NBA · 1 year ago

Predicting the Landing Spots of the Top 50 NBA Free Agents

Ben DiGiacomo

Host · Writer

50. James Wiseman, Detroit Pistons
2023-24 Stats: 63 GP, 7.1 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 0.9 apg

Age Entering 2024-25 Season: 23

The Detroit Pistons plan on making James Wiseman an unrestricted free agent by not extending him a qualifying offer ahead of the deadline. The former No. 2 overall pick hasn’t been able to find himself a home anywhere in the league and essentially should be seeing opportunities with non-playoff teams with available minutes to try to revitalize his career. The Brooklyn Nets are entering a full-blown tank, and while they have Nic Claxton as their franchise center, there are minutes to be had behind him.

Landing Spot Prediction: Brooklyn Nets
1. LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers, Player Option
2023-24 Stats: 71 GP, 25.7 ppg, 8.3 apg, 7.3 rpg

Age Entering 2024-25 Season: 39

After weeks of speculation about the future of LeBron James in the purple and gold, the selection of his son, Bronny, in the second round of the draft all but cemented his final years in the NBA to be played with the Lakers, now, it’s just a matter of how long that will be for and what the price will be, as reports indicate that LeBron is willing to take less than the max in order to help the Lakers build a championship contender around him.

Landing Spot Prediction: Los Angeles Lakers
2. Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers, RFA
2023-24 Stats: 70 GP, 25.8 ppg, 6.2 apg, 3.7 rpg

Age Entering 2024-25 Season: 23

Tyrese Maxey will be a member of the Philadelphia 76ers for a long time, although he will technically enter free agency as a restricted free agent. It's almost surprising that the extension hasn't occurred yet, but it's coming.

Landing Spot Prediction: Philadelphia 76ers

Potential Dark Horse Destinations: None
3. Paul George, LA Clippers
2023-24 Stats: 74 GP, 22.6 ppg, 3.5 apg, 5.2 rpg

Age Entering 2024-25 Season: 34

Paul George officially opted out of his contract with the LA Clippers, paving the way for him to enter unrestricted free agency. He's reportedly set meetings with the Clippers first and foremost, but also with the Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic. The Clippers have refused to give PG the full four-year max that he seeks, so it's hard to imagine they will budge at this stage of the game, even though part of me still finds it hard to believe Steve Ballmer will open his new arena without his big three. Still, the Philadelphia 76ers want him very badly, and are eager to offer him anything he wants to join forces with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. I envision it happening.

Landing Spot Prediction: Philadelphia 76ers
4. Pascal Siakam, Indiana Pacers
2023-24 Stats: 80 GP, 21.7 ppg, 4.3 apg, 7.1 rpg

Age Entering 2024-25 Season: 30

*** Pascal Siakam and the Indiana Pacers have agreed on a 4-year, $189.5 million maximum contract extension ***
5. OG Anunoby, New York Knicks
2023-24 Stats: 50 GP, 14.7 ppg, 2.1 apg, 4.2 rpg

Age Entering 2024-25 Season: 27

*** OG Anunoby and the New York Knicks have agreed on a 5-year, $212.5 million contract extension ***
6. DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls
2023-24 Stats: 79 GP, 24.0 ppg, 5.3 apg, 4.3 rpg

Age Entering 2024-25 Season: 35

The fact that DeMar DeRozan was still in the Windy City at the end of the season was organizational malpractice on the part of the Chicago Bulls because everybody knew at the time that the Bulls weren’t going anywhere in 2024 and that DeRozan would be seeking a chance to win this offseason. What a disaster, but regardless, DeRozan’s time has come to an end, and he’ll have a robust market of suitors that need wing scoring and veteran leadership. Since we're predicting for Paul George to depart the LA Clippers for the Philadelphia 76ers, it makes total sense for DeRozan to slide in with his hometown team.

Landing Spot Prediction: LA Clippers
7. James Harden, LA Clippers
2023-24 Stats: 72 GP, 16.6 ppg, 8.5 apg, 5.1 rpg

Age Entering 2024-25 Season: 35

The LA Clippers want to keep as many stars as possible on their roster as they open their new arena, and James Harden seemed content with his role this past season. I don’t imagine that the Clippers hand Harden too much money, but if a contender in desperate need of a point guard blows the Clippers’ offer out of the water, it will be gripping to see what Harden decides to do. Still, it’s hard to imagine the Clippers punting on the upcoming season, with or without Paul George.

