The NBA free agency class this summer has big names like Marc Gasol, LaMarcus Aldridge and Kevin Love as players that could potentially become free agents and teams like the Chicago Bulls, Boston Celtics, San Antonio Spurs and Dallas Mavericks could be potential landing spots for those players.
This offseason the Lakers, Knicks and Celtics are expected to have the most cap space in the league and that could lead to the teams chasing top names on the market. The Knicks systematically broke down their team for that exact reason, while the Lakers are getting a bunch of money off the books from big contracts. The Celtics have been amassing draft picks and cutting salary the past couple seasons and they also will be in good position to sign a top free agent.
According to Pro Basketball Talk, Gasol and Aldridge could potentially leave their teams in the Grizzlies and Blazers if they get strong offers on the market, while Love's status is up in the air due to his injury. Love was knocked out of the playoffs against the Celtics and now will be done for the postseason and that could lead him to remain in Cleveland another year. Love has the chance to opt out and become a free agent, but he may pass on that and wait for the cap to rise higher.
Aldridge and Gasol are going to be targets for a number of the same teams, including the Knicks, Lakers, Bulls, Spurs and Rockets. Aldridge may return to the Blazers, but according to Pro Basketball Talk, Damian Lillard could make that a tough move. Lillard reportedly will not sign an extension for less than the max and if the team keeps Aldridge on the max, they may not be able to build enough around those two players to win.
Aldridge reportedly is willing to leave the Blazers and one teammate said it was a "50-50" shot that he could go. Marc Stein of ESPN.com writes that the Spurs may trade Tiago Splitter as they try and keep Kawhi Leonard, who is set to be a restricted free agent and they could target Aldridge or Gasol this offseason. The Spurs don't often dip into free agency, but with Tim Duncan on the way out, the team is looking to add a prime player back to the roster.
Stein reported earlier this season that the Spurs will look at getting "at least a meeting" with both Gasol and Aldridge and that could lead to some interesting negotiations with their original teams. Gasol said he has not ruled out any teams from his free agency and that he is only focused on the playoffs right now. Gasol leads a strong Memphis team, but he could consider leaving if the franchise doesn't look like they can hold the core together.
The Knicks and Celtics are expected to chase after Gasol hard along with Love if he hits the market. The Knicks are planning to try and sign at least two big free agents, with Greg Monroe, Rajon Rondo and Goran Dragic as other targets on the market for Phil Jackson this summer.