The NBA offseason is heating up as teams look to solidify their rosters for the upcoming season. With rumors circulating about the 2020 free agent class and trades between teams, it’s fair for us to wonder what might happen in the 2022 free agency period? Will LeBron James, Paul George, or other superstars move to different teams? Which young players will join them in creating the best rosters possible?
This year, NBA free agency starts on June 30. It starts at 6 p.m. ET and players can’t actually sign their contracts during this time. But you can expect a number of agreements to be made not long after the period begins.
Intricacies of free agency might not be as high this year, with most big-named players staying in the same city. However, there is always the chance for big trades to happen and shake up the league’s perspective on things. Before this year’s signing frenzy began, here are some predictions as to where highly notable NBA players will land.
NBA free agency 2020 predictions
Bulls re-signed guard Zach LaVine. Not surprising because he was the Bulls’ star player and an All-star employee. LaVine will stay in this position because he has a good thing going now at the Bulls, with no situations better than this one.
The 76ers has indicated that they will be binding James Harden with a new contract. He joined the team at the trade deadline last year. They are not confident about his future considering his past history of declining offers and requests for more money.
The New York Knicks have reportedly signed Dallas Maverics guard Jalen Brunson. He is making a decision on whether or not to join the Knicks due to his dad being offered a coaching job.
Miles Bridges is staying with the Hornets, as they re-signed him to a new contract that cut short a large market of teams that needed his skills. Mitch Kupchak, general manager of the Hornets, shut down all rumors with an easy statement. Bridges and the Hornets should be able to work out an agreement that leaves all parties satisfied.
The Hawks are willing to take risks to get a deal done. Even though they have not reached out, they do want to bring Dejounte Murray on board, who might leave the Spurs organization soon.
The Suns can retain Deandre Ayton. They’ll need to make him happy enough so he doesn’t sign a qualifying offer in 2023 and become an unrestricted free agent. The market for Ayton is drying up quickly. So, the Suns will have to give him less than what they had in mind while on their deal with him.
The 76ers signed veteran NBA player, P.J. Tucker. But he isn’t done with his career yet and is likely to continue playing well into his late 30s. The 76ers are confident in their player choice, paying him $10 million annually until the age of 40.
The Wizards trade for Pacers guard Malcolm Brogdon. The Indiana Pacers have a lot of guards and the Washington Wizards do not have a point guard. This makes sense, doesn’t it? Brogdon is in the
Celtics trade for Alec Burks: It’s well documented that Burks and Celtics forward Jayson Tatum are good friends. Burks can partially fill Boston’s need for more steady playmaking. And his $10 million salary for 2022-23 would fit right into the Celtics cap space.
At least for the short-term future, Malik Monk will stay with the Lakers. He indicates that money is not his top priority. He had an impressive season in LA and helped himself.
76ers trade for Rockets guard Eric Gordon: 76ers could reunite Gordon with the guys he played with in Houston, who are currently on their team.
The Knicks re-signed center Mitchell Robinson who is a key part of New York’s future rebuild. The team also signed 10-year veteran Michael Jordan Brunson to join their young core. It could help them become a power in the East.
The Raptors have drafted a center, but that will not stop them from continuing to make moves. With the number of bigs at Orlando’s frontcourt, Mo Bamba begins to look like the odd man out. Bringing in a former lottery pick with potential upside will add to their building for the future.