2015 NBA Free Agents: Latest Rumors and Predictions for Market's Buzzing Names
Feel free to look away from NBA free agency thanks to the attention the 2015 draft lottery and 2015 NBA draft command.
Just expect to miss quite a lot in the process.
It's just one of those offseasons for the free-agent market, where three of the best big men in the league seem ready to hit the open market to unknown results. The drama is especially thick out West in the more competitive conference, meaning the landscape of the league might undergo a serious alteration.
So don't turn all the way away—here's a look at the latest, with an emphasis on some of the big men making the current headlines.
The DeAndre Jordan Saga
This one doesn't seem like it's going away, folks.
DeAndre Jordan's on his way to free agency, a fact known for quite some time. It's also not a secret the Los Angeles Clippers would like to keep a playoff core in place, and the 26-year-old force is a big piece of the puzzle.
There's an unexpected element to consider moving forward, though, as FoxSports.com's Bill Reiter details a rift between Jordan and point guard Chris Paul:
"Sources say Paul's well-known edginess and drive ground on Jordan's nerves for much of the year. Contributing to the problem was Paul's view that Jordan lacked the appropriate commitment to working on his free throws, including not working enough with the Clippers shooting coach on that issue, sources said.
"Things aren't good there," a league source familiar with the inner workings of the Clippers organization said. Asked if the issues between the two were serious, the source said, "Oh yeah. (Jordan) might leave. He really might."
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It's reasonable for other players, coaches and perhaps the players themselves to come out and squash the chatter, but as the saying goes, where there's smoke, there might be fire.
Jordan was a threat to leave even before the rumblings. He's young and averaged 11.5 points and 15.0 rebounds last year, meaning the Clippers won't be the only team to offer him a max deal.
For now, though, it's hard to see Jordan leaving. Starting over isn't easy, especially when he's already on what might be a title-caliber roster. Expect the team to iron out any issues and move forward together.
Prediction: Jordan re-signs with the Clippers.
Jeff Green to Opt Out or Not?
Now for an item to cool things off before the main course.
The supposed missing piece in Memphis, Jeff Green instead averaged just 13.1 points with the Grizzlies in 45 appearances.
Now the question becomes whether Green will accept his player option and try again to be the critical element on the roster or head to free agency. According to ESPN.com's Marc Stein, it seems most expect Green to cash in on his option:
"The working expectation on Beale Street at the minute is that Green will decide to exercise his $9.2 million player option for next season after falling well short of the dream of being the final piece of the puzzle that Memphis had when it acquired him from Boston in January."
Stein does caution, though, that it wouldn't be a shock to see Green hit the open market if his representation thinks he can find more cash and a better fit elsewhere.
There's a market for a role player such as Green, who seems to tease elite potential every other year. If the 28-year-old forward slips to the market, rebuilding teams and contenders alike are sure to come calling.
If Green wants guaranteed money and a chance to earn even more cash on the open market a year from now, though, he'll accept the player option.
Prediction: Green accepts player option.
LaMarcus Aldridge Keeping Options Open?
Perhaps the biggest name of all set to hit the open market is Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge.
It's not hard to see why, not after averaging a minimum of 21 points per game in each of the past five seasons, last year reaching a career-high 23.4 mark with a 22.85 player efficiency rating, per ESPN.com, for good measure.
Despite his status, most never considered Aldridge a threat to leave Portland, though. Stein drops a massive bomb in the link above, though, smack in the middle of a blurb talking about Memphis Grizzlies star Marc Gasol:
"Gasol has given his own coaches and bosses no hints. Unlike Aldridge, who, according to league sources, hasn't been afraid to share the occasional whisper with a few well-placed folks about the prospect of leaving Portland, Gasol is saying pretty much nothing."
In other words, Aldridge seems aware of what's out there. Options such as the Boston Celtics, San Antonio Spurs and much, much more exist, so it's no wonder the star big man speaks about leaving the team he's spent the past nine years with for greener pastures.
It's hard to know just what Aldridge wants from a trip to free agency, but the fact he's talking about leaving is noteworthy and should give the organization some pause.
The likeliest scenario is Aldridge re-signing, but keep in mind his behind-closed-doors conversations and take an open mind to free agency.
It sure sounds like Aldridge will.
Prediction: Aldridge re-signs with Portland.
Stats and info courtesy of ESPN.com unless otherwise specified.
