Which 2016 free agents deserve a max contract?

Harrison Barnes, Golden State

Takes  a backseat to Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green in Golden State, but could he become a star with a bigger role? We’ll find out what NBA teams think about that pretty soon.

Nicolas Batum, Charlotte

He’s putting together one of the best seasons of his pro career after an off year in Portland. The Hornets may have to overpay to keep him in Charlotte.

Bradley Beal, Washington

The Wizards’ sharpshooter has star potential, but there are a lot of concerns about durability. Has missed over 70 games in his first four seasons as a pro.

Mike Conley, Memphis

The underrated point guard has been vastly underpaid the last few seasons and that’s going to change this summer. But to what extent?

DeMar DeRozan, Toronto

Once looked at as a fringe All-Star talent at best, DeRozan has kept improving and is playing the best basketball of his career and winning big in a contract year.

Andre Drummond, Detroit

The Pistons will either straight sign him to a max contract or some other team will and they will match. But does he deserve it?

Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City

Based on talent and age, he should be the most coveted free agent of the 2016 class. No chance in hell he doesn’t get a max contract.

Pau Gasol, Chicago

Left money on the table to sign with the Bulls a couple of years ago, but has put himself in a position to cash in big again at age 36.

[interaction id=”56d4c63136e5105a3a2b0e23″]

Al Horford, Atlanta

A dependable All-Star caliber big man who will give you talent and effort. Are the Hawks ready to throw a max contract at a player who will be on the wrong side of 30 next season?

[interaction id=”56d4c6994ab46a01034fd2ec”]

Dwight Howard, Houston

He’s as unpopular as he’s good (when health permits). Look for him to land a massive contract away from Houston. A max deal? That might be a stretch.

[interaction id=”56d4c68c36e5105a3a2b131f”]

LeBron James, Cleveland

King James is showing signs of decline, but it’s a decline starting from the stratosphere. He has quite a few great years left.

[interaction id=”56d4c7224ab46a01034fd993″]

Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas

Dirk being Dirk, he may leave money on the table so the Mavericks can pursue high-quality free agents.

[interaction id=”56d4c72636e5105a3a2b1aab”]

Chandler Parsons, Dallas

There will be no shortage of suitors for the unrestricted free agent in his prime years. Keeping him will not come cheap for the Mavericks.

[interaction id=”56d4c7864ab46a01034fde81″]

Rajon Rondo, Sacramento

Will give you high basketball IQ, an awful lot of assists and a few headaches. Revitalized his career in Sacramento and should hit free agency in a better position than the last time around.

[interaction id=”56d4c7af4ab46a01034fe050″]

Dwyane Wade, Miami

Still going strong at age 34, but he can’t possibly live up to a max deal, right?

[interaction id=”56d4c79f36e5105a3a2b2150″]

Hassan Whiteside, Miami

A lot of length, a lot of upside and a few red flags. He has the potential to become a franchise player. There’s a chance he becomes a really bad contract too.

[interaction id=”56d4c7ee4ab46a01034fe3bf”]

from HoopsHype http://ift.tt/1VQEBVt