Why the NBA's next offseason will be even wilder than 2017
Now that the Kyrie Irving/Isaiah Thomas saga is over, NBA narratives ought to be relatively quiet until media days and training camps fire up at the end of September. While a number of restricted and unrestricted free agents remain outstanding, none really qualify as marquee names.
With that, it's time to look ahead to 2018. And if you thought this summer or last summer were wild, consider the names involved in unrestricted free agency after this season.
LeBron James
The rumor and innuendo have been in full force for months now. Will LeBron bail on the Cleveland Cavaliers for the second time in his career? Do the neon lights of Los Angeles beckon James - who turns 33 in December - in the twilight of his playing days?
One thing's for sure. The Cavs came out of the Irving trade in about the best position they could, regardless of how LeBron's decision swings next year. If he leaves, they probably wave goodbye to free agent Thomas as well, use the likely top-10 pick they received, and commence a rebuild. If James wants to stay home, do they court his close friend Chris Paul over Thomas?
Paul George
George isn't a banana-boat level friend of LeBron, but it hasn't stopped speculation that the two could pair up with the Los Angeles Lakers. George, who was raised in northern L.A. County, is expected to be pursued hard by Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka (or continue to be pursued hard, after the NBA slapped the Lakers on the wrist for tampering Thursday).
George has said he's committed to the Oklahoma City Thunder for now, but the significant reality exists that his days with OKC will be limited to a one-season one-off.
Russell Westbrook
(Photo courtesy Action Images)
The discussion of George's future naturally leads to Russell Westbrook. Under his current contract, Russ can opt out next summer. The Thunder are capable of signing him to a supermax extension now, but as of yet, he hasn't inked it. Could Westbrook take a wait-and-see approach with George, and make his own decision based on that?
While the Thunder could handle George walking given the cut rate they paid for him, losing Russ too would likely be a crippling blow to the small-market franchise. While he's often professed his love for Oklahoma City, is it really that difficult to see Westbrook plying his trade in his native L.A., or among the fellow fashionistas of Miami?
DeMarcus Cousins
After years of being at the mercy of the puerile whims of the Sacramento Kings, New Orleans Pelicans center DeMarcus Cousins deservedly hits unrestricted free agency. The Pelicans basically have this upcoming season to prove that the dated twin-tower experiment of Cousins and Anthony Davis is playoff-caliber.
If it isn't, that could theoretically make Boogie's decision easier. And as the best traditional center in the NBA, he'll have no shortage of free agent suitors.
Chris Paul
(Photo courtesy Getty Images)
While a novel new experiment begins in Houston this season - Paul and James Harden splitting on-ball duties - CP3 is also an unrestricted free agent next summer. The Rockets are going to be fascinating to watch, and perhaps it's the start of a wonderful union between the headstrong Paul and Harden.
On the other hand, maybe it doesn't work. Paul also turns 33 in May, and time to form that banana boat squad is running out.
Kevin Durant: KD has a player option next summer, but virtually nobody expects him to go anywhere. If anything, he may opt out simply to get a raise.
Isaiah Thomas: An interesting scenario in the making. There's already been a fair amount of legitimate debate as to whether it's wise to give him a max deal. What direction the Cavs ultimately go in merely adds another twist.
Joel Embiid: Eligible for an extension now, but there's simply no justification in offering one to a player who has appeared in just 31 NBA games. As a restricted free agent, it's certain some teams would clamor to sign Embiid to an offer sheet - even if he loses games to injury again. How far will the Philadelphia 76ers go to match?
Carmelo Anthony: If the Knicks don't trade him or buy him out first, he can opt out next summer. If he's come to the realization that he shouldn't be a No. 1 option any more, he could fit in many places - including with that banana boat crew.
DeAndre Jordan: Can opt out as well. Any chance Mark Cuban and the Dallas Mavericks try again?