2020 NBA Free Agents: Top 10 Available Players – CrownHoops
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With the 2019-20 NBA season most likely done due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s time to start looking forward. The free agency period is a time where teams can really make a splash by signing a key player. If used properly, it can take a borderline playoff team and make them a contender. It will be interesting to see how teams act this offseason, especially knowing how loaded the 2021 NBA Free Agency class is, headlined by Giannis Antetokounmpo. Here are the top 2020 NBA Free Agents.
2020 NBA Free Agents: Top 10 Available Players
Gordon Hayward (Player Option)
Gordon Hayward‘s injury just three seasons ago makes him a player to watch this offseason. After sitting out the entire 2017-18 campaign, Hayward embarked on his “comeback” season in 2018-19. He put up career-lows in almost all categories since his rookie year. In the 2019-20 season, Hayward was able to raise his numbers to near All-Star caliber. With money on the table from the Boston Celtics, it would be surprising to see Hayward not accept his $31.9 million player option. He can use it as a highly paid year to continue to improve from his injury and secure a big payday next offseason.
DeMar DeRozan, a four-time All-Star, is a free agent that could really make a change in the league if sent to the right team. DeRozan, who spent his first nine seasons in the NBA with the Toronto Raptors, was traded to the San Antonio Spurs just two years ago in the blockbuster trade that landed Toronto Kawhi Leonard. DeRozan is one of the best shooting guards in the league today, and can easily make any team a playoff contender. If he signs with an already playoff-caliber team, he could make them title contenders. Although he would have to turn down a $27.8 million player option from the Spurs, DeRozan may favor winning an NBA Title over a big payday.
Andre Drummond (Player Option)
It would be a huge surprise to anyone if Andre Drummond accepted his player option. Drummond was sent to the Cleveland Cavaliers late this past season in exchange for Brandon Knight, John Henson, and a 2023 second-round pick. The Cavaliers, who are a long way away from winning, are in a heavy rebuild mode – which is not a great spot for a veteran two-time All-Star. Drummond will most likely decline his $25.4 million player option and try to sign with a contending team.
Anthony Davis (Player Option)
With Anthony Davis‘ first season with the Los Angeles Lakers coming to an end, it seems like he may have found his forever home. The duo of AD and LeBron James have been running the league and work very well together. With a $25.4 million player option, it would be very surprising to see Davis opt out, unless he believes he can get more money elsewhere. If it is a ring he’s after, staying in LA with LeBron may be his best bet.
Fred VanVleet (Unrestricted Free Agent/Bird)
Fred VanVleet was a breakout star in the 2019-20 season, seeing career-highs in all stats. VanVleet, a key part of the Toronto Raptors offense, is one of the best point guards available this free agency, so he will most likely see a lot of offers, much like Kelly Olynyk did when he signed a huge contract with the Miami Heat a few years ago. Since VanVleet has Bird rights, his team can exceed the salary cap to sign him back. That extra money could be a factor enticing the young guard to stay with the Raptors, but as a restricted free agent, a lot of teams will come hunting for VanVleet’s signature. Will he show some hometown loyalty to Toronto?
Davis Bertans (Unrestricted Free Agent/Bird)
Davis Bertans was well sought after around the trade deadline as teams looked to add a reliable shooter. The nine-fingered ‘Latvian Laser’ was a pleasant surprise for the Washington Wizards this season, scoring a career-high 15.4 points per game. As a 6’10” power-forward, he is one of the best shooters out of all of the stretch bigs in the league. He will definitely be getting some nice contract offers from contending teams looking to bolster their second unit.
Montrezl Harrell (Unrestricted Free Agent/Bird)
Montrezl Harrell is an absolute tank of a player. Coming off of a career-high year in multiple stat categories, his bulldog mentality makes him a commodity. Although he is an undersized PF/C at 6’7″, he can still take on the best (and biggest) in the league. Harrell, coming off the bench for the Clippers, could try and find a team where he can claim a starting role. At only 26 years of age, he may just be entering his prime.
Brandon Ingram (Restricted Free Agent/Bird)
It will be a big surprise if the Pelicans let Brandon Ingram go at any cost. Being an RFA with Bird rights, it is likely that the New Orleans Pelicans will do everything possible to keep Ingram to go along with the young core of Lonzo Ball and Zion Williamson. Coming off of his first All-Star season at only 22 years-old, Ingram is expected to receive a big payday for his signature this offseason.
Carmelo Anthony (Unrestricted Free Agent)
Carmelo Anthony was a big question mark coming into the 2019-20 season. Playing in only 10 games in the 2018-19 season, the Portland Trail Blazers took a chance on the aging veteran. Starting in all 50 games played this season, Melo proved that he still had some gas left in the tank. Anthony would be a good fit on a contending team, leading the second unit, as it seems he has adjusted his attitude. It also wouldn’t be surprising to see Portland try to keep him. Regardless of his on-court benefits, he can also be a huge help in developing his younger teammates.
Christian Wood (Unrestricted Free Agent/Bird)
Christian Wood was one of the biggest surprises of the season. Wood started the season coming off the bench for the Detroit Pistons. After Blake Griffin was traded, he stepped up into the starting role. He didn’t disappoint, putting up career-highs in all stat categories. He proved that, given the chance, he can make a real difference for a team. Since he still has more to prove, teams can probably sign Wood to a somewhat cheap contract. He will most likely go somewhere that he is able to keep his starting role.
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