NBA Free Agency Predictions 2023
Written By: Dylan Grodner, of Swish Tribune
One of the most exciting times of the year, free agency. There are so many free agents and the NBA rosters may look a lot different heading into next season. On this list of free agents include players like James Harden, Kyrie Irving, Khris Middleton, Fred VanVleet, Draymond Green, and many more.
Due to the NBA's new Collective Bargaining Agreement, this free agency is definitely going to be interesting. This is because no team is allowed to spend more than 10% over the salary cap, regardless of how much revenue the league makes. This will affect free agency because teams may be trading away stars in order to sign other players to make the salary cap work. This Agreement starts July 1st, and last until 2029-2030. Now, let's get free agency predictions.
Just a heads up before we start, only five teams are under the salary cap. These five teams are the Houston Rockets, Indiana Pacers, San Antonio Spurs, Detroit Pistons, and Orlando Magic. This means that there will be many sign-and-trades in order to fulfill the new salary cap rule.
James Harden Re-signs With The 76ers
James Harden is easily the best free agent on the market. In my opinion, I think that Harden will stay with the Sixers. This is the best fit for him and the best opportunity he will have in his career to win a championship. We may see teams with a lot of money such as the Rockets make a push for Harden, however the championship window with Sixers is now, and if they lose Harden, we may see a crazy off-season rebuild ahead of us.
Kyrie Irving Re-signs With Mavericks
It is crucial that the Mavs are able to keep Kyrie Irving. They made the mistake of letting Brunson walk last year, and can't afford to do it again. Luka Doncic is getting less and less patient, and if the Mavs aren't able to keep Kyrie, we may see a blockbuster trade later this year with Luka Doncic.
Khris Middleton Re-signs With The Bucks
Another must is that the Bucks keep Khris Middleton. Even though he was plagued with injury throughout the season, Khris Middleton is an all star caliber player when healthy. If the Bucks want to keep their current core together, then it is extremely important to keep Middleton. There is a good chance, however, that teams like the Mavericks, Kings, and Grizzlies could all make a push for Middleton.
Fred VanVleet Signs With The Lakers
Fred VanVleet is a perfect fit for the Lakers. He provides everything their looking for and would fit perfectly alongside LeBron and AD. However, if the Lakers decide to resign Austin Reeves, then I doubt VanVleet will also sign with Lakers. This would leave teams like the Rockets, who supposedly are interested in offering VanVleet a two year, $80 million deal, with the best position to land VanVleet.
Kyle Kuzma Signs With The Kings
After averaging 20 PPG, Kyle Kuzma is bound to get paid. In my opinion, I think the Kings will pay Kuzma his well deserved money, especially after trading away Richaun Holmes. With Kuzma in the lineup, they can have a solid starting five of Fox, Huerter, Kuzma, Murray, and Sabonis. This would definitely put the Kings at one of the top teams in the West. Kuzma should also be interested in a team like the Kings as he would be able to create a rival against his former team, the Lakers.
Draymond Green Re-signs With The Warrios
After declining his $27 million player option with the Warriors, many people are wondering whether or not Draymond Green will be a part of the Warriors next season. In my opinion, Draymond did this to help the Warriors with the new salary cap rules. However, if this is not the case and Draymond is truly seeking out other teams, the Mavericks and Trailblazers are two teams to watch out for.
Russell Westbrook Signs With The Pelicans
With the Clippers being $92 million under the salary cap, it is very unlikely that they will be able to resign Russell Westbrook. In my opinion, the Pelicans should definitely go after Russell Westbrook to form a starting five of Westbrook, McCollum, Ingram, Zion, and Valanciunas. That is very competent lineup and can definitely make noise in the West if everyone is healthy. If the Pelicans do not make a push for Westbrook, it is possible we see a team with a lot of money like the Spurs go after Westbrook to pair alongside Victor Wembanyama.
Dillon Brooks Signs With The Dallas Mavericks
For years the Dallas Mavericks have been searching for someone that presents toughness. Now I'm not saying Dillon Brooks makes the best actions, however he does present toughness. He is also very good on the defensive end of the ball. With the Grizzlies also coming out saying they will not sign Dillon Brooks back "on any circumstance", he shouldn't be too costly.
Brook Lopez Re-signs With The Bucks
Jerami Grant Re-signs With The Trailblazers
At this point, the only real chance the Trailblazers have is by resigning Jerami Grant, who Damian Lillard has expressed he wants him to stay. However, if Blazers move on from Damian Lillard, there is a real possibility that they let Grant walk. If this is the case, teams like the Kings, Mavericks, and Cavs make a push at Jerami Grant.
Josh Hart Re-signs With The Knicks
Josh Hart walked into New York and already presented the most heart on the team. The Knicks must resign Hart and I think they have a very good chance at doing so. Between his connection with Jalen Brunson this should be easy for the Knicks to get done. Plus, if he resigns, the Knicks can offer him an extension come August worth much more.
Bruce Brown Re-signs With The Nuggets
In my opinion Bruce Brown was the X-factor for this Nuggets team this season. He provided defense when it mattered most and was a crucial part of them winning the championship this season. Although he declined his $6.8 million player-option, he deserves to get paid.
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