The 2017 NBA offseason will be in tough to compete with what we saw around the association last summer. Kevin Durant completely changed the NBA landscape with his shocking move to the Golden State Warriors in 2016. Then again, Durant could become a free agent once again this summer if he decides to opt out of his player option with the Warriors so perhaps he has another shocking move in store for us. Here is a look at the top five targets in the NBA for this summer.
SF: Kevin Durant, Golden State Warriors
Durant wants to resign with the Warriors this summer. At least that is what he said. It’s important to remember that Durant signed with Golden State under the premise that he didn’t want to play the free agent game again in 2017. However, a lot can change in one season and there is no guarantee Durant will want to stay with the Warriors. His player option is for only one more year and even if he wants to stay in Golden State it might not work over the long term. The Warriors need to sign Stephen Curry to an extension this offseason. They also have to decide what to do with their supporting cast as they have only five players signed through next season without counting Durant. Nobody predicted a year ago that Durant would end up with Golden State. While he might want to remain there, it doesn’t make sense to expect him to stay until a formal announcement is made.
SF: Paul George, Indiana Pacers
George is set to become an unrestricted free agent after next season and it is more likely than not that he will leave Indiana. Larry Bird’s departure only increases the odds that the Pacers will be making significant changes and it makes a lot more sense for them to move him now in order to get some value for him. The 27-year-old is in the prime of his career and could entice any of the teams with top-five picks in this year’s NBA Draft to make a move for him. Indiana will try to get as much as possible as they can for George and it will be interesting to see what kind of package they can land.
PG: Markelle Fultz, NBA Draft
One of the most interesting conversations that will take place this offseason is whether it is more beneficial for a team to select Fultz with the first-overall pick or attempt to trade for an established star like George. Fultz is the consensus No. 1 pick for this year’s NBA Draft so it will be interesting to see whether the Boston Celtics think it makes more sense to stay put and draft him or trade the pick for an established star. Boston has tried for years to acquire a superstar player with no success. Now the Celtics will be tasked with deciding whether to go with the established star or to roll the dice on the top prospect in Fultz.
SF: Jimmy Butler, Chicago Bulls
Butler might not be as talented as George. That said, he is signed to a contract that will pay him less than $20 million for each of the next two seasons. That makes Butler even more valuable on the trade market this offseason. A team that wants to win now can add a versatile small forward that can bring a lot of versatility to the table while also costing a lot less than the highest-paid players in the game. Chicago is stuck between wanting to win now and accelerating their eventual rebuild. It will be very interesting to see what they decide to do with Butler this offseason.
SF: Gordon Hayward, Utah Jazz
Hayward has established himself as a gifted scorer that can average more than 25 points per game at the NBA level. His shooting efficiency and production per 100 possessions was on par with Kawhi Leonard last season and he comes with no injury or locker room issues. Hayward is an extremely adaptable player and he could be the perfect fit as a pure scorer on a team that wants to win now. Hayward is almost certain to leave Utah this offseason. He will provide a substantial immediate boost to whichever team is able to sign him as a free agent this summer.
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