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This NBA off-season has gotten off to a bang. From the blockbuster trades that involved Chris Paul moving to Houston and Jimmy Butler going to Minnesota, this may be one of the most memorable off-seasons ever. There are four interesting free agents that can determine not only their fates but the team who they will move on to. Here are four different scenarios from four different NBA fans.
Paul Millsap
Millsap is a versatile power forward that’s able to raise his level of play when it counts. He averaged 24.3 points and 9.3 rebounds per game in the playoffs, a heightened version of his regular season numbers (18.1 ppg; 7.7 rpg.). Paul is a face-up kind of player who can put it on the floor and finish around the basket. A good jumper with average three point-range. The Miami Heat could be a possible destination and a return to the Atlanta Hawks shouldn’t be ruled out entirely. Ultimately I believe Millsap will end up with the Denver Nuggets. Denver is looking to pair their young center Nikola Jokic with a versatile player like Millsap. Its just the kind of small big city he’s used to. Abade Stanley
Kyle Lowry
The former Toronto Raptor has blossomed into an All-Star averaging a career high in points (22.4) and rebounding (4.8) last season. Yet still, Lowry has decided to take his talent to another destination. The perfect fit would be the San Antonio Spurs. As much as Lowry loves to run and gun, this will not only help prolong his career but give him the option to learn under arguably the best coach in the game.
Playing wise, he’s use to being a part of a one-two punch and playing with a Kawhi Leonard provides stability on offense and doesn’t put the pressure squarely on him. The Spurs are looking for more fire power and Lowry can provide that. He’s underrated in his passing skills and having a Tony Parker in his ear who should be coming off the bench will help mold his game. A system where he doesn’t have to be an assist-first point guard (which he isn’t), allows him to be part of a top tier duo in San Antonio. With the perfect spacing that the Spurs have on offense, it will create lanes for him to drive. The best part of this is he instantly becomes a contender. Raphael Haynes
Blake Griffin
After some thought, the Washington Wizards is the team for him. Imagine a “Big 3” of John Wall, Bradley Beal and Griffin. The high leaping forward would give them another 20-plus scorer, a rebounder and more importantly, another go-to-player. Now, teams would have to defend the whole court as oppose to just the perimeter. The Wizards play faster than the Clippers, something that would suit Griffin just fine. He’s devastating in transition and Wall can throw lobs to him. He would get Washington a (big) step closer to the Eastern Cinference Finals. Allen Fields
Gordon Hayward
Gordon Hayward should be wearing a Miami Heat jersey this coming season. The smart money is on the Heat. Utah is a up and coming team in a very tough Western Conference and the Celtics seem to be getting cold feet in making big moves to upgrade their team. Miami has some great upswing, the weather and the legendary Pat Riley going for them.
Hayward with Hassan Whiteside would make a great one-two punch. With Hayward’s ability to create his own shot and for others, implementing the pick and roll with Whiteside will make both players more dangerous. They’re maybe one key player away from making a serious run in the Eastern Conference. How Miami squeezes Hayward in to their cap remains to be seen without gutting half of their team, but we all know that Pat Riley is a magician. Yusuf Nahkooda