Landing Spot Prediction: LA Clippers
8. Malik Monk, Sacramento Kings
2023-24 Stats: 72 GP, 15.4 ppg, 5.1 apg, 2.9 rpg

Age Entering 2024-25 Season: 26

*** Malik Monk and the Sacramento Kings have agreed upon a four-year, $78 million extension.***
9. Miles Bridges, Charlotte Hornets
2023-24 Stats: 69 GP, 21.0 ppg, 3.3 apg, 7.3 rpg

Age Entering 2024-25 Season: 26

Everyone thought that Miles Bridges was going to get a max contract a few offseasons ago before he was arrested for domestic violence. Still, after a well-rounded season with the Charlotte Hornets, seeing how his market ultimately takes shape will be interesting. The Hornets don’t want to let him go, but I expect Bridges to explore his options fully. Teams like the Utah Jazz, Portland Trail Blazers, and Detroit Pistons could give Bridges a hefty offer to will him away from the Hornets. As a Michigan native and Michigan State alum, returning home and playing for the Pistons seems feasible.

Landing Spot Prediction: Detroit Pistons
10. Nic Claxton, Brooklyn Nets
2023-24 Stats: 71 GP, 11.8 ppg, 9.9 rpg, 2.1 bpg

Age Entering 2024-25 Season: 25

*** Nic Claxton and the Brooklyn Nets have agreed on a 4-year, $100 million contract extension ***
11. Immanuel Quickley, Toronto Raptors
2023-24 Stats: 68 GP, 17.0 ppg, 4.9 apg, 3.8 rpg

Age Entering 2024-25 Season: 25

*** Immanuel Quickey and the Toronto Raptors have agreed on a 5-year, $175 million contract extension ***
12. Klay Thompson, Golden State Warriors
2023-24 Stats: 77 GP, 17.9 ppg, 2.3 apg, 3.3 rpg

Age Entering 2024-25 Season: 34

Klay Thompson's historic tenure with the Golden State Warriors has officially come to an end, and the LA Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, and Dallas Mavericks are rumored to be potential landing spots for the four-time champion. LeBron James is eager to add more help to the Lakers in particular, and it's already been reported that he would be willing to take less than the max. While the Dallas Mavericks will reportedly push hard to land Klay, at the end of the day, I imagine the purple and gold will be too much for him to pass up especially considering LeBron's desire to have him on his team.

Landing Spot Prediction: Los Angeles Lakers
13. D’Angelo Russell, Los Angeles Lakers
2023-24 Stats: 76 GP, 18.0 ppg, 6.3 apg, 3.1 rpg

Age Entering 2024-25 Season: 28

***D'Angelo Russell has picked up his $187 million player option to return to the Los Angeles Lakers***
14. Isaiah Hartenstein, New York Knicks
2023-24 Stats: 75 GP, 7.8 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 2.5 apg

Age Entering 2024-25 Season: 26

Isaiah Hartenstein’s impressive postseason run earned him tens of millions of dollars as teams are lining up to make a pitch to the big man. The New York Knicks may be priced out of the Hartenstein sweepstakes, especially after resigning OG Anunoby, with the Oklahoma City Thunder already rumored to be all-in on Hartenstein this summer. Hartenstein may emotionally want to stay with the Knicks, but the Thunder are going to offer him a much more enticing number to join a team that arguably has a better long-term future.

Landing Spot Prediction: Oklahoma City Thunder
15. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Denver Nuggets
2023-24 Stats: 76 GP, 10.1 ppg, 2.4 apg, 2.4 rpg

Age Entering 2024-25 Season: 31

It feels like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope wins wherever he goes these days, and contenders will be looking to poach him away from the Denver Nuggets on a lucrative multi-year deal. While I do believe KCP's heart is in Denver, he is going to follow the money at the end of the day. After swinging and missing on big-time free agents, the Orlando Magic's desperation will lead them to offer KCP a deal he can't refuse.

