2018 NBA Free Agency/Trade Predictions

1. Paul George – Oklahoma City – It seems like he will stay put with the Thunder and give it another run. I believe he won’t sign a huge contract in terms of number of years, but a 2+ 1 deal that will allow him to opt out. I believe this is a great move by Paul George because when Russell Westbrook, Andre Roberson, Paul George, and Steven Adams was in the lineup they were actually good. They need to surrpound them with more talent, but the core looks pretty competitive. Andre Roberson was imo the leader for defensive player of the year before he was injured. 

2. LeBron James – Cleveland – With Paul George staying put and the Spurs being unwilling to send  Kawhi Leonard to the Lakers it seems like this might be a two team race between Cleveland and Philadelphia. I have him staying in Cleveland due to off the court reasons (wife don’t seem to care about the big city and son can play at SVSM). The Cavs could also try to trade for Kemba Walker. 

3. Kawhi Leonard – San Antonio – I don’t believe that the Spurs would be willing to give him up in the early process of free agency. If they trade him, it’ll be at the trading deadline. The only teams that got assets to get him are the 76ers and the Celtics. I believe if they do trade him, it would be to the 76ers due to the Spurs ties connected with the franchise. Long term I still believe he will stick with the Spurs. They seem to be able to convince disgruntled superstars to stay. 

4. Chris Paul – Houston – It don’t really make sense for him to leave Houston. There’s no other title contender he could join that’s better than Houston. He was so close at a ring he would not leave.

5. DeAndre Jordan – Dallas – He almost signed with Dallas a few years back, but that did not make sense. Now it make sense x10. Dallas wants to rebuild on the fly and try to compete. Signing with them helps him get on a playoff team and be apart of something that could be special with Dennis Smith Jr and Luka Doncic. 

6. Clint Capela – Houston – The Suns made sense if the did not draft Deandre Ayton and if they could sign LeBron James. But it make sense to stay with a championship contending team.

7. DeMarcus Cousins – New Orleans – The teams that I can see going after him are Dallas, Washington, Las Angeless (L), and New Orleans. Dallas should prioritize DAJ given Cousins health, Las Angeles is too young and are not ready to play or go to the playoffs, and Washington have too many hurdles to sign him. The Wizards would need to get rid of Marcin Gortat and Ian Mahinmi contract, they can’t. By default he stays.

8. Julius Randle – Las Angeles – With the Lakers missing out on their top guys they might as well give Julius Randle a healthy contract. 

9. Jabari Parker – Utah – Derrick Favors is a free agent, the Jazz could get a high upside Jabari Parker. He’s not a great defender, but he will give them a solid scorer to complement Donovan Mitchell. Jabari is a mormon, so that make more sense.

10. Aaron Gordon – Orlando – Orlando can’t do what they did with Vic Olidipo and Sabonis. They have to keep their young core whatever the cost.

I know this list is boring, but I do not expect this to be a exciting free agency. The only teams that I could see doing big things are Dallas and the 76ers.