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The top NBA free agents and where they might land

Scott Davis   

The top NBA free agents and where they might land
  • NBA free agency begins on Friday, November 20.
  • This year's free agent class doesn't have much star power, but has plenty of players who can be difference-makers on good teams.
  • We made a list of the best free agents, including those with player options, and where they are rumored to land so far.

NBA free agency begins on November 20, at 6 p.m. ET.

This year's free agenct class lacks the superstar flash of the 2019 offseason. Still, there are impact players available who could put borderline playoff teams into the mix or pseudo-contenders over the top.

We took a look at the top players available, including players who have contract options to pick up or decline. Players who pick up their options before free agency will be removed from the list.

"Rumored landing spots" is based on rumors that have been reported and discussed by NBA insiders. Though there are plenty of potential fits for free agents, we went only by publicly available information. Each free agent likely has many suitors that have not been named.

* = Restricted free agent

Anthony Davis, F/C

Team: Los Angeles Lakers

Rumored landing spots: Lakers

One thing to know: Davis is turning down his $28.7 million player option for the 2020-21 season but will re-sign with the Lakers. Whether he signs a short deal to hit free agency again in a few years or cashes in on a five-year max, he'll be in LA.

Brandon Ingram, F*

Team: New Orleans Pelicans

Rumored landing spots: Pelicans

One thing to know: Ingram, the Most Improved Player of 2019-20, is a pillar of the Pelicans future, alongside Zion Williamson. If they don't max him out first, they will likely match any offer he receives from another team.

Fred VanVleet, G

Team: Toronto Raptors

Rumored landing spots: Raptors, Atlanta Hawks, New York Knicks, Detroit Pistons

One thing to know: VanVleet has proven to be a solid, two-way point guard on a winning team, and he might cash in on a deal worth eight figures per year. It remains to be seen if another team can offer him a big enough deal to pull him away from Toronto.

Gordon Hayward, G/F

Team: Boston Celtics

Rumored landing spots: Celtics, New York Knicks, Atlanta Hawks, Indiana Pacers

One thing to know: Hayward opted out of his $34 million option for the 2020-21 season to become an unrestricted free agent. Given his injury history, his market may be limited, but if healthy, his shooting and playmaking could make a difference on teams like the Knicks and Hawks.

Danilo Gallinari, F

Team: Oklahoma City Thunder

Rumored landing spots: Atlanta Hawks, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns,

One thing to know: As a stretch-four capable of creating his own shot and playing solid defense, Gallinari may be the most widely targeted free agent in the league this season. He's a fit almost anywhere, and though he has said he wants to play for a contender, he should have plenty of offers to consider.

Goran Dragic, G

Team: Miami Heat

Rumored landing spots: Heat

One thing to know: The veteran point guard had a great postseason run and will be pursued by multiple teams. He and the Heat are reportedly interested in working out a new deal.

Bogdan Bogdanovic, G/F*

Team: Sacramento Kings

Rumored landing spots: Kings

One thing to know: Bogdanovic reportedly backed out of a sign-and-trade with the Bucks and will hit restricted free agency. A skilled shooter and scorer, he should have plenty of suitors, but can they pry him away from the Kings?

Joe Harris, G/F

Team: Brooklyn Nets

Rumored landing spots: Nets, Atlanta Hawks, Miami Heat, New York Knicks

One thing to know: One of the best shooters in the NBA, Harris is expected to receive interest from multiple teams, possibly at $15 million per year.

Montrezl Harrell, F/C

Team: LA Clippers

Rumored landing spots: Clippers, Atlanta Hawks, Toronto Raptors

One thing to know: The Athletic's Jovan Buha reported that Harrell's next contract might be $8-12 million per year. After a poor playoff showing, how much will a team offer Harrell, and how high will the Clippers go to keep their Sixth Man of the Year?

Jerami Grant, F

Team: Denver Nuggets

Rumored landing spots: Nuggets, Miami Heat, Atlanta Hawks, Detroit Pistons, Phoenix Suns

One thing to know: Grant has become a reliable 3-and-D forward capable of guarding five positions. He'll have many suitors, but there is reportedly mutual interest between him and the Nuggets in working out a deal.

Davis Bertans, F

Team: Washington Wizards

Rumored landing spots: Wizards

One thing to know: The Wizards want to re-sign Bertans, who had a strong season, shooting 42% from three on nearly nine attempts per game. Teams will pursue the stretch-forward, but the Wizards are the favorite to keep him.

Marcus Morris, F

Team: LA Clippers

Rumored landing spots: Clippers

One thing to know: Morris has become a solid shooter and scorer who brings defense and toughness. The Clippers might re-sign him if the price is right, though he should have plenty of suitors.

Jae Crowder, F

Team: Miami Heat

Rumored landing spots: Heat

One thing to know: Crowder has bounced around the league in recent years but is a sturdy defender, capable three-point shooter, and tough-nosed player. The Heat want to keep him; ESPN's Zach Lowe suggested Crowder may receive offers around the $9.3 million midlevel exception.

Christian Wood, F/C

Team: Detroit Pistons

Rumored landing spots: Pistons, New York Knicks, Charlotte Hornets, Phoenix Suns

One thing to know: Wood should benefit from a breakout season in which he averaged 13 points and 6 rebounds per game, with 38% shooting from three. A stretch center will be on the radar for many teams.

Tristan Thompson, F/C

Team: Cleveland Cavaliers

Rumored landing spots: Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers, LA Clippers, Toronto Raptors

One thing to know: At 29, Thompson still has plenty to offer as a rebounder, finisher, and defender. If he wants to join a contending team, however, his contract options may be limited.

Serge Ibaka, F/C

Team: Toronto Raptors

Rumored landing spots: Raptors, Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Lakers, LA Clippers, Miami Heat, Dallas Mavericks, Boston Celtics, Portland Trail Blazers

One thing to know: Ibaka quietly had an outstanding season for the Raptors. At 31, this may be his last chance to cash in on a big deal, though his market may be limited if he only wants to join a contender.

Hassan Whiteside, C

Team: Portland Trail Blazers

Rumored landing spots: Blazers, Charlotte Hornets, Detroit Pistons

One thing to know: Whiteside has a reputation for stat-hunting and being too lax on the court, but he is also an elite finisher and shot-blocker who could make an impact on a team in need of a center.

Rajon Rondo, G

Team: Los Angeles Lakers

Rumored landing spots: Lakers, Atlanta Hawks, LA Clippers

One thing to know: Rondo proved to be a difference-maker in the postseason for the Lakers, and while many expect a return, he'll be hunted by contenders in need of playmaking, defense, and hustle.

Paul Millsap, F

Team: Denver Nuggets

Rumored landing spots: Nuggets, Portland Trail Blazers, Miami Heat

One thing to know: Millsap is 35 but can still be a valuable veteran presence who can spread the floor, defend, and make plays.

Jordan Clarkson, G

Team: Utah Jazz

Rumored landing spots: Jazz, Los Angeles Lakers

One thing to know: Clarkson was a valuable bench scorer for the Jazz. He admitted he was interested in testing the market, but with a somewhat limited market, he may end up signing a short deal to hit free agency again in a year or two.

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