2015 NBA Free Agents: Latest Rumors and Predictions for Market's Top Names
The globe watches as the NBA begins its second season with the playoffs underway, but behind the scenes, the league works at a quick pace to prepare for free agency.
Those teams watching from home are already hard at work figuring out which players will hit the market, who they can afford and how it all fits into a bigger puzzle.
Even the teams in the playoffs are sure to have an eye on the future as things progress.
Of course, this is what happens when the market promises to offer big names such as Greg Monroe and Goran Dragic, among others. So while the playoffs are underway, be sure to keep up to date on the latest rumblings.
Brook Lopez to Opt Out?
It's easy to forget Brooklyn Nets big man Brook Lopez may be on his way out of the city. After all, he's helping the team in the first round of the postseason against the Atlanta Hawks right now.
For all his efforts, it's hard to imagine Lopez doesn't opt out of his contract despite a base salary of more than $16 million next year and more than $17 million the year after, per Spotrac.
RealGM.com notes the rumblings around the league agree Lopez is on his way out: "Brook Lopez is expected to opt out of his contract for the 15-16 season, according to most executives."
It's a lot of money to pass on, but Lopez can get it all back and then some on the open market. He's just 27 years old and averages 17.2 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per night with a 22.76 player efficiency rating, per ESPN.com.
While Lopez isn't the rim protector he should be provided his size and has an injury-riddled past, one doesn't have to look far to see his value. In the first contest against Atlanta, he shot 6-of-7 from the floor with 17 points.
Such usage and a poor situation is perhaps the biggest reason Lopez may want out. Look for him to opt out and land a near-max contract with a team in need such as the Los Angeles Lakers.
Prediction: Lopez opts out and signs with Lakers.
Greg Monroe and the Knicks
It appears Monroe's stint with the Detroit Pistons is coming to an end.
Such happens when the New York Knicks come calling.
Frank Isola of the New York Daily News not only hears Phil Jackson and the Knicks have an interest, but also suggests it will come to fruition as soon as possible: "Maybe the worst kept secret in the NBA is that Phil Jackson plans to pursue Detroit Pistons forward Greg Monroe in free agency this summer. In fact, one league executive called it 'about as close to a done deal as you can get.'"
Another not-so-secret notion? Jackson and the Knicks want to splurge over the course of the next two offseasons to rebuild the legendary franchise.
Monroe is a good way to go. Just 24 years old, he spent the last five seasons in Detroit, and the numbers there do the talking:
| '10-'11 | .551 | 7.5 | 1.3 | 0.6 | 1.2 | 9.4 |
| '11-'12 | .521 | 9.7 | 2.3 | 0.7 | 1.3 | 15.4 |
| '12-'13 | .486 | 9.6 | 3.5 | 0.7 | 1.3 | 16.0 |
| '13-'14 | .497 | 9.3 | 2.1 | 0.6 | 1.1 | 15.2 |
| '14-'15 | .496 | 10.2 | 2.1 | 0.5 | 1.1 | 15.9 |
Ian Begley of ESPNNewYork.com recently captured Monroe's thoughts on his potential suitors:
While it's true Monroe would be leaving one rebuild for another if he departs for the Knicks, the above quote is proof enough that a change in leadership is enough to encourage the jump.
Look for Monroe to give Detroit a fair chance, but in the end, the allure of the Big Apple and a rebuild under Jackson's guidance will prove too difficult to pass up.
Prediction: Monroe signs with the Knicks.
Goran Dragic's Future
Just as most expected, Dragic will head to free agency after opting out of his contract.
Dragic joined the Miami Heat via trade from the Phoenix Suns as one of the trade deadline's blockbuster deals this season. Everyone figured Dragic would opt out of his current contract to gain an improved one on the open market, though.
Ira Winderman of the Sun Sentinel confirmed the news:
Dragic proved to be a critical piece of the Heat's rotation after his arrival. In 26 games, he averaged 16.6 points and 5.3 assists while freeing up Dwyane Wade to play off the ball and not have to create his own shot.
It goes without saying the Heat would love to have the 28-year-old guard back. The franchise holds an advantage with its ability to offer him an extra year, something perhaps important to Dragic, per Tim Reynolds of The Associated Press:
It's hard to imagine Dragic goes anywhere else. There will be offers, and tempting ones, but his fit next to Wade is perfect. He will also get to play with Chris Bosh down the road, forming a trio sure to make the postseason in the Eastern Conference without a ton of problems.
There's also the money matter, and no team can do it better than the Heat. Barring a major, major change, Dragic will be back with the Heat next season on the substantial deal he desires.
Prediction: Dragic re-signs with the Heat.
All stats and info via ESPN.com unless otherwise specified.
