2023 NBA Free Agents: Latest Rumors, Predictions for Kyrie Irving, More Notable Names
WIth the regular season finally wrapping up on Sunday, NBA free agency is right around the corner and the rumor mill has been buzzing over the past few weeks, surrounding some of the biggest stars in the league.
Several teams are already in offseason mode after missing out on the playoffs and are setting up their plan of attack. They'll deciding who they want to pursue, retain or—in some cases—extend in the summer.
Free agency is set to open on July 6.
Here is the latest news regarding free agency as the focus turns towards the postseason.
Kyrie Irving Waiting to Get Bigger Deal from Dallas in Free Agency
1 of 3
Always one of the most intriguing players in the entire league, Kyrie Irving will once again be at the center of free agency discussions.
After demanding a trade out of Brooklyn earlier in the year, the 31-year-old All-Star landed with the Dallas Mavericks and is now set to be an unrestricted free agent after the organization missed out on the playoffs.
But he's planning on waiting a bit before signing any kind of deal.
NBA insider Marc Stein reported that although Irving is eligible to sign a contract extension with the Mavericks, he is expected to wait until the beginning of free agency to get a more lucrative contract..
If he were to sign before free agency, the most he can be offered is a two-year, $83.8 million deal. After July 6 he can get a max contract over five years worth $272 million or four years, $210 million.
Stein also reported that the very early rumors is that Irving is projected to get a three or four-year deal.
Dallas is in a tough place as they are almost obligated to re-sign Irving, considering how much it gave up for him in the trade. The Mavericks traded away talented stalwarts like Spencer Dinwiddie and Dorian Finney-Smith as well as a 2029 first-round pick and second-round picks in 2027 and 2029.
So, even though the early returns weren't very promising, Mark Cuban and the rest of the organization will want to see what Irving and superstar Luka Dončić will be able to accomplish in a full season together.
Prediction: Irving signs a four-year, $210 million deal to stay with the Mavericks.
Kristaps Porziņģis Potentially Getting Extension with Wizards
2 of 3
From a current Maverick to a former one, Kristaps Porziņģis has put himself in a great position following his first full season with the Washington Wizards.
In another year full of disappointment, the former All-Star was one of the few bright spots in the nation's capital as he averaged 23.2 points per game to go along with 8.4 rebounds and 2.7 assists on 38.5 percent shooting from beyond the arc.
It was arguably his best season in the league since the 2017-18 campaign when he was named an All-Star while with the New York Knicks.
And his play has naturally captured the attention of the Wizards' front office, who reportedly want to bring him back.
The Athletic's Shams Charania reported that Washington has been in serious discussions with the star center on a contract extension, which could be worth a maximum of $180 million over four years if he chooses to opt out of his current deal.
The two sides will have until late June to come to an agreement on an extension.
Porziņģis has a $36 million player option for next season. After the late June deadline for the extension, he'd either have to opt-in or test free agency.
Arguably playing the best ball of his career, and with good talent hard to come by in Washington, it'd be difficult to imagine Porziņģis playing anywhere else next season.
Prediction: Porziņģis opts-out and signs a four-year, $180 million extension to stay with the Wizards.
Cavs Interested in Retaining Caris LeVert
3 of 3
After being the subject of a few trade rumors ahead of the NBA trade deadline in February, Caris LeVert may have a more long-term future with the Cleveland Cavaliers moving forward,
LeVert, 28, was looked at as the organization's best trade asset a few months ago but general manger Mike Gansey and president of basketball operations Koby Altman opted to hold on to him in order to ensure their young squad stayed intact.
"I think there's value in continuity," Altman said following the deadline. "I think there's value in giving this group a runway. Sometimes you just say to yourself, 'Don't mess this up.' I think that was a big key for us this deadline. It was not easy for me. I didn't see anything that was going to put us over the top. I'm really happy with where we are and where we're going. Give this group what they deserve, what they've already accomplished."
One of the key contributors off the bench, LeVert is averaging 12.1 points per game to go along with 3.8 rebounds and 3.9 assists on 39.2 percent shooting from three-point range in about 30 minutes a night.
He is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.
But if it's up to the Cavs' front office, he isn't going anywhere.
Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com reported that the organization is very interested in bringing LeVert back on a multi-year contract, at the right price.
He made a little less than $19 million this year, and with Cleveland set to be over the cap next season, Fedor wrote that that the organization won't be able to afford to replace him.
Since they have his bird rights, the Cavs can go over the cap and bring LeVert back as a core piece of next year's squad.
Prediction: LeVert re-signs with Cavs on a three-year deal.
.jpg?w=600 "Colts Release Kenny Moore")