Landing Spot Prediction: Orlando Magic
16. Tyus Jones, Washington Wizards
2023-24 Stats: 66 GP, 12.0 ppg, 7.3 apg, 2.7 rpg

Age Entering 2024-25 Season: 28

Tyus Jones's stint with Washington quickly made people forget how efficient and valuable he was to the Memphis Grizzlies before being shipped away to the Wizards in the Marcus Smart trade. Jones didn’t have much to work with in DC, but his efficiency as a passer and reliable outside shot make him an ideal fit for a team searching for a floor general.

Landing Spot Prediction: Toronto Raptors
16. Kelly Oubre Jr., Philadelphia 76ers
2023-24 Stats: 68 GP, 15.4 ppg, 1.5 apg, 5.0 rpg

Age Entering 2024-25 Season: 28

Kelly Oubre Jr. came to the Philadelphia 76ers late in the offseason last year and played better than most expected in a predominant role, often as the third option on offense behind Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey while improving his defensive game. He earned himself a pay raise this offseason, but that’s if he wants it, as Oubre openly voiced his desire to return to the 76ers to complete “unfinished business” after the loss to the New York Knicks in the postseason. I don’t think a team blows Oubre away with an offer, prompting him to return to the 76ers on a discount,

Landing Spot Prediction: Philadelphia 76ers
17. Jonas Valanciunas, New Orleans Pelicans
2023-24 Stats: 82 GP, 12.2 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 2.1 apg

Age Entering 2024-25 Season: 32

Jonas Valanciunas will likely have offers to be a starting center on a fringe playoff team like the New Orleans Pelicans or a backup on a championship contender. That’s up to him, as it wouldn’t surprise me if the Philadelphia 76ers pursued him to give Joel Embiid a dependable backup, but a team like the Orlando Magic could give him a more significant role and more money.

Landing Spot Prediction: Orlando Magic
19. Tobias Harris, Philadelphia 76ers
2023-24 Stats: 70 GP, 17.2 ppg, 3.1 apg, 6.5 rpg

Age Entering 2024-25 Season: 32

Tobias Harris had a rather ugly tenure with the Philadelphia 76ers, as he’s been constantly vilified for failing to live up to the maximum contract he was inked to five years ago. The fit on the court with Joel Embiid and others never came together, but around the league, many still view him as an above-average starter and a great locker-room presence. We predict that the Charlotte Hornets will lose Miles Bridges, leaving a void on the wing that Harris could seamlessly slide into while mentoring the likes of LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller.

Landing Spot Prediction: Charlotte Hornets
20. Saddiq Bey, Atlanta Hawks
2023-24 Stats: 67 GP, 10.8 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 2.9 apg

Age Entering 2024-25 Season: 25

The Atlanta Hawks didn't extend a qualifying offer to Saddiq Bey setting him up for unrestricted free agency. He is coming off an ACL tear suffered in March, likely sidelining him until at least the new year, but teams will still be eager to sign him on either a one or two year deal. The Golden State Warriors are thin on the wing with Klay Thompson's expected departure, and Bey is someone they should be eager to bring in on an affordable deal.

Landing Spot Prediction: Golden State Warriors
21. Bruce Brown, Toronto Raptors
2023-24 Stats: 67 GP, 10.8 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 2.9 apg

Age Entering 2024-25 Season: 28

*** The Toronto Raptors will exercise Bruce Brown's player option of $23 million***
22. De’Anthony Melton, Philadelphia 76ers
2023-24 Stats: 38 GP, 11.1 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 3.0 apg

Age Entering 2024-25 Season: 26

De’Anthony Melton deserves to be much higher on his list, but being a 26-year-old who missed half of last season with back problems isn’t the greatest thing heading into a free agency cycle. Still, it wouldn’t surprise me in the slightest if Melton gets himself a solid multi-year deal. He’s an ideal backcourt pairing for a team with a score-first point guard, as Melton can provide respectable play-making, reliable shot-making from beyond the arc, and above-average defense. He fits with Trae Young in Atlanta if the Hawks opt to trade away Dejounte Murray, and he also could fit in Denver if Kentavious Caldwell-Pope walks, but as I expect neither of those to happen, the San Antonio Spurs make sense as Melton would be a strong backcourt pairing with Stephon Castle.

