Cleveland.
10. Robin Lopez, C, Portland
Age: 27
7-foot, 255 pounds
2015 FA status: Unrestricted
2014-15 stats: 9.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.4
blocks
Favorites: Lopez has establishing himself as a
legitimate starting center. But with Aldridge likely gone from the Trail
Blazers and the new addition of Mason Plumlee. It would likely Lopez moves on
elsewhere. Knicks might be a suitor to pair up with a possible signing of
Aldridge or Love.
