Here’s what we know about the NBA offseason and the start of the 2021 season.
Wait. We don’t know much of anything. The next NBA season may start around Christmas or sometime in January. No one knows how many games will be included in the schedule and if fans will even be allowed to watch games in person.
One thing we do know though is there are some quality free agents available. Here’s where they might end up.
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ANTHONY DAVIS
Davis can opt out of the final season of his current deal with the Los Angeles Lakers. It’s likely that he does, but not so that he can jump ship. Having helped LeBron James and company with the NBA title, Davis isn’t going anywhere.
He’ll likely work to sign a new deal that will pay him somewhere in the neighborhood of $34 to $35 million next season. Expect Davis to stay in L.A. and help James repeat next season.
FRED VANVLEET
After averaging 17.6 points and 6.6 assists per game last season, VanVleet is primed to get paid. The Toronto Raptors point guard made $9.3 million last season and there are a handful of teams that would pay much more to get a player of VanVleet’s talent.
The Pistons and Knicks are both in need at the point and have the salary cap money to do so. Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau is well known for working with some of the NBA’s best point guards including Derrick Rose when he was in Chicago.
Speaking of the Bulls, they could be in play for VanVleet also. VanVleet is an Illinois native and current Bulls point guard Kris Dunn is a restricted free agent. If he leaves, Chicago may go after VanVleet.
Where VanVleet likely ends up is right where is now. Toronto is one of the NBA’s elite teams. The reason why is the backcourt of VanVleet and Kyle Lowry. Why break up the duo?
Yes, Toronto will have to pull off some financial wizardry, but they have the front office to do it. VanVleet will continue playing for championships in Toronto.
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BRANDON INGRAM
Ingram won the NBA’s Most Improved Player Award and rightfully so. In 62 games, Ingram averaged 23.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. All were career-highs.
Ingram made $7.2 million last season and is a restricted free agent. The New Orleans Pelicans will have a new head coach in Stan Van Gundy and still have the player many consider the next NBA superstar – Zion Williamson.
Will Ingram stay in New Orleans? If the Pelicans want to continue to make playoff appearances and eventually play for NBA titles, then the answer is a resounding yes. What will be interesting will be what Ingram’s final price tag is.
DANILO GALLINARI
The Oklahoma City Thunder parted ways with head coach Billy Donovan after the season was over. That is a likely indication that the Thunder are going to clean house and Gallinari is no exception.
He’s 32 years old and has had some injury problems in the past. His last two seasons have been injury- free, but the Thunder will be looking to build around younger players.
Gallinari still has a lost to offer as a 6-foot-10-inch 4 that can step out and shoot. He’s one of just four players at the position who have shot 40 percent or better on at least 300 three-point attempts over the last two seasons.
Miami just lost the NBA title and is in need of a stretch-4 that can create shots. Gallinari is that guy. The same is true in Golden State where Gallinari could be a veteran coming off the bench. He would have to take a pay cut to do so, but with Steph Curry and Klay Thompson back the Warriors could compete for an NBA Title next season.