Landing Spot Prediction: San Antonio Spurs
23. Russell Westbrook, LA Clippers
2023-24 Stats: 68 GP, 11.1 ppg, 4.5 apg, 5.0 rpg

Age Entering 2024-25 Season: 35

***Russell Westbrook has picked up his $4 million player option to return to the LA Clippers***
24. Malik Beasley, Milwaukee Bucks
2023-24 Stats: 79 GP, 11.3 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 1.3 apg

Age Entering 2024-25 Season: 28

Malik Beasley certainly will have a decent market of suitors this summer, given his success from beyond the arc with the Milwaukee Bucks last season. However, like he did last offseason by signing a minimum deal with hopes of winning in Milwaukee, I can see the same happening this summer unless an offer elsewhere blows him away. Maybe teams like the Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Lakers, and Dallas Mavericks make offers, but the Boston Celtics have to do something, right?

Landing Spot Prediction: Boston Celtics
25. Buddy Hield, Philadelphia 76ers
2023-24 Stats: 84 GP, 12.1 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 2.8 apg

Age Entering 2024-25 Season: 31

Buddy Hield didn’t flourish as many expected when he was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers at the trade deadline. Frankly, he stunk, being virtually unplayable for most of their first-round series. It doesn’t appear that his market will be too robust, but he'll certainly have suitors eager to add bench scoring. I don't see the 76ers being too willing to offer him a lucrative offer, but as the Orlando Magic's options have dried out, they could bank on a bounce-back season from him.

Landing Spot Prediction: Orlando Magic
26. Isaiah Joe, Oklahoma City Thunder
2023-24 Stats: 78 GP, 8.2 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 1.3 apg

Age Entering 2024-25 Season: 25

The Oklahoma City Thunder surprisingly declined Isaiah Joe's team option, paving the way for him to hit the unrestricted free agency. However, reports are that it was done in order to secure Joe to a long-term deal.

Predicted Landing Spot: Oklahoma City Thunder
27. Gary Trent Jr., Toronto Raptors
2023-24 Stats: 71 GP, 13.7 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 1.7 apg

Age Entering 2024-25 Season: 25

Gary Trent Jr. will have a solid market this summer, but we know what he is and isn’t at this point in his career. He can provide decent scoring off the bench but not much else as a playmaker, rebounder, or defender. I don’t imagine the Toronto Raptors keeping him around, as they should want to allocate minutes to younger players who have more promise. The Golden State Warriors should be in the market for cheap depth on the wing, making the fit for Trent in the Bay rather seemless.

Landing Spot Prediction: Golden State Warriors
28. Patrick Williams, Chicago Bulls, RFA
2023-24 Stats: 43 GP, 10.0 ppg, 3.9 ppg, 1.5 apg

Age Entering 2024-25 Season: 23

Patrick Williams is an interesting spot this summer as he’s set to become a restricted free agent, and a team may make him an offer sheet, but at the same time, the Chicago Bulls are reportedly unwilling to pay the luxury tax. Williams still is a very raw prospect despite being selected fourth overall four years ago, largely thanks to a ton of unfortunate injuries, but many teams view him almost as a poor man’s OG Anunoby, given his ability to knock down outside shots and defend all five positions at his size. Teams like the Toronto Raptors and Charlotte Hornets reportedly covet his services, but since I don’t imagine the Bulls having to pay DeMar DeRozan this summer, they’ll have enough money to match whatever offer sheet Williams receives. Unless that offer sheet far outweighs the Bulls’ evaluation, Williams will remain in the Windy City.

Landing Spot Prediction: Chicago Bulls
29. Derrick Jones Jr., Dallas Mavericks
2023-24 Stats: 76 GP, 8.6 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 1.0 apg

Age Entering 2024-25 Season: 27

Derrick Jones Jr. earned himself a couple more dollars this summer with how reliable he proved to be for the Dallas Mavericks in extended minutes this postseason, often guarding the other team’s best player, leading GM Nico Harrison to make re-signing Jones Jr. his “1A priority” this summer. He’ll likely have to turn down more money to remain in Dallas, but I anticipate Jones Jr. accepting whatever competitive offer the Mavs make, as he knows he has played the best basketball of his career in Dallas.

