Free agency starts in less than 24 hours and we could see some massive movement in the next few days. With a lot of big free agents available like Paul George, James Harden, DeMar DeRozan, and others… we could see a lot of stars in new jerseys next season. Let’s get into some bold predictions for the start of 2024 NBA free agency…
Paul George Goes Back to Eastern Conference
There have been reports that Paul George will meet with the 76ers and the Magic and honestly, both are good fits for him. Paul George can come in on the 76ers and take some pressure from Maxey and Embiid.
The fit with the Magic is a bit more interesting as they’re a younger team, but they could utilize a main star that can score in all three levels and be a lockdown defender.
It looks like the Clippers are unwilling to give Paul George the money he wants and I believe he decides to go back to the East after being away for almost a decade.
DeRozan Goes to Cali
In this stage of DeRozan’s career, it’s likely he’d want to play for a contending team and as as someone from California, there are some teams that could utilize him. Whether it’s the Lakers, Clippers, Kings, or even the Warriors… all 4 of the teams could utilize a scorer like DeRozan to take pressure off.
Tobias Harris Signs for MLE
Tobias Harris made $180M in his last contract, but after a questionable last few seasons… his stock has been the lowest it’s been. A team can always utilize a player that can defend the wing and be a knockdown shooter so expect there to be a market for Tobias either way.
I expect a contending/playoff team like the Indiana Pacers or Orlando Magic to inquire about Tobias Harris, potentially taking him into the taxpayer MLE ($12.9M).
Isaiah Hartenstein Cashes Out
There’s going to be a team that desparately needs a center that can rebound, make plays for others, and score with aggression in the paint at just 26 years of age. In a career year, Harteinstein averaged nearly a double double as a starter and constantly showed he belonged as a starting caliber center on the Knicks.
After paying Og Anunoby and trading for Mikal Bridges, the Knicks are a bit cash-strapped which could cause them to lose a player of Harteinstein’s caliber in free agency.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see the OKC Thunder or the Detroit Pistons throwing him a bag of around $20M/year.
Spurs Make Trade for 2nd Star
Everyone knew Wembanyama would be a star coming out of the 2023 NBA draft, but he’s been even better. It’s time the Spurs make a big trade to get another star around him to maximize his talent as early as possible.
A player like Trae Young could be available as the Hawks could be moving towards a rebuild, don’t be surprised to see a trade by the Spurs for a 2nd star in the next coming days or weeks.
