For months, the NBA world revolved around two prevailing free agency rumors: Kevin Durant was headed to the New York Knicks and Kawhi Leonard would be signing with the Los Angeles Clippers in the summer.
But now — with free agency set to begin at 6 p.m. Sunday — those longstanding beliefs no longer feel like a foregone conclusion. As teams finalize their free agency plans, there’s a growing consensus around the league that what happened in the playoffs will dramatically affect what happens over the next few weeks.
How could it not?
Yahoo Sports reported the Toronto Raptors are the favorites to re-sign Leonard after winning the NBA Finals in June. Since trading for Leonard last summer, the Raptors have tried to accommodate their star in practically every way — letting him miss games because of “load management” and letting him keep a low profile during the season. It also helps Toronto can give Leonard a five-year, $190 million deal — which tops what any other team can offer because of NBA rules.
Still, Leonard will reportedly meet with the Clippers and Los Angeles Lakers as he explores his options.
Durant’s outcome, on the other hand, is just as intriguing. The two-time Finals MVP is almost guaranteed to miss all of next year with a torn Achilles, but the Golden State Warriors reportedly don’t have any hesitations in offering him a five-year, $221 supermax contract. But does Durant want to stay? After he arguably rushed back in Game 5 of the finals, does Durant hold any resentment toward the Warriors medical staff for giving him the option to play?
Besides the Knicks, the Brooklyn Nets have been heavily interested in Durant. They’re hoping to sign Durant and Kyrie Irving — a duo that the Knicks would also love to land. Of those two, Irving appears to be more focused on signing with the Nets, according to reports.
Like Leonard and Durant, Irving’s experience in the playoffs appears to have affected his decision. Irving went through a tumultuous year with the Boston Celtics — in which he was criticized for calling out the team’s younger players in the press. In the playoffs, Irving struggled to shoot, and some analysts have said the guard looked checked out as the Milwaukee Bucks eliminated the Celtics in five games.
With Irving likely departing, the Celtics have reportedly set their eyes on star point guard Kemba Walker. The fit makes sense, given Walker would be a solid replacement for Irving and Walker could finally join a team that has the potential to contend for a championship.
Walker has made the playoffs just twice in his career with the Charlotte Hornets.
Elsewhere, the Los Angeles Lakers will have to decide how to fill out their roster after trading for Anthony Davis. The 76ers have a path to contention if they can re-sign Jimmy Butler and Tobias Harris. Klay Thompson figures to re-sign with the Warriors.
The Washington Wizards, in fact, helped the Lakers create additional salary cap space Thursday, agreeing to take on center Moritz Wagner, guard Issac Bonga and forward Jemerrio Jones in a trade. The Lakers now have $32 million in cap space.
Of that trio, Portis seems the least likely to be back. The Chicago Tribune reported last fall that Portis is seeking $16 million per year in free agency, and The Athletic reported this week the 6-foot-11 forward hasn’t budged from that asking price. The latter also reported the Wizards are unlikely to match Portis if he signs a deal that large.
The Utah Jazz, Los Angeles Clippers and Lakers are among the teams most interested in Portis, NBC Sports Washington reported.
Outside of their own guys, the Wizards will have their mid-level exception ($9.2 million per year), biannual exception ($3.6 million) and minimum contracts to spend, given they are over the salary cap.
Leaguewide, 10 of the NBA’s 30 teams have at least $20 million in salary cap space this summer. Of course, not every team will be able to land its top choice. Teams — whether it’s the Knicks, Clippers or Nets — will strike out.
When that happens, panic sets in. Reckless spending happens. (See: Wizards signing Ian Mahinmi to a four-year, $64 million contract in 2016 after missing out on Durant)
The event fans have been salivating for over these last few months starts Sunday. Get ready.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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