Landing Spot Prediction: Dallas Mavericks
30. Caleb Martin, Miami Heat
2023-24 Stats: 64 GP, 10.0 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 2.2 apg

Age Entering 2024-25 Season: 28

Caleb Martin has declined his player option with the Miami Heat, setting up for him to earn a potential intermediate-type deal this summer. He’s been one of the more dependable bench pieces that the Heat have had while also being able to be a contending team’s fifth start if need be, given his excellent ability to space the floor. While many would like to see Martin on a contender, some bad team with a ton of cap space is going to blow Martin away with an offer he can't refuse in all likelihood. After missing out on some of the other mid-tier wings, the Utah Jazz should be aggressive in pursuit of Martin.

Landing Spot Prediction: Utah Jazz
31. Andre Drummond, Chicago Bulls
2023-24 Stats: 79 GP, 8.4 ppg, 9.0 rpg, 0.5 apg

Age Entering 2024-25 Season: 31

Andre Drummond will have a ton of suitors this summer, as he’s widely viewed as one of the league’s most dependable backup center options for a reasonable price. The New York Knicks are out of money, but need to do everything they can to add veteran center depth, and Drummond will likely jump at the chance to be on a team with championship aspiriations.

Landing Spot Prediction: New York Knicks
32. Markelle Fultz, Orlando Magic
2023-24 Stats: 43 GP, 7.8 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 2.8 apg

Age Entering 2024-25 Season: 26

The Brooklyn Nets fully intend to enter a full-blown rebuild after they traded away Mikal Bridges for a haul of picks from the New York Knicks and later got their own picks back from the Houston Rockets. While they clearly want to stink, they still need some guys to man a roster. Markelle Fultz is said to be looking for an expanded role, and to be frank; the Nets can run the offense through him and lose a ton of games in the process. A win-win for all sides!

Landing Spot Prediction: Brooklyn Nets
33. Naji Marshall, New Orleans Pelicans
2023-24 Stats: 66 GP, 7.1 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 1.9 apg

Age Entering 2024-25 Season: 26

Naji Marshall is one of the more underrated free agents on the market this summer, and many believe teams could be willing to offer him more money and minutes than most expect. After missing out on Klay Thompson, Marshall is someone that would seemlessly fit in with what the Dallas Mavericks need on both ends of the floor.

Landing Spot Prediction: Dallas Mavericks
34. Isaac Okoro, Cleveland Cavaliers, RFA
2023-24 Stats: 69 GP, 9.4 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 1.9 apg

Age Entering 2024-25 Season: 23

Isaac Okoro has always been a steady defender with the ability to guard multiple positions, but this past season, we saw him take necessary strides as an outside shooter. Still, is his progress enough for a team to hand him an offer sheet that the Cleveland Cavaliers won’t match? I don’t think so, but the Cavs are in a tough financial spot, so if Okoro gets an offer above the mid-level exception, he’ll likely be elsewhere in a few weeks. For now, though, all signs point to Okoro not getting that dollar amount.

Landing Spot Prediction: Cleveland Cavaliers
35. Royce O’Neale, Phoenix Suns
2023-24 Stats: 79 GP, 7.7 pgg, 4.8 rpg, 2.8 apg

Age Entering 2024-25 Season: 31

*** Royce O'Neale and the Phoenix Suns have agreed on a 4-year, $44 million contract extension ***
36. Obi Toppin, Indiana Pacers, RFA
2023-24 Stats: 82 GP, 10.2 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 1.6 apg

Age Entering 2024-25 Season: 26

Obi Toppin was viewed as a starter for the Indiana Pacers when acquired last summer, but since, by underperforming as a starter followed by the Pascal Siakam trade, Toppin was relegated to the bench by midseason. He’s still a reasonable power forward in this league who deserves minutes, making it too hard to imagine that the Pacers would decline his player option. By completely relishing the role as a bench option this season, though, he could set himself up for a respectable payday next offseason.

