For all of the talk about the future of the Cleveland Cavaliers and how the core of that team has bought in, the reality is that LeBron James just followed Kevin Love’s lead in opting to become an unrestricted free agent while Kyrie Irving faces an uncertain future thanks to a broken kneecap. Love appears to be the biggest concern after the Cavaliers traded an absolute boatload to get him – including the reigning Rookie of the Year award winner Andrew Wiggins. While reports have him interested in a return to Cleveland, the latest rumors have a potentially better fit emerging. He’s just one of the top five power forward free agents set to hit the market.
LaMarcus Aldridge
2014-15 Stats: 23.4 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 1.0 BPG
There have been reports that Aldridge is still considering a return to the Portland Trail Blazers but at 29 years old, he more than likely realizes he is nearing the end of his prime. Aldridge averaged more than 23 points and 10 rebounds for Portland a year ago and while his fantasy statistics could take a dip playing somewhere else, the opportunity to play for a championship contender would make it worth it. The San Antonio Spurs are the projected favorite to land him but the Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks are also in the mix. Predicted Destination: San Antonio Spurs
Kevin Love
2014-15 Stats: 16.4 PPG, 9.7 RPG, 2.2 APG
The Cavaliers invested their entire future on the idea that LeBron, Love and Irving could lead them to a title but after Love and Irving went down with injuries this postseason, LeBron was left without enough talent to deliver a title to Cleveland once again. Now Love will hit the open market as a UFA and it’s clear they need him back in order to keep their title hopes alive moving forward.
The problem is that Love is also being courted by the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics and Love played college ball at UCLA and has also reportedly been tempted by the opportunity to be the main attraction in Boston. The Lakers could have the best package for Love if they offer a ton of cash and the opportunity to be a franchise cornerstone playing on the west coast, so don’t be surprised if LA steals him and spoils the Cavaliers’ plans. Predicted Destination: Los Angeles Lakers
Paul Millsap
2014-15 Stats: 16.7 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 3.1 APG
The Hawks would love nothing more than to bring back Millsap as a UFA after falling just short of reaching the NBA Finals when they lost to Cleveland. However, there is no guarantee he wants to continue his professional career there. Millsap was an absolute beast for an Atlanta team that won 60 regular season games and he will be courted by a number of teams – including those that miss out on Aldridge and Love in free agency. Millsap has the potential to be a core player on a championship team, so don’t be shocked if he ends up making a move after proving his value with the Hawks. Predicted Destination: Atlanta Hawks
Josh Smith
2014-15 Stats: 12.4 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 3.5 APG
The marriage between Smith and the Detroit Pistons certainly didn’t last long but he was given a shot at redemption by the Houston Rockets and took advantage of the opportunity by earning a starting job with them. In the playoffs, he played his best basketball in years. Smith will be courted by a number of teams in free agency but he reportedly loves his current situation in Houston. The problem is they might not have the type of money he’s looking for. They have to re-sign Patrick Beverly and Corey Brewer, and that could choke up their cap situation. However, he’s still getting money from the Pistons, so he might opt to sign for less to stay in Houston. Predicted Destination: Houston Rockets
Tristan Thompson
2014-15 Stats: 8.5 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 0.7 APG
No other player improved his free agent stock in the playoffs the way that Thompson did – particularly after Love went down in the opening round. Thompson raised his averages across the board and he finished the postseason with contributing 9.6 points, 10.8 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game. Thompson isn’t by any means a stretch-four but what he does bring to the floor is a relentless motor and zero ego. Thompson proved he could make a major impact when the spotlight is at its brightest and it won’t be a surprise if the Cavaliers reward him for it with a big free agent deal that keeps him in Cleveland for the long term. Predicted Destination: Cleveland Cavaliers
