Top 10 NBA Free Agents (Not Named LeBron)

The free agent sweepstakes is about to begin on July 1, and of course all eyes are on LeBron James’ next decision. But James isn’t the only star free agent this summer, and this is actually a deep free agent class.

Here’s a look at some of the other guys that can also affect the landscape of the league:

10. Jabari Parker

Free agency type: Restricted
2017-18 salary: $6.8 million
Current team: Milwaukee Bucks
Stats: 12.6 PPG, 4.9 RPG

Parker, who is coming off of two knee (ACL) surgeries, is still only 23 years old. He showed flashes of his old self during the season and in the playoffs, which should intrigue some teams.

1. Kevin Durant

Free agency type: Player Option
2017-18 salary: $25 million
Current team: Golden State Warriors
Stats: 26.4 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 5.4 APG

All the news coming out of Golden State is that KD is staying put. So although he will technically opt out and be a free agent, it doesn’t look like he is going anywhere. If in the random instance he does decide to test the waters, I can see teams doing whatever it takes to sign him, even over LeBron.

9. Zach LaVine

Free agency type: Restricted
2017-18 salary: $3.2 million
Current team: Chicago Bulls
Stats: 16.7 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 3.0 APG

The Bulls held LaVine out until January, which was the right move with him recovering from an ACL surgery. Once back, LaVine showed flashes, especially in a four game stretch in late January/ early February. During that stretch, LaVine scored 23 points vs. the Portland Trailblazers, 21 vs. the Los Angeles Clippers, 27 against the Sacramento Kings, and 35 against his old team, the Minnesota Timberwolves. And, just in case you were wondering if his hops were back, he showed everyone he was fine:

LaVine was one of the biggest pieces in the Jimmy Butler trade, and word has it that the Bulls are willing to match anything to keep him. He’s one of the only guys on the team that can create his own shot, so they view him as a building block for the future. It will be interesting to see if anyone does offer him a max deal.

8. DeAndre Jordan

Free agency type: Player Option
2017-18 salary: $22.6 million
Current team: Los Angeles Clippers
Stats: 12.0 PPG, 15.2 RPG, 0.9 BPG

There were rumors of Jordan being dealt before the trade deadline, and new rumors now suggest he also wants out. Either way, an amicable split for both parties might be on the horizon, especially with the Clippers holding back-to-back lottery picks in the draft. Jordan is about to be 30 soon, but can definitely help a contender.

7. Aaron Gordon

Free agency type: Restricted
2017-18 salary: $5.5 million
Current team: Orlando Magic
Stats: 17.6 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 2.3 APG

Gordon is just 22 years old, and getting better. He was balling out before his injury last year, and is an amazing athlete. I can see a few small market teams throwing big money at him, but Orlando matching.

6. Julius Randle

Free agency type: Restricted
2017-18 salary: $4.1 million
Current team: Los Angeles Lakers
Stats: 16.1 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 2.6 APG

Randle’s situation is going to get tricky thanks to LeBron James. If James picks the Lakers and wants to bring a friend, the Lakers won’t be able to keep Randle. If LeBron goes elsewhere, I don’t see the Lakers letting Randle go.

5. Chris Paul

Free agency type: Unrestricted
2017-18 salary: $24.3 million
Current team: Houston Rockets
Stats: 18.6 PPG, 7.9 APG, 5.4 RPG

It’s a shame CP3 got hurt in the playoffs because the Rockets did have the Warriors on the ropes. It makes a lot of sense for Houston to try to bring the same team back next year for another shot at the Warriors, especially with how well CP3 and Harden gelled. I’d be shocked if Daryl Morey just let Paul walk.

4. Clint Capela

Free agency type: Restricted
2017-18 salary: $2.3 million
Current team: Houston Rockets
Stats: 13.9 PPG, 10.8 RPG, 1.9 BPG

Capela is only 23 years old, plays hard, is amazing off the pick-and-roll, and is a rim protector. I love what he has turned into, and definitely don’t see Morey letting one of his finds get away.

3. DeMarcus “Boogie” Cousins

Free agency type: Unrestricted
2017-18 salary: $18.0 million
Current team: New Orleans Pelicans
Stats: 25.2 PPG, 12.9 RPG, 5.4 APG

Boogie was playing some of the best basketball of his life before he got injured, so you can’t blame him for wanting a max deal. The issue is, I don’t think the Pelicans are going to be the ones to give it to him. NOLA played well with Anthony Davis carrying the load, and although Davis and Cousins played well together, I think they move on from DeMarcus. He would either have to take a lesser deal, or someone else is going to scoop him. Who knows, maybe he’ll end up back in Sacramento?

2. Paul George

Free agency type: Player Option
2017-18 salary: $19.3 million
Current team: Oklahoma City Thunder
Stats: 21.9 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 3.3 APG

The Thunder will try their best to bring PG13 back, but I think that ship has sailed. I see him looking good in the purple and gold, Laker colors. While he isn’t going to be the main guy that can carry a team over the hump, he’d be a terrific player next to a star.  Hello, King James.