Landing Spot Prediction: Indiana Pacers
37. Spencer Dinwiddie, Los Angeles Lakers
2023-24 Stats: 76 GP, 10.5 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 4.7 apg

Age Entering 2024-25 Season: 31

Spencer Dinwiddie filled a midseason for the Los Angeles Lakers as a backup point guard and did a fine job in that role, given what the Lakers asked of him. Still, Dinwiddie had one of his worst seasons of the past several years, as he didn’t prove to be as efficient of a scorer. It may have cost him a few dollars, but given that the Lakers lack point guard depth, I don’t imagine them rushing him out the door. With Dinwiddie being from LA, he’ll likely welcome a cheap return unless offered a lot more money elsewhere, which seems unlikely to occur.

Landing Spot Prediction: Los Angeles Lakers
38. Sam Hauser, Boston Celtics
2023-24 Stats: 79 GP, 90 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 1.0 apg

Age Entering 2024-25 Season: 26

*** The Boston Celtics have picked up Sam Hauser's team option with the intention of agreeing to a contract extension in the near future.***
39. Kyle Anderson, Minnesota Timberwolves
2023-24 Stats: 79 GP, 6.5 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 4.2 apg

Age Entering 2024-25 Season: 31

Kyle Anderson gave the Minnesota Timberwolves a ton of valuable minutes off the bench both in the regular season and playoffs, providing great perimeter defense and serving as an offensive glue guy. The Wolves are said to be interested in a return, so why would Anderson leave an ideal situation.

Landing Spot Prediction: Minnesota Timberwolves
40. Moritz Wagner, Orlando Magic
2023-24 Stats: 79 GP, 10.9 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 1.2 apg

Age Entering 2024-25 Season: 27

The Orlando Magic have declined Mo Wagner's team option, but are interested in on signing a new deal in free agency. While unrestricted free agency could be enticing for Wagner, it's unlikely that more money or minutes awaits him on the open market. Staying in Orlando with his brother is too good an environment for him to pass up.

Landing Spot Prediction: Orlando Magic
41. Kevin Love, Miami Heat
2023-24 Stats: 55 GP, 8.8 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 2.1 apg

Age Entering 2024-25 Season: 36

Kevin Love keeps playing his way to more NBA contracts despite his age, and given that he wants to compete for another title, maybe he’s ready to move away from South Beach. He’ll have plenty of contenders eager to add his veteran leadership to their roster, but reuniting with LeBron James on the Los Angeles Lakers makes a ton of sense as Love can be a consistent bench piece and provide a spot-start when needed.

Landing Spot Prediction: Los Angeles Lakers
42. Luke Kennard, Memphis Grizzlies
2023-24 Stats: 39 GP, 11.0 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 35 apg

Age Entering 2024-25 Season: 28

The Memphis Grizzlies have declined Luke Kennard's team option, but both sides are reportedly eager to agree on a deal. Unrestricted free agency could always bring about unexpected suitors, but we'll trust the reports and expect a reunion.

Landing Spot Prediction: Memphis Grizzlies
43. Eric Gordon, Phoenix Suns
2023-24 Stats: 68 GP, 11.0 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 2.0 apg

Age Entering 2024-25 Season: 35

Eric Gordon is set to opt out of his contract with the Phoenix Suns and become an unrestricted free agent. Multiple contenders are set to pursue him, and the aging guard can still provide a spark off the bench from beyond the arc. The Philadelphia 76ers will re-vamp their entire roster this summer, and Daryl Morey has already had him on his teams in the past.

Landing Spot Prediction: Philadelphia 76ers
44. Kyle Lowry, Philadelphia 76ers
2023-24 Stats: 60 GP, 8.1 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 4.2 apg

Age Entering 2024-25 Season: 38

Kyle Lowry had a bigger role with the Philadelphia 76ers than many really anticipated when he signed late in the season, but he averaged just over 29 minutes per game in the postseason and actually was a contributor. The Philadelphia native appeared very comfortable in his hometown, and as he played out his final years in the league, being home on a contender with a coach he was comfortable with was too favorable of a situation to walk away from. Lowry wants Philly, and Philly wants Lowry. They’ll make a deal happen.

