With the conclusion of the NBA Finals and the emergence of a new champion, many basketball junkies are left feeling a little empty this week. To ease the off-season blues, here are the top free agents that could turn around a lowly franchise or even push a contender into The Finals.
5. Goran Dragic PG (Miami Heat)
Want a point guard with similar game to Steph Curry? Dragic could be the answer to a few teams in a league dominated by elite point guards. While he may pale in comparison to Curry, Dragic has the transition mentality and three point lethality seen in the Golden State MVP. Dragic shot a ridiculous 37.8 percent when taking catch-and-shoot threes. He also stayed around 50 percent from the field with Miami this season. While the Heat will look to keep the offensive dynamo, he'll likely receive offers that the Heat could struggle to match.
4. Jimmy Butler SG (Chicago Bulls)
While the 25-year-old guard is restricted and will probably end up in Chicago again, Butler could wind up as the face of any given franchise this summer. He did as well as anyone in limiting LeBron during the playoffs and his offensive game has developed to match his defensive stopping power. He averaged over 20 points, 5.5 rebounds, three assists, and 1.5 steals this season. The only other players to clear those numbers were LeBron James, Russell Westbrook, James Harden, and DeMarcus Cousins. The Bulls would be out of their minds to let the young star walk, but we'll be seeing teams with the cap space throwing wads of cash at this guy.
3. Kevin Love PF (Cleveland Cavaliers)
The versatile big man is predicted to opt out of his contract with the Cavs, but is expected to resign with the team. His season ending shoulder injury deflated Cleveland's offense and his importance to the team was highlighted by his absence. However, injuries can spoil a star's pay day, especially a fragile one like Love. If the Cavs don't fork over the cash, could we see the UCLA product return home and sign with the hometown Lakers?
2. Marc Gasol C (Memphis Grizzlies)
Show me a better center in this league than the Spanish giant. Dwight Howard? Please. DeAndre Jordan? At least Gasol can actually hit a free throw. No one is more dominant and well rounded at the position than Pau's not-so-little brother. He hits mid-range jumpers, blocks shots, and his foot work in the paint is second to none. He'll be seeing max offers from just about everyone with the cap space. Gasol could turn around any dismal team by himself (except the Knicks), but Memphis can't afford to not pay him every penny they have.
1. LaMarcus Aldridge PF (Portland Trail Blazers)
The long-time Portland star went absolutely bonkers this season. Aldridge averaged a double-double all season long and they still didn't make it out of the first round. Despite the emergence of Damien Lillard and Aldridge's consistent greatness, the Blazers have only made it out of the first round once in 9 years. Multiple factors play into his expected departure from Portland- the biggest being the state of Texas. He'd be signing a max contract and the Lone Star State boasts no income tax. Aldridge is a Texas native and already has a home there. The Rockets desperately need one more piece and the Mavs have the flexibility and resources to sign him. Even the Spurs are eyeing the PF to transition out of the Duncan era. Of all the free agents, Aldridge is the most likely to walk and could immediately help a playoff contender win a title.
Oh, did I forgot LeBron? Yeah, he's not going anywhere. But imagine if he did...
