NBA Offseason Predictions: Which Teams Will James Harden, Kyrie Irving, Draymond Green And Other Elite Players Join?

By Uddipta Das On Jun 25, 2023 0

The NBA playoffs are over, and everyone’s attention is now focused on free agency. Many notable players will become available, which might affect the look of the league next season. Some famous free agents who could have a huge impact on their new teams include Kyrie Irving, James Harden, and Draymond Green. Other All-Stars and key players are also looking for new teams if the opportunity arises.

Guessing where these players will go is very difficult. Many things can affect their choices, like how good the team is, the city they’ll play in, and the money they’ll get. Even though it’s uncertain, one thing is clear: the NBA will change a lot this summer. Fans can look forward to exciting things, whether it’s a famous player signing or a big trade happening.

Cameron Johnson – Brooklyn Nets

Cameron Johnson is a good small forward who played for the Brooklyn Nets after a trade involving Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns. He was chosen as the 11th overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft and started as a three-point shooter but has improved as an all-around player. The Brooklyn Nets need a forward who can shoot three-pointers and continue their rebuilding. They recently got Mikal Bridges and are a promising young team in the Eastern Conference. It’s likely that the Nets will offer Johnson a 4-year contract worth at least $84 million.

Jordan Clarkson – Miami Heat

The Miami Heat want a guard who can score from the bench. Clarkson is a good scorer and has a solid career. He averaged 20.8 points per game last season. The Heat have a winning mentality and a strong team culture, which might attract Clarkson. They also help players develop and maximize their skills. After losing in the NBA Finals, the Heat need more scoring, and Clarkson seems like a good fit. He might enjoy living and competing in South Beach. It looks like a great match.

Christian Wood – Detroit Pistons

Mark Cuban, the owner of the Dallas Mavericks, said they probably won’t keep Christian Wood. Many teams are interested in him as a free agent, but he might choose to sign with the Detroit Pistons. The Pistons are rebuilding and need good players like Wood. They can offer him an important role on the team. The Pistons also have enough money to offer Wood a good contract because they have a low salary cap. They can give him around $15 million per season. It’s possible they might reunite with Wood.

Brook Lopez – Houston Rockets

Brook Lopez is one of the best centers in the NBA. He can shoot three-pointers and play great defense. He used to be different but changed his game. In 2023, he had good stats. The Houston Rockets want Lopez and can offer him a lot of money. They have the most money to spend next season. Lopez wants a big contract and Houston might give him a 3-year deal worth $45-$50 million or more.

Austin Reaves – Los Angeles Lakers

Lakers fans and the organization want Austin Reaves to stay. He has become a talented starter who can shoot threes, play defense, and perform well in crucial moments. The team gave him a chance because they struggled in recent years. Reaves had good stats in the playoffs. The Lakers want to keep him and will match any offer he gets. It’s likely that Reaves will return to the Lakers as the starting shooting guard behind LeBron James and Anthony Davis. He wants a contract worth at least $100 million, possibly for four or five years.

Jerami Grant – Portland Trail Blazers

Jerami Grant had a great season with the Portland Trail Blazers. He scored 20.5 points per game and had good shooting percentages. He plays well on defense, attacks the basket, and can shoot three-pointers. The Trail Blazers want to keep most of their players, so Grant will likely return. He’s 29 years old and made a lot of money this season. He could earn even more on a five-year deal. Portland has the money to keep him. Other teams may be interested, but Grant’s veteran experience will help rookie Scoot Henderson.

Nikola Vucevic – Chicago Bulls

The Chicago Bulls don’t want to start over completely, but they might trade Zach LaVine or DeMar DeRozan. They will bring back Nikola Vucevic as their starting center. Vucevic had a good season individually and seems to like living in Chicago. He gets double-doubles often. The Bulls will likely give him a contract worth $65 million for three years. That’s a good deal for both sides. The Bulls probably don’t want to purposely lose games, so keeping Vucevic fits their plans for the next season.

Kyle Kuzma – Dallas Mavericks

Kyle Kuzma won’t return to the Washington Wizards and wants a big contract. It’s unlikely any team will pay him the maximum amount, but the Dallas Mavericks might have enough money. They could start him with Luka Doncic and possibly Kyrie Irving. Dallas made space by trading Davis Bertans. They might offer Kuzma a four-year deal worth at least $20 million per season. Alternatively, the Utah Jazz have money and could add Kuzma to their young core that includes Lauri Markkanen, Collin Sexton, and Walker Kessler.

Khris Middleton – Milwaukee Bucks

The Milwaukee Bucks won’t let Khris Middleton leave. He’s a great shooter, clutch player, and defender. He was important when the Bucks won the championship. Middleton had injuries this season, and it affected the team’s performance. But he can still play at an All-Star level for a few more years. Milwaukee wants to compete for a championship, so they’ll keep Middleton. He might get a four-year contract worth at least $30 million per season. The Bucks need to keep their roster together as long as they have Giannis.

Fred VanVleet – Toronto Raptors

The Toronto Raptors want to keep Fred VanVleet. He was part of their championship team and has become an All-Star. VanVleet had good stats this season despite the team not making the playoffs. Toronto can’t afford to lose their best players. They will likely give VanVleet a three-year contract worth at least $90 million. He is a leader, defender, and scorer for the team. Toronto needs to keep their key players since they aren’t a top free-agent destination.

D’Angelo Russell – Chicago Bulls

D’Angelo Russell is a good scorer and playmaker. He’s 27 years old and has the potential to be an All-Star again. The Los Angeles Lakers might trade him in a sign-and-trade to acquire another All-Star. The Chicago Bulls, with DeMar DeRozan or Zach LaVine, are a possible team to make a deal with. It would benefit everyone involved.

Russell Westbrook – Miami Heat

Westbrook revived his career with the Clippers after a disappointing time with the Lakers. Although he’s no longer an All-Star, he can contribute as a competitive and skilled player. The Miami Heat, aiming to improve, could benefit from adding Westbrook to their roster. With Westbrook, Butler, and Adebayo, they can form a dynamic starting lineup and increase their chances of reaching the NBA Finals.

Draymond Green – Golden State Warriors

The Warriors surprised everyone by trading Jordan Poole for Chris Paul. This move shows their unwavering trust in Draymond Green. Green may not be an offensive threat or an All-Star anymore, but he’s crucial to the Warriors as a leader, defender, and playmaker. His presence is essential for the team’s championship aspirations, as Curry and Thompson rely on his toughness and leadership. Despite criticism, Green’s value to Golden State is undeniable, and he is expected to remain with the team.

James Harden – Philadelphia 76ers

Rockets rumors have cooled, suggesting James Harden may re-sign with the 76ers. With MVP Joel Embiid, Harden’s playmaking was key in their playoff run. Philly needs to retain Harden to complement their core. Trading Tobias Harris is a possibility to make it happen. Expect the 76ers to make efforts to keep Harden for a championship run next season.

Kyrie Irving – Dallas Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks traded for Kyrie Irving and are determined to keep him with Luka Doncic. They likely had an agreement to offer Irving a maximum contract. With Luka’s leadership, Irving’s caliber can help the Mavericks reach the NBA Finals. Irving’s performance proves he is a superstar. Expect the Mavericks to pay him over $35 million per season. Keeping Luka happy is a priority, and if he approves, the Mavericks will do whatever it takes to retain Irving.