With the NBA trade deadline having passed and teams now locking down their rosters for the upcoming postseason, it's time to look ahead to free agency. Below are three bold predictions for free agency 2015, including Cleveland Cavaliers star Kevin Love signing with the Golden State Warriors and Dallas Mavericks star Rajon Rondo signing with the Los Angeles Lakers.
1. Greg Monroe - New York Knicks
Marc Gasol isn't going to New York. The Knicks will have around $28 million in cap space to use this summer, but unless the team lands Jahlil Okafor in the draft, Phil Jackson's first big free-agent signing as team president will be Monroe. The Pistons forward isn't Jackson's top target - he's a little further down on New York's list, according to one report - but he's the best player in this year's class who'd likely be willing to join a porous roster and an aging Carmelo Anthony.
2. Rajon Rondo - L.A. Lakers
Let's just call the Rondo experiment in Dallas a failure. Maybe he could improve with more time in the system. But the fact he's already at odds with coach Rick Carlisle, coupled with his declining numbers in a system that doesn't seem to fit him, makes it likely he's done in Dallas after the season. The Lakers' ability to offer a hefty contract, their penchant for making flashy moves and the love fest between Rondo and Kobe Bryant has me seeing No. 9 in purple and gold next season. I honestly believe Rondo would forego playing with a title-contending team for the lights of Los Angeles and a huge contract, along with the opportunity to be handed the keys to the franchise when Bryant retires.
3. Kevin Love - Golden State Warriors
This is the least likely to happen. Not because I don't think Love will leave Cleveland, but rather because of Golden State's cap situation after the season. Love may give the Cavaliers another shot next year, which will most likely happen, but the fact there're more reports coming out about Love's disconcent in Cleveland - even with the Cavs now sitting No. 2 in the East - doesn't have me convinced he's sticking around beyond this season. Where there's smoke there's fire, and if Love were to test free agency, I see him landing with the Warriors, whom he was linked to last summer, if they can square away their cap situation. Right now the Warriors have $77.5 million on the books for 2015, and they'd have to get very very creative to clear room for him. Dumping David Lee's expiring $15.5 million contract would only be a start, and the team would likely have to pass on re-signing soon-to-be restricted free agent Draymond Green.
