Detailing 7 Potential NBA Free Agents

Michael Ginnitti
Michael Ginnitti, Managing Editor & NFL/MLB ExpertJune 27, 2022
© USA TODAY Sports

Bradley Beal (SG, WAS)

Beal opted out of a $36M player option on June 22nd, putting the pressure on the Wizards to lock him into a long-term contract, or construct a sign and trade package.

Pro: He’s a career 37% from 3, and posted his best season in 2020-21.
Con: He hasn’t played more than 60 games in a season since 2018, and shot a career worst 30% from 3 last year.

Maximum Contract with Washington
Beal is eligible for a 5 year, $247,660,000 maximum contract, including salaries of:
22-23: $42.7M
23-24: $46.1M
24-25: $49.5M
25-26: $52.9M
26-27: $56.3M

Sign & Trade or Free Agent Maximum Contract
A sign and trade, or outright free agent contract with a new team means a maximum contract of 4 years, $183,610,000.

 

James Harden (SG, PHI)

Harden has to decide on a $47.3M player option by June 29th. It’s largely expected that he’ll decline the option in favor of “some” sort of multi-year contract to remain with Philly.

Pro: His 2 80 games with Brooklyn were statistically better than many give him credit for (35% from 3, 51% from 2, 23 points/10 assists in 36 minutes).
Con: He forgot how to play basketball when he joined Philly.

Maximum Contract with Philadelphia
Harden is eligible for a 5 year, $268,853,015 maximum contract, including salaries of:
22-23: $46.5M
23-24: $50.2M
24-25: $53.9M
25-26: $57.6M
26-27: $61.4M

Sign & Trade or Free Agent Maximum Contract
A sign and trade, or outright free agent contract with a new team means a maximum contract of 4 years, $200,063,442.

 

Kyrie Irving (PG, BKN)

Irving has to decide on a $36.5M player option by June 29th, and we’ve learned to assume nothing with him. There’s a real chance Irving simply opts on, runs it back for 1 more season with KD, then controls his future thereafter. There’s a real chance he opts out, and never looks back. But the most likely outcome is probably in sync with what James Harden will do in opting out, and signing a short-term high-value contract with his current team.

Pro: Irving averaged 27.4 points per game last season - a career high. Tack on 6 assists, and 4 rebounds and he’s still one of the most valuable players in the game.
Con: When he plays.

Maximum Contract with Brooklyn
Irving is eligible for a 5 year, $247,660,000 maximum contract, including salaries of:
22-23: $42.7M
23-24: $46.1M
24-25: $49.5M
25-26: $52.9M
26-27: $56.3M

Sign & Trade or Free Agent Maximum Contract
A sign and trade, or outright free agent contract with a new team means a maximum contract of 4 years, $183,610,000.

 

Zach LaVine (SG, CHI)

LaVine has largely been identified as one of the top available players in this year’s free agent class, as the 27 year old is finishing his sophomore contract in Chicago (no option).

Pro: Over the past 4 seasons, LaVine has averaged 25 points, 5 boards, and 4 assists, while shooting nearly 40% from three.
Con: He had arthroscopic knee surgery this May, so there may be a delay in getting him up to full speed going forward.

Maximum Contract with Chicago
LaVine is eligible for a 5 year, $212,280,000 maximum contract, including salaries of:
22-23: $36.6M
23-24: $39.5M
24-25: $42.5M
25-26: $45.4M
26-27: $48.3M

Sign & Trade or Free Agent Maximum Contract
A sign and trade, or outright free agent contract with a new team means a maximum contract of 4 years, $157,380,000.

 

Jalen Brunson (PG, DAL)

The #33 overall selection from 2018 is hitting the open market on a high-note, as an increased role in 21-22 (32 MPG) saw his production rise considerably across the board. He’s a strong playmaker with good efficiency numbers both from three and inside the arc.

Pro: While the production has increased, it hasn’t risen to a level that should warrant a max contract. Something around 4 years, $100M seems about right.
Con: Potential buyer beware situation? He’s a nice player, but most likely not a franchise savior.

Maximum Contract with Dallas
Brunson is eligible for a 5 year, $176,900,000 maximum contract, including salaries of:
22-23: $30.5M
23-24: $32.9M
24-25: $35.4M
25-26: $37.8M
26-27: $40.3M

Sign & Trade or Free Agent Maximum Contract
A sign and trade, or outright free agent contract with a new team means a maximum contract of 4 years, $131,150,000.

 

Deandre Ayton (C, PHX)

Did the draft hurt or improve Ayton’s chances to find a max contract on the open market? It might not matter. Phoenix is still an excellent team, and should be highly motivated to bring the former #1 overall pick back for a few years.

Pro: A career 25% shooter from 3 finished 21-22 at 37%. His game is still rounding into form (as you might expect for a 23 year old
Con: His current team doesn’t appear ready to max out a big man who doesn’t jump off the screen as an elite superstar. Will anyone?

Maximum Contract with Phoenix
Ayton is eligible for a 5 year, $176,900,000 maximum contract, including salaries of:
22-23: $30.5M
23-24: $32.9M
24-25: $35.4M
25-26: $37.8M
26-27: $40.3M

Sign & Trade or Free Agent Maximum Contract
A sign and trade, or outright free agent contract with a new team means a maximum contract of 4 years, $131,150,000.

 

Miles Bridges (SF, CHA)

He’s gotten better every season, with 21-22 topping out at 20 points, 7 boards, 4 assists and a steal per game. He shoots 50% from the field, 80% from the line, and 35% from three. If Charlotte won’t pay him, multiple teams will offer to.

Pro: He seems to be rounding into a perfect #3 option on a great team.
Con: Despite consistent improvement, he’s not yet progressed to a “max” player, and maybe never will. Charlotte seems rightfully reluctant to overpay.

Maximum Contract with Phoenix
Bridges is eligible for a 5 year, $176,900,000 maximum contract, including salaries of:
22-23: $30.5M
23-24: $32.9M
24-25: $35.4M
25-26: $37.8M
26-27: $40.3M

Sign & Trade or Free Agent Maximum Contract
A sign and trade, or outright free agent contract with a new team means a maximum contract of 4 years, $131,150,000.


Top