NBA Free Agents 2015: Grades for Recent Signings and Updated Predictions
Thanks to a bevy of tremendously talented players on the open market, the 2015 NBA free-agency period has begun with a frenzy of activity that has led to some big paydays and max contracts. However, nothing is official just yet, as players and teams can't officially ink deals until July 9.
Still, while these recent agreements aren't exactly set in stone, it would be surprising to see any of them fall through. That said, let's take a look at some recent notable agreements and grade each one based on the player acquired, his fit with the team and his corresponding salary.
| DeAndre Jordan | C | Mavericks | 4 yr./$80 million | A+ |
| Anthony Davis | PF | Pelicans | 5 yr./$145 million | A+ |
| Kawhi Leonard | SF | Spurs | 5 yr./$90 million | A+ |
| Kevin Love | PF | Cavaliers | 5 yr./$110 million | A |
| Draymond Green | SF | Warriors | 5 yr./$85 million | A |
| Jimmy Butler | SG | Bulls | 5 yr./$90 million | B+ |
| Brook Lopez | C | Nets | 3 yr./$60 million | C |
| Dwyane Wade | SG | Heat | 1 yr./$20 million | A- |
| Brandon Knight | PG | Suns | 5 yr./$70 million | B |
| Goran Dragic | SG | Heat | 5 yr./$90 million | B- |
| Danny Green | SG | Spurs | 4 yr./$45 million | A+ |
| Greg Monroe | PF | Bucks | 3 yr./$50 million | A |
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While those players are technically off the market, several big names remain available. There is no shortage of rumors regarding where they may end up floating, so let's take a look at a few pieces of gossip and use them to predict where certain veterans may call home next season.
Many teams have rolled out the red carpet in an effort to acquire the services of LaMarcus Aldridge, who is considered one of the top players on the open market. That's with good reason, as the power forward averaged 23.4 points and 10.2 rebounds per game while shooting 46.6 percent from the floor with the Portland Trail Blazers in 2014-15.
One of the teams eyeing Aldridge is the Phoenix Suns. They put together a strong pitch and went so far as clearing cap space to accommodate the coveted free agent. Now, the mayor of Phoenix has joined in on the effort of wooing Aldridge. Take a look at his tweet from Friday:
That tweet is certainly optimistic, but don't expect Aldridge to land in the desert.
The Suns are battling with the San Antonio Spurs for the power forward's services, and it's quite difficult to compare with what the Texas squad is offering. ESPN's Marc Stein tweeted the details of Gregg Popovich's pitch:
Playing on a strong, contending team with one of the Association's best coaches alongside a bevy of talented players and ultimately taking over for an NBA legend and future Hall of Famer may be too good of a deal to pass up for Aldridge.
Prediction: Aldridge signs with the Spurs.
After spending one year with the Indiana Pacers, point guard Rodney Stuckey is on the open market and receiving plenty of interest around the league. While he may not be a starter, he's a great role player and produced nice numbers off the bench last season, averaging 12.6 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game while shooting 44.0 percent from the floor and 39.0 percent from downtown.
Michael Scotto of Sheridan Hoops tweeted the 29-year-old's desire to play for a contender:
Of the teams showing interest in the point guard, three are intriguing fits. CSN's J. Michael reported that Stuckey to the Washington Wizards is "very much a possibility." Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle disclosed mutual interest between the guard and the Houston Rockets. Chris Haynes of the Plain Dealer tweeted mutual interest between the veteran and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
So, which team will win out?
While Houston would be a nice fit, the Rockets are consumed with Aldridge at the moment. That could allow other suitors to gain the upper hand here. The Cavaliers are still waiting on LeBron James and have been focusing on Kevin Love of late. That leaves the Wizards as the squad that can fully concentrate on bringing Stuckey into the fold.
Prediction: Stuckey signs with the Wizards.
Lou Williams
Lou Williams is receiving plenty of interest on the open market after he won the Sixth Man of the Year award in 2014-15. He produced nicely off the bench for the Toronto Raptors, averaging 15.5 points per game while shooting 40.4 percent from the floor.
The Raptors have a strong interest in retaining Williams' rights; however, the guard has been able to explore the open market because of the eight-day window between the start of free agency and the beginning of the signing period.
Scotto tweeted interest in Williams by the New York Knicks, but the team is struggling to find a solid starting five, let alone a sixth man. The Sacramento Kings are in the same situation, as Jake Fischer of Sports Illustrated shared the team's interest in the guard. It's just difficult to see those two squads as strong possibilities.
Then there's the Miami Heat. According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, there is mutual interest between the two parties; however, there's a big caveat: "The Heat and free agent guard Lou Williams (the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year) have mutual interest, according to someone with direct knowledge, but this would require a sign-and-trade with Toronto because Williams will command more than the taxpayer's mid-level."
That's a difficult situation for the Heat because of Toronto's desire to hang onto Williams. That said, there doesn't seem to be a perfect fit for the guard outside of Toronto, as the Raptors already have a role for him as a sixth man in place. He'll stay put.
Prediction: Williams signs with the Raptors.
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.jpg?w=600 "Offseason Moves for Every Team 👉")