Austin Reaves — SG — Lakers (Restricted)
The season shifted for the Lakers at the trade deadline. In a slew of trades, Los Angeles acquired a number of players who would go on to help during its unexpected run to the Western Conference Finals — including Rui Hachimura, D’Angelo Russell, and Jarred Vanderbilt. Though, it’s likely the biggest outcome of the deadline wasn’t any single trade but the uncluttering of a roster which allowed for Austin Reaves to secure a larger role. Reaves thrived over the second half of the season, and was clearly the team’s third-best player during the postseason run. A tactical scorer and fiery competitor, Reaves is the kind of malleable player who can fit in with any offense. As a restricted free agent, teams can offer him a max of 4-years/$98.7 million. The Lakers have the right to match any offer. There’s no chance they let him go, no matter how big of an offer he receives.
Prediction: Austin Reaves signs with the Los Angeles Lakers
Jerami Grant — PF — Blazers (Unrestricted)
The Trail Blazers are a bit of a wildcard as the NBA enters the offseason. Portland has one of the best players in the league — Damian Lillard — while holding the No. 3 pick in the draft. Lillard, 32, isn’t actually setup to withstand another rebuild. If the team were to package their pick with one of their young assets, it’s feasible they could obtain an All-Star caliber player. Given their history, it feels like the Blazers will teeter more towards winning immediately — rather than prepping for the future. That plan would include bringing back a former All-Star like Jerami Grant, who averaged 20.5 PPG last year while shooting a career-high from three (.401).
Prediction: Jerami Grant re-signs with the Portland Trail Blazers
Fred VanVleet — PG — Raptors (Player Option)
A potential rebuild is on the horizon for the Raptors, who just missed the playoffs for the second time in three years. Fred VanVleet is the team’s top free agent — a feisty guard who has had some of his best performances on the game’s biggest stage. VanVleet is not overly efficient, but he’s super competitive, capable defensively, and can be a deadeye shooter with deep range. He’s a lot like former teammate Kyle Lowry, who is still helping teams even at 37 years old. VanVleet isn’t even 30 yet, and should have plenty of options. We’ll guess the Spurs, who have ample cap space and no reason not to spend it. Having a heady, veteran guard who can spread the floor and help run the show for Victor Wembanyama and the rest of the young core could be invaluable.
Prediction: Fred VanVleet signs with the San Antonio Spurs
Kristaps Porzingis — C — Wizards (Player Option)
Latvian 7-footer Kristaps Porzingis would have ranked a lot lower had we compiled this list just a year ago. But, Porzingis finds himself as a top-5 free agent possibility this offseason after a strong 2023 campaign. Porizingis had his best scoring year to date, averaging a career-high in points (23.2) while simultaneously boasting career-best efficiency marks (.385 from three on 5.5 attempts). Perhaps most encouraging was his ability to stay on the floor, playing in 65 games on the year — his most since 2017, his second year in the league. Porzingis played well enough to receive a hefty contract from a franchise that doesn’t really have a whole lot of other options.
Prediction: Kristaps Porzingis re-signs with the Washington Wizards
Khris Middleton — SF — Bucks (Player Option)
Khris Middleton’s free agency decision may have already been set in stone. Coming off an injury-plagued year, it’s highly doubtful Middleton will test free agency. Instead, he can opt into the final year of a deal which would pay him over $40 million in ’24. Middleton would then get to use a healthy year to build back his value as a free agent for next offseason — when he’ll still just be 33 years old. Middleton and the Bucks have a lot to prove after getting bounced from the playoffs in the first round.
Prediction: Khris Middleton opts into the final year of his deal with the Milwaukee Bucks
Draymond Green — PF — Warriors (Player Option)
Will the allure of joining forces with close friend LeBron James drive the longtime Warrior to a Western Conference rival? Draymond Green represents Golden State’s most intriguing offseason decision this year. An offseason which will be navigated without longtime President-slash-GM Bob Myers who stepped down from his position following Golden State’s playoff exit. Green is still a highly-valuable player for what he contributes on both ends of the floor, though he’s shown severe signs of slippage as an offensive player. The Warriors cap situation is a mess, and there might be a casualty or two among the young core, but Green cannot be let go. He’s the heart-and-soul of the team, and imperative to their overall success.
Prediction: Draymond Green re-signs with the Golden State Warriors
Kyrie Irving — PG — Mavericks (Unrestricted)
What an offseason it’s already been for enigmatic superstar Kyrie Irving. After he and Luka Doncic failed to lead the Mavericks to a spot in the play-in tournament, Irving was spotted courtside at several Laker playoff games. Then, it was reported that Irving had reached out to LeBron James in hopes of recruiting his former Cavalier teammate to Dallas. Irving is an immensely talented — and, unreliable — player who comes with some risk. Though, he did manage to play 60 games last year and put together another impressive season (27.1 PPG, 5.5 APG, 5.1 RPG, .494 from the field). Dallas has no other option but to ink Irving (on a massive deal) if it wants a star alongside Doncic.
Prediction: Kyrie Irving re-signs with the Dallas Mavericks
James Harden — PG — 76ers (Player Option)
Another season, another James Harden playoff flameout. It seemed like Harden was beginning to flip the narrative about his postseason struggles. The three-time scoring champion had two 40-point games in playoff wins over the Celtics (one was a shocking upset on the road without Joel Embiid). Then, he crumbled again. Over the final two games — both losses — Harden combined to go 7-for-27 for 22 points and 10 turnovers. Harden went 1-for-3 (three points) in the second half of Game 7. With the 76ers on the fence of linking together long-term, Harden bolts back to a Houston team with plenty of cap space. A 33-year-old Harden secures the bag, Houston gets its beloved former MVP back, and the 76ers can hand the keys over to Tyrese Maxey. Win-win-win.
Prediction: James Harden signs with the Houston Rockets
