NBA Rumors: Kevin Durant To Knicks, Kawhi Leonard To Clippers, Other 2019 Free Agency Predictions

One of the NBA’s best players is already on the move with the New Orleans Pelicans agreeing to trade Anthony Davis to the Los Angeles Lakers. That’s only the start of what should be the craziest offseason in league history. A few of the world’s top basketball players are expected to change teams when free agency begins in July.

It isn’t just that four starters and four reserves from the 2019 All-Star Game are set to become free agents. Teams from the NBA’s biggest markets have money to spend, and a few of them can afford to sign two players to max contracts.

The New York Knicks have enough room under the salary cap for two superstars. The Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers can make doable moves to get in that same position. The Los Angeles Lakers could potentially find a way to offer someone a max contract, as well.

Two of the Golden State Warriors’ stars will hit the open market. The superstar that helped the Toronto Raptors end Golden State’s dynasty in the NBA Finals could head elsewhere.

The summer will change the landscape of the NBA for years to come, and the power is in the hands of the league’s top stars.

Here are predictions for this year’s 10 best free agents:

Kevin Durant: New York Knicks

The rumors indicating Durant has planned to sign with the Knicks have been around for too long to pick any other destination for the Warriors’ star. It’s possible that Kyrie Irving will convince Durant to join him in Brooklyn, but all signs are pointing toward the superstar leaving Golden State for New York.

Kawhi Leonard: Los Angeles Clippers

It might be a coin toss between the Raptors and Clippers after Leonard led Toronto to the title. Leonard wanted to be in Los Angeles last summer. He might have as much of a chance to win a ring with the Clippers as he would with the Raptors because L.A. has so much cap space.

Kyrie Irving: Brooklyn Nets

There doesn’t seem to be any mystery regarding Irving’s next team. Every report indicates that he plans on signing with the Nets, whom he grew up rooting for in New Jersey.

Klay Thompson: Golden State Warriors

It will be stunning if Thompson leaves Golden State. The three-time champion has maintained that he has no plans to leave the Warriors, where he will continue to be part of the greatest shooting tandem ever for years to come.

Kemba Walker: Charlotte Hornets

Most of what Walker says in regard to free agency makes it sound like he truly wants to stay in Charlotte. The guard might not get the largest possible offer from the Hornets, but there’s a good chance that both sides come to an agreement that pays Walker much more money than he could’ve gotten elsewhere.

Jimmy Butler: Philadelphia 76ers

The 76ers can’t afford to let Butler walk. He was their best player in the postseason. Philadelphia has a real chance to reach the 2020 NBA Finals if they bring back their core. Don’t expect the injury-prone Butler to turn down a contract that dwarfs all of his other offers.

Khris Middleton: Milwaukee Bucks

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s free agency isn’t that far off, meaning Milwaukee has to do everything in its power to keep the superstar happy. Middleton showed in the playoffs that he’s not worth a max contract, but the Bucks might have to overpay him and make sure their 60-win team remains intact.

D'Angelo Russell: Indiana Pacers

The Nets are probably going to sign Irving and rescind Russell’s rights, making him an unrestricted free agent. The Indiana Pacers are reportedly interested in Russell. Adding an All-Star to a backcourt that includes Victor Oladpio could make Indiana a top team in the East.

Tobias Harris: Brooklyn Nets

If the Nets are unable to sign another star alongside Irving, Harris is the perfect fit. He’s from New York and fills Brooklyn’s need for a power forward. The odds are against Philadelphia paying both Butler and Harris what they want.

Nikola Vucevic: Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks are hoping to quickly build a contender around Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis. Dallas scouted Vucevic during the season, according to The Athletic, and they have enough cap space to get a deal done.