Landing Spot Prediction: Philadelphia 76ers
45. Gordon Hayward, Oklahoma City Thunder
2023-24 Stats: 51 GP, 9.8 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 3.1 apg

Age Entering 2024-25 Season: 34

Once upon a time, Gordon Hayward was a star in this league. He signed a lucrative contract with the Boston Celtics, making him one of their franchise cornerstones for years to come before shattering his leg in his Celtics debut. He’s never been the same star since while the Celtics have risen all the way to become NBA champions. Hayward can still provide solid minutes off the bench for a contender, and I can see his old coach, Brad Stevens, wanting to give Hayward another chance at success in Boston. This time, though, for much cheaper.

Landing Spot Prediction: Boston Celtics
46. Jalen Smith, Indiana Pacers
2023-24 Stats: 61 GP, 9.9 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 1.0 apg

Age Entering 2024-25 Season: 24

Jalen Smith declined his player option, setting him to become an unrestricted free agent this summer. Smith’s role was all over the place in the regular season before he lost his role come playoff time, so he looks to be prioritizing playing time rather than a paycheck this summer. The New Orleans Pelicans make sense as a fit, with Jonas Valanciunas likely out the door and their 2024 first-round pick Yves Missi not likely for serious minutes immediately.

Landing Spot Prediction: New Orleans Pelicans
47. Simone Fontecchio, Detroit Pistons, RFA
2023-24 Stats: 66 GP, 10.5 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 1.5 apg

Age Entering 2024-25 Season: 28

The Detroit Pistons got a ton of good production out of Simone Fontecchio in the second half of the season, likely driving up the cost of his next contract. However, Detroit has money to spend, and Fontecchio still won’t fetch a huge dollar from anyone else this summer. Both sides should be able to agree on a reasonable deal to keep him in a favorable environment to continue to flourish off the bench or as a spot starter.

Landing Spot Prediction: Detroit Pistons
48. Precious Achiuwa, New York Knicks
2023-24 Stats: 74 GP, 7.6 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 1.3 apg

Age Entering 2024-25 Season: 25

The New York Knicks are going all-in on this season financially and with their assets, so they will unlikely retain Isaiah Hartenstein this summer or trade for a solid replacement. Center depth will be one of the defining points of the Knicks’ success this season, so they will be eager to keep Precious Achiuwa for a reasonable deal.

Landing Spot Prediction: New York Knicks
49. Taurean Prince, Los Angeles Lakers
2023-24 Stats: 78 GP, 8.9 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 1.5 apg

Age Entering 2024-25 Season: 30

Taurean Prince was able to give the Los Angeles Lakers solid minutes off the bench this season, and he’s said in recent weeks leading into his free agency that he’d like to remain a Laker next season, given the quality of life he has had in Los Angeles. The Lakers certainly should want Prince, and it’s not like he’ll have suitors lining up with large dollar amounts. Both sides should be able to easily agree on a deal close to the minimum.

Landing Spot Prediction: Los Angeles Lakers
50. James Wiseman, Detroit Pistons
2023-24 Stats: 63 GP, 7.1 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 0.9 apg

Age Entering 2024-25 Season: 23

The Detroit Pistons plan on making James Wiseman an unrestricted free agent by not extending him a qualifying offer ahead of the deadline. The former No. 2 overall pick hasn’t been able to find himself a home anywhere in the league and essentially should be seeing opportunities with non-playoff teams with available minutes to try to revitalize his career. The Brooklyn Nets are entering a full-blown tank, and while they have Nic Claxton as their franchise center, there are minutes to be had behind him.

Landing Spot Prediction: Brooklyn Nets
1. LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers, Player Option
2023-24 Stats: 71 GP, 25.7 ppg, 8.3 apg, 7.3 rpg

Age Entering 2024-25 Season: 39

After weeks of speculation about the future of LeBron James in the purple and gold, the selection of his son, Bronny, in the second round of the draft all but cemented his final years in the NBA to be played with the Lakers, now, it’s just a matter of how long that will be for and what the price will be, as reports indicate that LeBron is willing to take less than the max in order to help the Lakers build a championship contender around him.

Landing Spot Prediction: Los Angeles Lakers

Predicting the Landing Spots of the Top 50 NBA Free Agents

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