2024 NBA Free Agency Predictions

ANAHEIM, CA JUNE 28, 2024

With some contracts already "intended" to sign, with OG Anunoby, Pascal Siakam, and Malik Monk contracts, it is about time I made my picks/predictions on where the top NBA free agents will land this summer.

Looking over the list of free agents, the class of players is actually not too bad. You have 3 of the 4 former Los Angeles Clippers MVP/MVP caliber players in James Harden, Paul George, and Russell Westbrook on the market. And of course, on top of everyone's wish list, LeBron James.

Overall across the free agency board, I really don't think there will be much change in the league. But the trade market sure is off to a great start with New York trading away their future for 0-time All-Star Mikal Bridges, but hey, the Villanova bond can't be broken.

In this post, I'll review 15 notable players on the market and predict where the player will sign.

LEBRON JAMES - Resigns with Lakers

This has to be the most obvious signing of the offseason. With Bronny James getting drafted to the Lakers with the 44th pick, there is no doubt LeBron re-signs with them. Even without Bronny James being drafted, the Lakers would have easily been LeBron's first choice without a doubt. Coming off a first-round exit against the Nuggets, I see no reason for LeBron to jump ship. With the Lakers also taking one of the draft's biggest steals at #17 in Dalton Knecht out of Tennessee, the Lakers are better this year and should look into another playoff push easily.

PAUL GEORGE - Resigns with Clippers

Realistically, I don't see Paul George leaving the Clippers and going to the rumored Golden State Warriors. I really don't see him going anywhere else in general unless traded. I don't see many teams even being that interested in an aging Paul George. After a "failed super team" last season, losing to the eventual Western Conference Champs, Dallas Mavericks, the Clippers' "super team" needs to run it back. It's easily George's best shot at a ring outside of joining Stephen Curry and the Warriors. Although recent reports say that the Clippers won't offer George the max, he should take the pay cut and stay in Inglewood with the new Clippers rebrand.

TYRESE MAXEY - Restricted, stays with 76ers

I didn't mention any other RFAs (Restricted Free Agents) because there's no way all those teams match the offers their players will receive. I believe Tyrese Maxey is the only RFA worth mentioning on this list due to the growing star he is and has become in the league. There's no way Philadelphia lets this player get away, while making a playoff push every year. The 76ers are easily a Conference Finals or Semi-Finals team while healthy. The 76ers need to continue to build around Maxey and Joel Embiid to make it past the second round in the playoffs. Letting Tobias Harris walk, and going after a Demar DeRozan will be the step the Sixers are missing.

DEMAR DEROZAN - Resigns with Bulls

I know I just mentioned the 76ers pursuing DeMar DeRozan in free agency, but this one is a weird case in my opinion. DeRozan isn't in the best position at this point in his career. Aging on a Chicago Bulls team looking to trade LaVine and trade away key pieces for no draft capital. With Lonzo Ball returning and Coby White coming off a career year, I would like to see the Bulls compete next season before blowing it up and going into full rebuild mode. Especially with the Bulls having a draft steal, in my eyes, in Matas Buzelis. There are some positive signs on the Bulls. But the urge to come home could influence his preferences and have him looking into the Clippers to make a homecoming. And there's also the need for a third star in Philly, which could be his best possible home to compete and his last chance to compete for a championship.

JAMES HARDEN - Resigns with Clippers

Obviously, much like Paul George's situation, the Clippers' "super team" could be his last chance to truly compete for a championship. He's close to his hometown and is in a place he wanted to be traded to. There should be no reason for him to look to jump ship and join a new team. He is staying with the Clippers.

KLAY THOMPSON- Signs with Magic

I really think it's over between Klay and the Warriors. It's time for Klay to find a new home, and the Magic are really the best fit in my opinion. They should be a team willing to spend this offseason after a good playoff push and a great season with such a young roster. He is the veteran presence and shooting the team needs to truly compete. It only makes the most sense in my opinion.

