NBA AM: Top 2015 Free Agents Still In Title Hunt

It’s never too early to talk NBA free agency. While the playoffs continue to get more exciting, there are numerous players who are expected to be on free agency wish lists this summer still getting an opportunity to improve their stock.

Let’s take a look at some of the top upcoming free agents still in the midst of playoff runs:

Draymond Green, Forward, Golden State Warriors
2014-15 Salary: $915k
Status: Restricted Free Agent if $2.7 million qualifying offer issued

Most second-round picks don’t pan out when trying to make the transition from college to the pros. But Green defied the odds and is set to cash in on a huge payday this summer. Some people believe Green could command a max deal this summer, and there will be no shortage of suitors who will put the pressure on Golden State to open up the checkbook.

Make no mistake, the Warriors have the leverage and will be able to match any offer for Green’s services this summer. But they’ll making a hefty investment to do so.

DeAndre Jordan, Center, Los Angeles Clippers
2014-15 Salary: $11.4 million
Status: Unrestricted Free Agent

Jordan will likely never develop into a prime offensive threat, but the big man averaged a whopping 15 rebounds and 2.2 blocks this season while anchoring the Clippers’ interior defense. Jordan will demand a big payday this summer and his close relationship with forward Blake Griffin off the floor gives Los Angeles the clear advantage to secure his signature on the dotted line.

Jimmy Butler, Guard, Chicago Bulls
2014-15 Salary: $2.0 million
Status: Restricted Free Agent if $4.4 million qualifying offer issued

One of the old adages in sports is always take the guaranteed money upfront. But there are times when it becomes wise to bet on yourself and truly maximize your earning potential. Butler refused to sign an early extension last fall and opted to let his game speak and let the market set his value in free agency this summer.

The gamble has paid off. Butler was recently named the league’s Most Improved Player and is likely headed for a max-level contract, proving that his self-belief helped earn him tens of millions in more salary.

Marc Gasol, Center, Memphis Grizzlies
2014-15 Salary: $15.8 million
Status: Unrestricted Free Agent

Gasol’s name will be linked to a large number of teams with cap space this summer. Gasol has often remained under the mainstream’s radar, but the center is an All-Star and former Defensive Player of the Year. Simply put, Gasol could be a franchise changer for the right team.

Memphis officials have maintained that bringing Gasol back is their top priority this summer, teammate Zach Randolph is one of Gasol’s closest friends and the center loves the Memphis area.

All signs point toward Gasol re-upping with the franchise, but there’s no doubt he will explore the market to evaluate his options.

DeMarre Carroll, Forward, Atlanta Hawks
2014-15 Salary: $2.4 million
Status: Unrestricted Free Agent

Before finding success in Atlanta, Carroll was a bench player on four different teams and couldn’t find his niche. With the Hawks, Carroll immediately entered the team’s starting lineup, defended the best player on opposing squads and developed a reliable three-point shot from multiple areas on the floor.

For this postseason, Carroll is averaging 18.9 points, six rebounds and 2.6 assists and has scored at least 20 points in six straight games. Carroll may have been the Hawks’ lone starter not to make the All-Star game in February, but he’s been their clear playoff MVP.

Tristan Thompson, Forward, Cleveland Cavaliers
2014-15 Salary: $5.1 million
Status: Restricted Free Agent if $6.7 million qualifying offer issued

Depending on the offers Thompson receives this summer, the Cavaliers could lose the high-energy forward in free agency. With All-Star forward Kevin Love either needing a big pay day or opting in to the final $16 million of his current contract next season, it’s only logical to question how much Cleveland will be willing to invest in retaining Thompson.

Thompson has career averages of 10.1 points and eight rebounds in four seasons while playing 29 minutes per game. The double-double potential is there on a nightly basis and he’s only 24 years old.

Paul Millsap, Forward, Atlanta Hawks
2014-15 Salary: $9.5 million
Status: Unrestricted Free Agent

Millsap, along with the aforementioned Carroll, were two of exiled Hawks executive Danny Ferry’s free agent moves back in 2013. They were bargain additions back then and, in hindsight, were pure genius. Millsap has developed into a two-time All-Star and a perfect fit for head coach Mike Budenholzer’s offensive system.

All indications are the Hawks are willing to spend the necessary funds to retain Millsap and keep him part of their program long term. The only hang up could be length of next contract. Millsap, 30, will likely be seeking a four-deal and long-term stability. The Hawks have been reluctant to issue long-term deals since the new front office regime took over a few years ago – preferring to maintain financial flexibility. Let’s see if the stance changes when it comes to Millsap.

Josh Smith, Forward, Houston Rockets
2014-15 Salary: $2.1 million
Status: Unrestricted Free Agent

Smith is one of the most polarizing players in the league. Those who love his game marvel at his ability to contribute in many different categories on the nightly box score sheet. Those who shy away from Smith point toward his erratic shot selection, tendency to be turnover prone and penchant for playing to his weaknesses more than his strengths.

The Detroit Pistons essentially paid Smith $40 million to walk away and he landed in Houston on a bargain deal next to childhood friend Dwight Howard.

How much of a discount Smith will be willing to play for in the future remains to be seen, but it’s clear the forward has talent. The question is can, or will, he ever harness everything together into one clean package?