Although the Finals isn't over yet, teams are already looking into this summer with the 2014 NBA free agency teeming with talent and potential. Just look at some of the names of upcoming free agents: LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Drik Nowitzki, Tim Duncan, Eric Beldsoe, Rudy Gay, Lance Stephenson, Luol Deng.
Every team knows that they are just one player away from changing their fortune - or just one player walking away from drifting to oblivion. With that being said, it's going to be a long summer for the NBA's front offices and expect a few bidding wars and a lot of phone calls from GM's once the free agency starts this summer.
Below are the most intriguing free-agents and their possible destinations. I have omitted some of the free-agents like Dirk and Duncan who are almost guaranteed to resign with their team. We will focus on players that may just decide to jump ship.
1. LeBron James: ETO - There are rumors spreading that Lebron will reunite with Cleveland. Even Lebron is intrigued with the idea of going back to Cleveland and help Irving and company win a title. Besides, with what he did to Cleveland after "The Decision", he owes the Cavalier fans a lot. Maybe handing them a title would mend those wounds and ease the past. If he decides to stay with Miami, well, it's going to be Heat vs a Western team in the finals for a long time. (Projected Destination: Miami or Cleveland)
2. Carmelo Anthony: Player Option - Carmelo has plenty of suitors and he should be weighing his options carefully by now. He can go to the tough minded Bulls and boost their offense or to the Houston Rockets with Harden and Howard. In staying with New York, he gets and extra year and $30 million. He also gets the biggest media market in the NBA, and the legendary Phil Jackson who may be able to right the ship this time. (Projected Destination: New York or Chicago)
3. Greg Monroe: RFA - Monroe just doesn't fit with Detroit with Drummond clogging the paint and Josh Smith having majority of the ball in his hands. He is ideal in a team that spaces the court well, has fluid ball movement, and surrounds big men with shooters like the Spurs. With Duncan riding the sunset, Monroe will give the Spurs a decent rebounding big man with a nice touch. (Projected Destination: Spurs)
4. Lance Stephenson: UFA - It's hard to predict where Lance Stephenson will land. He is an unrestricted free agent so there is not stopping him from taking more money else where. If it's a chance at an NBA title he wants then it makes sense for him to stick with Indiana. But again, it's very hard to read what's in Lance Stephenson's mind just as it is hard to predict what he will do to Lebron next while they are in the court. For now, let's just say he stays with Indiana until the actual free agency begins. (Projected Destination: Indiana)
5. Marcin Gortat: UFA - I have always envisioned Gortat in a Dallas uniform. Dallas is still in search for a reliable big man that can rebound and protect the paint and Gortat is the best option this summer. They also have the money to throw at Gortat and it's not hard to see him meshing well alongside a perimeter guy like Dirk. Gortat also has a bigger chance of winning a title with Dirk and Carlisle in Dallas than with the Wizards. (Projected Destination: Dallas Mavericks)
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