NICOLAS CLAXTON- Signs with Thunder

I know this very unlikely, but man would this be great. This would a guaranteed championship for Oklahoma City. He could either be the NBA's best sixth man or fit in the 4 or 5, with Chet going to the 4 or JDub going to the 3 pushing Lu Dort to the bench. This is a move that separates Claxton from the dumpster fire that is the Nets. Although the Nets want to invest and essentially build around Claxton I don't see him wanting to be in Brooklyn much longer. Although the Mikal Bridges trade did bring in much needed draft capital, it shouldn't be where Claxton wants to spend his career. Unless he wants to next Nets Brook Lopez and resign with Brooklyn.

D'ANGELO RUSSELL- Signs with Magic

This is really just an overpay if the Magic don't sign Klay Thompson. I can see D'Angelo Russell leaving for the money and playing with the young Magic roster, where, like Thompson, he would fit right into the system and be a good veteran presence for the roster. If he isn't greedy, I can see him staying with the Lakers to essentially run it back with LeBron and Anthony Davis easily.

CHRIS PAUL- Signs with Lakers

I hate to say this about the future Hall of Famer. It's time to ring chase while he still can play in a rotation. It's time he joins Lebron for what could be his last opportunity to win a championship. A very unlikely for this but, I do not hate a return to Houston. Although Houston is a very deep roster, with Jalen Green, Fred VanVleet, Amen Thompson and now #3 overall pick Reed Sheppard out of Kentucky, There's not a lot of room for Paul. But his veteran and hall of fame knowledge is what the Rockets need in their young core, being a young team coming off a 41-41 season, they could a lot with CP3 on the roster. But I'm sure he picks playing with Lebron over anything. (Delusional Rockets fan speaking).

ISAIAH HARTENSTEIN - Resigns with Knicks

Rockets legend Isaiah Hartenstein. Is coming off a great year with the Knicks. With the Knicks going full throttle blowing up the farm and looking to compete heavily next year. I don't see him not wanting to join the Villanova Knicks roster. After coming off an Eastern Conference Finals without Jalen Brunson, the Knicks are ready to be there again. The only other spot I see him even considering is Dallas. A team coming off a Finals appearance that could use him, pushing PJ Washington to the 3. But it's no brainer for Hartenstein to run it back at the Garden.

DE'ANTHONY MELTON - Resigns with 76ers

Rockets legend De'Anthony Melton could be a great piece on any roster in the league. But with him it's really the same theme of "run it back". He's a core piece in the 76ers lineup and is due for a pay day. Philadelphia can throw money at stars like DeRozan and Russell but bringing back Melton should be their top priority outside of Maxey.

RUSSELL WESTBROOK - Resigns with Clippers

Obviously much similar to Paul George and James Harden's situations, the Clippers "super team" could be his last chance to really compete for a championship. Really any team could use Russell Westbrook, but taking a pay cut and willing to take a bench role for the better of the team shows me Russ wants to stay a Clipper and of course run it back.

TOBIAS HARRIS - Signs with Pistons

There is now way the Sixers go out of their way to bring this man back, maybe on a pay cut salary, but otherwise should be parting ways with the organization. There is no other team in the league that should be in the running for him aside from the Pistons. They could use some veteran presence to help develop during the rebuilding process. But no matter what he's no longer a 76er.

TYUS JONES- Signs with Spurs

Welcome back to San Antonio Tyus Jones. Likely to be involved with Keldon Johnson on a sign and trade deal, the Spurs could use one of the NBA's most underrated players. It's time to build around Wembanyama and Tyus is a great piece to set up the NBA's new golden goose. It's a great spot to be in for Jones, and he could unite with his brother as well on the roster. Other than that the Miami Heat is also a great landing spot, where his playmaking can be put on full display alongside Jimmy Butler.

ANDREW WIGGINS- Signs with Mavericks

This is a reach honestly. It's hard to imagine Wiggins leaving Stephen Curry behind, but with the "tension" in Golden State, I wouldn't be surprised to se the team/ dynasty fall apart. I hope it does mainly because I would like to see Stephen Curry joining a super team becoming a possibly. Anyways, the Mavericks could use another wing in Andrew Wiggins, he's a great piece to add to the rotation following a finals appearance. It's a great fit and a chance for Wiggins to jump ship and stay in championship contention.