Top 5 Free Agents, Their Destinations, and Dark Horse Teams

Where is AD going? and what dark horse candidate could steal him from the Lakers.

NBA free agency is set to start on November 20th when teams can talk to free agents. This will be followed by the November 22nd date where signings can begin.

1. Anthony Davis (UFA)

Anthony Davis, a now 1x NBA champion has already declined his player option for this season. The most likely free agency destination for him is clearly the Lakers. The Lakers clearly believe this too as they sent their first round pick to the Thunder for Dennis Schroder in a deal that gets the lakers an upgrade at point guard.

The dark horse candidate for AD is the Chicago Bulls. AD is originally from Chicago, and has previously stated he would like to play in Chicago someday. While Davis can leave this offseason, seeing as he just won his first championship it is unlikely, but the chance is still there. If he did leave he could be playing alongside Zach Lavine, Wendell Carter Jr., and Lauri Markkanen. This could make the bulls a lock for the playoffs.

2. Brandon Ingram (RFA)

The New Orleans Pelicans finished the 2019-2020 season as the 13th seed in a constantly improving western conference. Alongside number 1 overall pick Zion Williamson, Ingram was a bright spot for the Pelicans, averaging about 24 points, 6 rebonds and 4 assists while making his first all star appearance. Ingram is a restricted free agent meaning that the Pelicans can match any offer Ingram chooses to accept, however there is strong belief Ingram will be offered the 5-year max from the Pels. GM David Griffin has made it known he intends to keep Ingram, and resign him to a massive extension.

The dark horse here is the Memphis Grizzlies. Memphis is one of four teams projected to have a max slot this offseason, and is in need of another wing to surround Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Junior, Brandon Clarke, and Dillon Brooks with. This move would make a lot of sense for the Grizzlies, but will be unlikely.

3. Fred Vanvleet

Fred Vanvleet has consistently grown his stock in the NBA over the last three years. From becoming a sixth man on the 2017-2018 Raptors, to bursting with deep threes in the 2019 NBA finals, to starting and averaging almost 18 points per game in the 2019-2020 season, Vanvleet can make a huge impact. Vanvleet has made it known he wants to get paid this offseason. Similarly, the Raptors have expressed that they believe they can make a deal work with Vanvleet. This move would keep the raptors in contention next season, and could possibly allow the franchise to move on from the soon-to-be 35-year old Lowry who they reportedly had been thinking of trading when they signed him to his extension.

The dark horse candidate for Vanvleet is the New York Knicks. After the draft yesterday all other possible dark horse candidates (Magic, Pistons, Suns) have either drafted a point guard with a top 12 pick, or traded for one. This means the Knicks are the only remaining possible destination apart from Toronto. If the Raptors are not willing to pay, I would not be surprised to see Vanvleet donning white, orange and blue to begin this season.

4. Montrezl Harrell

Montrezl Harrell just finished a strenuous and bumpy season with the Los Angeles Clippers. The 2020 NBA sixth man of the year was having a career year until the season was suspended. Following the resumption of the season Harrell was in and out of Orlando, dealing with personal items and family matters. The belief at the moment is that the Clippers will re-sign Harrell so long as he is not offered a large sum. He is reported to have a market value of around 8-12 million, which would allow the clippers to resign him, however there is some news saying the clippers may desire a sign and trade.

The dark horse candidate for Montrezl Harrell is the Dallas Mavericks. Dallas has a history of taking Clippers big men, and may continue to do so in 2020. Dallas already has a 7 foot 3, 3-point shooting big man in Kristaps Porzingis, and adding Harrell could help bring the toughness and intensity that is lacking.

5. Goran Dragic

Goran Dragic was one of the Miami Heat's leading scorers through their surprising 2020 NBA playoff run to the finals. Dragic took on the sixth man role and excelled, as he put up an efficient 16 points per game. Dragic and the heat are reportedly both mutually interested, but much of how this plays out relies on what Giannis Antetokounmpo does. The Heat believe that they have a chance at Giannis in 2021 and intend to keep a max slot open for him then. If he signs a 5-year extension, the Heat will have a stronger desire to bring back Dragic, regardless of the cost.

The dark hose candidate for Goran Dragic is the Los Angeles Clippers. The Clippers fell apart in the second round of the 2020 NBA playoffs, blowing a 3-1 lead to the Denver Nuggets, and have reportedly been asked to find a point guard by their star, Kawhi Leonard. This provides the perfect opportunity for Dragic as he has championship aspirations. The only issue here could be money, and depending on the price Montrezl Harrell resigns for, if he does, things could become tight.