Hassan Whiteside
The options are going to be out there for a young Hassan Whiteside after breaking out in Miami, who doesn’t really need the 7’1″ big man. After a year where he totaled 14.2 boards and 17.6 points a game while swatting almost a block a game, Whiteside is sure to get a near max contract from somebody. One of the teams with money to spend and in desperate need of a two way, dominant center are the Los Angeles Lakers. For someone like Whiteside, who is young and chasing after the dough, it could be an ideal fit. Clearly, Luke Walton would establish his role for years to come and the thought of this would definitely intrigue him. Also, it’s time for the Lakers to realize if they want to once again attract big name free agents they have to start small. Whiteside could be the first stepping stone to get LA back on track.
4 years, $81 million with the Los Angeles Lakers
Mike Conley
Now this just makes way to much sense. After eight years in a small town like Memphis, Conley is going to fall in love with the big city of New York. The last four years, Conley has averaged around 15.5 points and 6 assists while pickpocketing about 1.2 steals a game. Conley brings to the table something the Knickerbockers haven’t had in a very long time. Consistency. With a long lefty reach, his cross over is deadly effectively and can work perfectly with the triangle offense if Jeff Hornacek decides to go with it. Also, New York knows exactly what Conley brings to the table instead of some of the past free agents they have signed. They know what he is and what he can do. Finally, they have a sure bet.
Max deal with New York Knicks
Dwight Howard
Howard wants to stay in Texas, the location is keeping him happy and his teammates are keeping happy. However, on the court, he looks lost. With Harden getting most of the touches offensively and a multitude of coaches telling him how to play his role defensively in different ways, he doesn’t look very comfortable. A place like Dallas suits all of his needs. His favorite teammate, Chandler Parsons is there, he is staying in the state of Texas and Rick Carlisle will make sure that Howard gets his touches. Offensively, he can get into all the right spots being the only post player they have and his defensive role will be solidified and he will see action similar to his days in Orlando.
2 years, $45 million with Dallas Mavericks
Chandler Parsons
Chandler Parsons is in the perfect place since he signed on in Dallas. He is comfortable in his role as stretch wing who does a bit of everything. He’s given Dallas a solid 14 points a game paired with almost 5 rebounds almost 3 assists. Defensively, he’s doing a great job locking down in the perimeter and quickly transitioning into offense by leading the break, and usually finishing it. Mark Cuban has done an excellent job of making Parsons feel appreciated with the Mavericks. He makes sure his small forward his fitting in with his teammates and keeping him happy by suiting all his needs. It’s sooner or later going to be time for Parsons to realize he won’t get it better anywhere else than in Dallas.
4 years, $74 million with Dallas Mavericks
Nicolas Batum
Nic Batum had his best year yet with Charlotte lat season. Giving in 15 points again along with 6 rebounds and assists, it was clear to everyone Nic Batum was ready to make the leap to the next level. Batum is long and quick, which means from 30 feet out he can get to the bucket in three or four steps, which will intrigue many teams this summer. However, his success has been in Carolina and Batum realizes this. He has fit in with Steve Clifford perfectly and is playmaking ability is off the charts with this team. His role of being a lockdown defender and being able to hit tough shots proved crucial for the Hornets and you can expect to have a similar role when he resigns this offseason.
3 years, $54 million with Charlotte Hornets
by Shaan Singh
Sideline Champ 