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.
"There's nothing more that I can guarantee you than the Knicks pursuing Kevin Durant. This is not just my opinion, I have valid sources I've talked to in the last 12 hours that say nothing has changed. They kept tabs on the surgery and thought it was successful." — @criscarter80 pic.twitter.com/lZeDPOfn2y
— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) June 13, 2019
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.
Here's Woj on Sportscenter a day after the Raptors won the title, saying Kawhi Leonard will decline his team option and saying the Raptors have been in an uphill battle with Kawhi all year long and still have a alot of work to do in keeping Kawhi away from the LA Clippers. pic.twitter.com/4yyA8BGyHK
— In The Know (@In_the_know__) June 14, 2019
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.
BREAKING CELTICS >>>> According to well-placed sources, Kyrie Irving to the Nets isn't (and can't be) done yet ... but it may as well be. All indications he'll sleep well in Brooklyn. @SteveBHoop has the scintillating latest on a hot @celtics offseason: https://t.co/BOFMSx3N2X pic.twitter.com/MyIIijUfyO
— Boston Herald (@bostonherald) June 13, 2019
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.
Just spoke with Klay Thompson's father, Mychal, who said there's "no question" Klay will re-sign with the Warriors. Golden State is expected to still offer him a full five-year maximum deal.
— Connor Letourneau (@Con_Chron) June 14, 2019
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.
More from Kemba Walker on upcoming free agency.
— Nick Carboni (@NickCarboniWCNC) June 13, 2019
*Says #Hornets No. 1 priority
*Prepared to play elsewhere
*Would be willing to take less than Super Max to help team-build pic.twitter.com/pvlTVihxl9
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.
Sixers willing to do whatever it takes to retain Jimmy Butler but the Lakers lurk: https://t.co/XAMr7ckMHJ
— Chris W Crouse (@NBACrouse) June 15, 2019
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.
NBA source: #Mavs will prepare to turn free-agent page as Khris Middleton plans to re-up with #Bucks https://t.co/ILskq2MC9N (vip) pic.twitter.com/gUiQbQXvig
— mike fisher ✭ (@fishsports) June 17, 2019
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.
The Pacers are among the teams who have interest in restricted free agent D’Angelo Russell, whose future in Brooklyn would be impacted by a Kyrie Irving signing. More here: https://t.co/FeuCP4BkBP
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) June 15, 2019
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.
Story: How Kevin Durant’s injury could affect the Brooklyn Nets in free agency on @TheAthleticNYC. Reporting on Tobias Harris is also included. https://t.co/j48Kyjb4v3
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) June 11, 2019
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.

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