Along with the upcoming NBA Draft, free agency will also be a key talking point in this NBA offseason.
According to ESPN league insider Adrian Wojnarowski, the transaction window will start on November 20 to where teams can go and try to bolster their lineups.
Despite the financial effect brought about by the coronavirus, establishing a winning culture will remain the top priority for these clubs especially for this upcoming shortened 2020/21 season and beyond.
This year’s crop of free agents may not be as star-studded than the fans are accustomed to seeing. However, it will still feature several veterans, up-and-coming talents, and high-profile names that can make an impact to their teams one way or another.
The rumour mill is now running in full gear and we are expected to learn so many NBA 2020 updates in the next few days.
So today, SBOTOP takes a look at some of the top free agents who will be definitely coveted by multiple teams out there.
Gordon Hayward
Injuries played a huge part to Gordon Hayward’s downward trajectory in the past few seasons. However, he is still an effective cog on both ends of the floor.
The former NBA All-Star posted norms of 17.5 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game while shooting 50-per cent from the field last season despite being the fourth option alongside Kemba Walker, Jaylen Brown, and Jayson Tatum, and that speaks volumes to his ability to acclimate well.
Gordon Hayward is rumoured to potentially leave Beantown soon as several reports indicate that he might decline his $34-M player option on the final year of his contract.
It would be foolish for Hayward to forego that amount of guaranteed money at this point of his career and Boston would surely love to keep him around. However, a change of scenery could end up being the best move for him basketball-wise.
A trade package of him going to the Pacers in exchange for Myles Turner is worth looking into if you’re Danny Ainge, but there are no imminent signs that it will happen anytime soon.
Fred VanVleet
After playing well for the Toronto Raptors in the last two seasons, Fred VanVleet is expected to be sought after and he will get paid for sure.
Despite his diminutive size, VanVleet is gritty, durable, and is an effective shotmaker particularly from three-point land at nearly 40-per cent. Last season, the Wichita State product posted norms of 17.6 points and 6.6 assists.
The 26-year-old is also a proven champion. During the 2019 NBA Playoffs, VanVleet played a key role in the Raptors’ run towards their first championship in franchise history.
The Knicks are rumoured to be lining up for his services. However, many pundits are skeptical on how he will fare in a struggling franchise.
DeMar DeRozan
DeMar DeRozan will have to make a decision on whether he will exercise his $28-M player option in his Spurs contract or not.
The 11-year veteran may be looking for one more huge payday as he is slowly approaching the end of his prime and it remains to be seen on whether he will find that in San Antonio – who are not exactly playoff contenders.
DeRozan had a decent year for the Spurs last season. In 68 games, he averaged 22.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game on 53-per cent shooting from the field.
The 31-year-old will probably command a similar wage rate like what he’s getting today, although his eschewing of the three-point shot makes him an oddity in today’s day and age of basketball.
Brandon Ingram
The Most Improved Player of the Year will be a restricted free agent and several teams are expected to go after him.
Brandon Ingram had a season to remember in his first year with the Pelicans with averages of 23.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 4.2 assists – numbers that earned him his first-ever All-Star citation.
The lanky swingman was a key piece to the Anthony Davis trade last season which also includes the likes of Lonzo Ball and Josh Hart.
New Orleans are expected to give Ingram his due, but it’s definitely going to cost them a large part of their salary cap.
Anthony Davis
Anthony Davis’ first season with the Lakers was a big success as he helped them secure their 17th championship in franchise history.
The 26-year-old is entering his prime and he is widely seen as the next guy who will lead the Lakers especially as LeBron James is about to reach the twilight of his playing career.
Davis has all the tools to be a factor on both ends of the floor, which easily makes him the best player in this free agency class.
The Lakers are expected to run it back since they like their NBA 2020 odds for a repeat title bid.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Davis will opt out of his $29-M player option and he will re-sign with the Lakers for a lucrative deal.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE BASKETBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
