The top free agents of the 2017 class will be unrestricted, which could make that month of July both exciting and nerve-wracking for a bunch of NBA teams.
POINT GUARDS / SHOOTING GUARDS / SMALL FORWARDS / POWER FORWARDS / CENTERS
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Unrestricted / Point Guard / 6-3 / Last team: Golden State
The back-to-back MVP hits free agency in 2017 and he’s a mortal lock to get a maximum contract. With the Warriors rolling, it’s hard to picture him leaving the Bay Area anytime soon. |
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2. Kevin Durant
Player Option / Small Forward / 6-9 / Last team: Golden State
One of the most gifted offensive players in NBA history. Will be looking to re-up with Golden State in July 2017 – perhaps after winning his first championship ring. |
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Player Option / Power Forward / 6-10 / Last team: LA Clippers
Look for him to opt out and get a humongous deal. With the Clippers’ championship window closing, will he look for greener pastures? |
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Restricted / Small Forward / 6-10 / Last team: Milwaukee
Has star written all over him. May not hit free agency as the Milwaukee Bucks will surely try to lock him up with a contract extension this year. |
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5. Chris Paul
Player Option / Point Guard / 6-0 / Last team: LA Clippers
Chris Paul is on the wrong side of 30, but suitors will line up for his services regardless. Didn’t look like he had a lost a step in 2015-16. |
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6. Rudy Gobert
Restricted / Center / 7-1 / Last team: Utah
One of the best rim protectors in the NBA these days. Utah doesn’t come across players this gifted very often, so expect the team to sign him to an extension before the Frenchman hits free agency. |
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Player Option / Small Forward / 6-8 / Last team: Utah
The versatile forward will become a free agent right in the middle of his prime years. Keeping him in Utah will not come cheap. |
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8. Kyle Lowry
Player Option / Point Guard / 6-0 / Last team: Toronto
Had the best season of his career in 2015-16 and you can count on him being one of the premier point guards in the game in 2016-17. |
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9. Paul Millsap
Player Option / Power Forward / 6-8 / Last team: Atlanta
Overachieves year after year. May not have superstar talent, but makes a very noticeable impact on both ends of the court. |
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10. Dennis Schroeder
Restricted / Point Guard / 6-2 / Last team: Atlanta
Was too good not to be a starter, so the Hawks shipped Jeff Teague out of town. He will run the show now and will have a chance to prove he has star potential. |
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11. Dwyane Wade
Player Option / Shooting Guard / 6-4 / Last team: Chicago
An elite wing player well in his thirties, Wade did the unthinkable and left Miami. Can pick his team again next year. |
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12. Steven Adams
Restricted / Center / 7-0 / Last team: Oklahoma City
His growth made Serge Ibaka expendable for Oklahoma City. A super high quality role player or something else? |
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13. Jrue Holiday
Unrestricted / Point Guard / 6-4 / Last team: New Orleans
Highly productive player when healthy. Durability is an obvious issue with him. |
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14. Nerlens Noel
Restricted / Center / 6-11 / Last team: Philadelphia
We have only seen glimpses of the player he can become. Potentially one of the best defensive players in the league down the road. |
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15. Serge Ibaka
Unrestricted / Power Forward / 6-10 / Last team: Orlando
Regressed some on a Thunder team where he didn’t play as big of a role as he could. That should change in Orlando. |
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16. Danilo Gallinari
Player Option / Small Forward / 6-10 / Last team: Denver
Averaged a career-high 19.5 ppg in 2015-16, but staying healthy remains a challenge for him. |
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17. Jeff Teague
Unrestricted / Point Guard / 6-2 / Last team: Indiana
Still only 28, the dynamic Teague has many good basketball years ahead of him. |
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18. Derrick Rose
Unrestricted / Point Guard / 6-3 / Last team: New York
Comes off two so-so seasons following all those injuries. If he gets his mojo back, he would move up a lof spots in this ranking. |
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19. Victor Oladipo
Restricted / Shooting Guard / 6-4 / Last team: Oklahoma City
Oozes with potential, yet leaves you wanting more. If he finally puts it all together, he’s All-Star material. |
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20. Andre Iguodala
Unrestricted / Small Forward / 6-6 / Last team: Golden State
One of the most efficient perimeter defenders around. Still pretty athletic at his age. |
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21. Pau Gasol
Player Option / Power Forward / 7-0 / Last team: Chicago
He’s approaching the end of his career, but you couldn’t tell based on his play in 2015-16. |
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Restricted / Shooting Guard / 6-5 / Last team: Detroit
Two-way player who has progressed in many areas of the game… but not outside shooting. Great motor. |
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23. Nikola Mirotic
Restricted / Power Forward / 6-10 / Last team: Chicago
Left Europe as a superstar, had a strong rookie season and a somewhat disappointing sophomore year. Key months ahead for him. |
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24. Rudy Gay
Player Option / Small Forward / 6-8 / Last team: Sacramento
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25. Rajon Rondo
Player Option / Point Guard / 6-1 / Last team: Chicago
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26. Andrew Bogut
Unrestricted / Center / 7-0 / Last team: Dallas
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27. Greg Monroe
Player Option / Center / 6-11 / Last team: Milwaukee
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28. Mason Plumlee
Restricted / Center / 6-11 / Last team: Portland
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29. Kelly Olynyk
Restricted / Center / 7-0 / Last team: Boston
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30. Shaun Livingston
Unrestricted / Point Guard / 6-7 / Last team: Golden State
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31. Taj Gibson
Unrestricted / Power Forward / 6-9 / Last team: Chicago
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32. Andre Roberson
Restricted / Shooting Guard / 6-7 / Last team: Oklahoma City
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33. JJ Redick
Unrestricted / Shooting Guard / 6-4 / Last team: LA Clippers
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34. Otto Porter
Restricted / Small Forward / 6-8 / Last team: Washington
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35. Tony Allen
Unrestricted / Shooting Guard / 6-4 / Last team: Memphis
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Restricted / Point Guard / 6-6 / Last team: Milwaukee
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37. Gorgui Dieng
Restricted / Center / 6-11 / Last team: Minnesota
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38. Amir Johnson
Unrestricted / Power Forward / 6-9 / Last team: Boston
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39. Jeff Green
Unrestricted / Small Forward / 6-9 / Last team: Orlando
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Unrestricted / Power Forward / 6-9 / Last team: Toronto
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41. Zach Randolph
Unrestricted / Power Forward / 6-9 / Last team: Memphis
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42. Trey Burke
Restricted / Point Guard / 6-1 / Last team: Washington
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43. Zaza Pachulia
Unrestricted / Center / 6-11 / Last team: Golden State
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44. Tiago Splitter
Unrestricted / Center / 6-11 / Last team: Atlanta
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45. Aron Baynes
Player Option / Center / 6-10 / Last team: Detroit
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46. Deron Williams
Unrestricted / Point Guard / 6-3 / Last team: Dallas
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47. Brandon Jennings
Unrestricted / Point Guard / 6-1 / Last team: New York
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48. Tyreke Evans
Unrestricted / Shooting Guard / 6-6 / Last team: New Orleans
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from HoopsHype http://ift.tt/2aTsDNf
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