The 2016 NBA Draft altered the complexion of the league heading in to the free agency. One of the most intriguing storylines to keep an eye on is how the entire draft process will impact the decisions made by some of the top unrestricted free agents this summer – especially with a handful of notable trades that contributed to shaking things up. Things have become even more interesting in recent days with LeBron James declining his player option and Dwyane Wade suggesting that he will be open to offers from other teams. That means the pool of unrestricted free agents could be very enticing this year (although many players will very likely just end up returning to their former teams). At any rate, here is a look at our predictions for four of the top unrestricted free agents players following the NBA Draft.
Kevin Durant
One of the biggest surprises of the NBA Draft was Oklahoma City’s trade of Serge Ibaka to the Orlando Magic in exchange for Victor Oladipo, Ersan Ilyasova and the rights to rookie power forward Domantas Sabonis. The fact that the Thunder were able to land such a big haul in exchange for an overpaid forward that had fallen out of favor in their lineup was an absolute steal and it could be enough to convince Durant to return for one more season. A lineup that features Durant, Oladipo and Russell Westbrook would be downright scary and actually might be enough to help put Oklahoma City over the top. The Thunder have unfinished business after falling just short against the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference Finals but they will be in a much better position to contend for a championship if their draft day trade can help convince Durant to return.
Prediction: Oklahoma City Thunder
Dwight Howard
Orlando’s addition of a shot blocker it can pair with Aaron Gordon in its frontcourt should eliminate the possibility of Howard making a return to the Magic. That opens the door for a number of possibilities but we don’t think it’s any more likely Howard goes to the New York Knicks than Orlando at this point. The smart money might be on the former All-Star center joining the Dallas Mavericks since the potential exits of Chandler Parsons and Dirk Nowitzki mean Mark Cuban will likely have plenty of cash to throw at Howard. Cuban won’t hesitate to hand him a max contract and the combination of situation and money could make Dallas the perfect landing spot for Howard. The Mavs are a good place for Howard to repair his image and stature.
Prediction: Dallas Mavericks
Joakim Noah
The Washington Wizards and Houston Rockets are both interested in Noah, who is one of the top forward unrestriced free agents. However, the most likely option for him at this point could be signing with the Knicks. New York traded Robin Lopez to the Bulls in the deal for Derrick Rose and it didn’t take long for the former MVP to start recruiting his former Chicago teammate. Rose told reporters he would love for Noah to join him with the Knicks and now that they need help at the position it is that much more likely for it to happen. New York has taken steps towards potentially contending for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference next season and the addition of Noah would certainly help them move one step closer to reaching that level.
Prediction: New York Knicks
Rajon Rondo
The Knicks’ acquisition of Rose just before the NBA Draft means they no longer have a need to sign Rondo at the position. That leaves the Brooklyn Nets and Sacramento Kings as the two most likely options left for the veteran point guard. That should make for an easy decision for Rondo, who is coming off a season in which he averaged a career-high 11.7 assists per game while playing with DeMarcus Cousins and the Kings. Brooklyn is in dire need of a major rebuild with little left on their roster in the way of NBA talent so look for Rondo to get something done with Sacramento in free agency.
Prediction: Sacramento Kings
