Matt Slocum/AP; Winslow Townson/AP; John Raoux;AP
- The 2019 NBA free agent class is one of the most star-studded in league history.
- We broke down the 32 best players and where they could land this summer.
- Visit Business Insider’s homepage for more stories.
Free agency has felt like the ticking clock of the 2018-19 NBA season.
That’s because this free agency class might be the biggest ever in the NBA — perhaps even topping 2010 — and for the first time in a while, it feels as if there’s been major movement.
The class is headlined by four bona fide superstars in Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, Kyrie Irving, and Jimmy Butler. Below them are some legitimate All-Stars in Klay Thomson, Kemba Walker, and Khris Middleton.
Dig a little deeper beyond the stars, and you’ll find some big-name role players who could change a team’s outlook or some talented young players who could still develop into stars.
The class is massive, and if players change teams as some expect, it could change the entire NBA. We broke down the best players in the loaded 2019 NBA free agent class, including rumored landing spots (based on reports or simple speculation because of a player’s fit).
Take a look at the best available players below:
* = restricted free agent (team has the right to match any contract offer)
** = player option (player could opt into contract year to stay with team)
Kevin Durant, F**
Ezra Shaw/Getty
Age: 30
2018-19 team: Golden State Warriors
2018-19 stats: 26.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 52% FG, 35.3% 3FG
Rumored landing spots: Warriors, New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Clippers
One thing to know: To some in the NBA world, Durant to the Knicks is already a done deal. Much like when he joined the Warriors, his next move has the potential to alter the entire league landscape.
Kawhi Leonard, F**
David Zalubowski/AP
Age: 27
2018-19 team: Toronto Raptors
2018-19 stats: 26.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 49.6% FG, 37.1% 3FG
Rumored landing spots: Raptors, Los Angeles Clippers, Brooklyn Nets, New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers
One thing to know: People are unsure what Leonard wants to do this offseason, and whether any result in Toronto could keep him in Canada. Many think he’ll move back closer to home in Southern California with one of the two LA teams.
Kyrie Irving, G**
AP Photo/Winslow Townson
Age: 27
2018-19 team: Boston Celtics
2018-19 stats: 23.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 6.9 assists, 48.7% FG, 40.7% 3FG
Rumored landing spots: Celtics, New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Lakers
One thing to know: In October, Irving verbally committed to re-signing with the Celtics, but later downplayed it in February, saying he doesn’t "owe anyone s—." Some think teaming up with Durant in New York City could be in play.
See the rest of the story at Business Insider
See Also:
- Kawhi Leonard is saving the Raptors’ season by doing something Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant never accomplished
- 10 conspiracy theories that drive sports fans nuts and why they are probably bunk
- 2 plays show how Stephen Curry still terrifies opponents and makes the Warriors offense click
Source: Business Insider – sdavis@businessinsider.com (Scott Davis)