NBA Free Agents 2017: Rumors and Predictions Surrounding Market's Buzzing Names

NBA free agency has entered one of its most interesting stretches.

The big names are gone. Gordon Hayward, Blake Griffin and others have all made decisions, leaving the meat of the market to reshape the landscape of the league, with trades as a reaction to moves doing the same.

For instance, the Toronto Raptors are trading DeMarre Carroll to the Brooklyn Nets, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. The move not only helps the rebuilding Nets and impacts future draft classes and free-agent markets, it frees up the Raptors, possible Eastern Conference contenders, to make more moves right away.

Meaning, each move has a ripple effect no matter how small it seems. With such a theme in mind, here's a look at a handful of the names making the most noise on the rumor mill right now.

Foye Suitor Emerges

David Zalubowski/Associated Press

Here's a good example of the theme above.

On paper, a team having interest in veteran wing Randy Foye doesn't sound like the biggest deal. But it at least requires a look depending on the team poking around the idea of bringing on the 33-year-old journeyman.

It gets quite a bit more interesting when one realizes said team is the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Here's Darren Wolfson of 1500ESPN:

So while Foye only averaged 5.2 points over 18.6 minutes per game last year with the miserable Brooklyn Nets, there's something quite interesting about a team with a Jeff Teague-Jimmy Butler backcourt pursuing his services.

It's no secret the Timberwolves view themselves as contenders after striking a deal for Butler and landing Teague to pair with Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns. But there's a lack of quality depth in the backcourt, not to mention strong veteran presences to act as the glue.

Which is where Foye comes into play. Since 2010-11, he's been all over the place, playing with the Los Angeles Clippers and Oklahoma City Thunder to even struggling in Brooklyn.

This one isn't hard to predict. Foye won't have the biggest market as his career simmers down, and the Timberwolves might be his best chance at competing. With backcourt names drying up on the market fast, look for the two sides to come to an agreement.

Prediction: Foye signs with the Timberwolves

Jerebko's Market

Elise Amendola/Associated Press

Another fun ripple effect: With the Boston Celtics landing Aron Baynes, according to Shams Charania of The Vertical, Jonas Jerebko might have to find a new team on the open market.

Boston, after all, might not need the big man's services even after losing guys like Amir Johnson and Kelly Olynyk thanks to potential small-ball rotations put on by head coach Brad Stevens.

This doesn't mean Jerebko can't find a home. In fact, it sounds like his representatives have been busy, according to Adam Himmelsbach of the Boston Globe:

Jerebko, now 30 years old, managed 3.8 points per game over 15.8 minutes a year ago. He still fits the league's trends, shooting 45.6 percent from the floor and 35.2 percent from deep on his career, meaning cost and ability in a rotation make him an attractive piece and explain the budding market.

Of course, the note above doesn't give much in the way of a hint as to where Jerebko might end up. But combine his age with skill set and it's easy to see him wanting to play for a contender on a cheap deal, where he could easily stretch the floor and make a difference off the bench.

Think about a team such as, say, the San Antonio Spurs. The team is an obvious contender next year, lost David Lee this summer and could use a mentor and rotational presence alongside Davis Bertans behind LaMarcus Aldridge.

Prediction: Jerebko signs with the Spurs

Knicks-Rondo Saga Continues

Charles Krupa/Associated Press

The New York Knicks need a point guard, and Rajon Rondo has yet to find a home on the open market.

Seems so simple, right?

Maybe not. The Knicks, sans former president Phil Jackson, seem almost hesitant to bring on a veteran point after Derrick Rose didn't work out so well a year ago. The team has the future on the mind now and wants to insulate rookie point Frank Ntilikina, meaning the decision it makes here could have a gigantic impact on the path ahead.

The severity of the situation hasn't stopped the two sides from showing mutual interest, according to ESPN.com's Ian Begley: "Both sides are in touch as the Knicks continue to search for a veteran point guard. Rondo is likely one of several guards they are considering."

Rondo is an interesting case study. He's 31 years old and doesn't have the best national reputation, yet as the writeup mentions, players from Rondo's last two stops over the last two seasons offered strong reviews. He's also the main reason the Chicago Bulls almost took down the top-seeded Celtics in the playoffs. Oh, and 7.8 points, 6.7 assists and 5.1 rebounds per game on all of 26.7 minutes isn't too shabby.

The writeup also mentions the Knicks don't have a ton of space to make a move here, though they still remain interested in dealing Carmelo Anthony. Such an interest while wanting to pair Ntilikina under Rondo's guidance at least speaks to the team's desired direction.

For Rondo, the choice likely boils down to doing this role in New York or elsewhere, such as with Lonzo Ball and the Los Angeles Lakers. In New York, at least, he'll be a smart fit while dishing the ball to Tim Hardaway Jr. and Kristaps Porzingis while getting some credit as perhaps being a key turning point for one of the league's most prestigious franchises.

Prediction: Rondo signs with the Knicks

All stats and info via ESPN.com unless otherwise specified.