When Jahlil Okafor was drafted, he said the NBA was a big man's league and that elite centers make or break a team. That appears to be the similar thought process of many teams in the league as free agency will feature a big run on size. Any team that did not draft either Karl-Anthony Towns or Okafor will be aiming for the top free agents hitting the market on July 1 as things begin to shape up just days before.
DeAndre Jordan, Marc Gasol and Greg Monroe have the attention of every team in the league. Everyone is looking for a top center to help be the anchor of the roster and the constant threat under the basket. Once July 1 hits, those three players will meet with several teams as they are all expected to get a major pay raise, unless they do not want them.
Next season the NBA salary caps will increase greatly following the installation of the new television deals. This has a number of top free agents eyeing short-term contracts in order to be able to capitalize on the chance to get more money in the coming years. Monroe plans on being one of those players. According to Darrell Williams of The Advocate, Monroe wants a two-year contract with a contending team before then capitalizing after the caps rise surpassing $90 million in 2016. Monroe is not the first to seek this type of contract as Jimmy Butler announced his intentions to do the same.
By all accounts, DeAndre Jordan is looking for a max deal and the New York Knicks will offer it. According to ESPN.com, the Knicks have a meeting scheduled with Jordan out in Los Angeles once free agency begins. The team is looking for an elite big man to fill the hole left by Tyson Chandler while Kristaps Porzingis develops. Jordan is reportedly aiming to exit the Clippers despite the chance to earn more money there and likes what New York offers.
If the Knicks land Jordan, the Los Angeles Lakers are expected to chase both Monroe and Aldridge aggressively. According to the Los Angeles Times, the Lakers continue to offer a trade deal for DeMarcus Cousins which is getting pushed aside. The team likes the idea of Monroe and Aldridge pairing well together with Kobe Bryant and newly drafted D'Angelo Russell.
The Boston Celtics, Dallas Mavericks and Portland Trail Blazers are aiming to get in on the negotiations with these stars making competition very high for their talents. Everyone could eventually take the route of Monroe and request smaller contracts. Until then they will be chased with max money.
