In an era where players' contracts are shorter than ever and teams obsess over hoarding cap space, free agency is a time for league executives to load up their rosters as they see fit. Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James headlined last year's free-agent class, and while this year's crop may not feature that kind of star power, there are still All-Stars and All-NBA performers to be had. Taking productivity, potential development and age into account, here are the top 10 free agents for the summer of 2015.
Brandon Knight | PG | Suns
It was a roller coaster of a year for the former Bucks point guard, who was sent to Phoenix at the trade deadline after thriving in Jason Kidd's system for several months. Knight averaged almost 18 points per game on 41 percent shooting from 3 with the Bucks, but those numbers dipped to 13 points per game and 31 percent shooting from deep once he joined the Suns.
Still, Knight figures to be in the Suns' plans moving forward, seeing as how they shipped out a valuable Lakers future first round pick for his services. He's a restricted free agent, and if another team makes an aggressive run at Knight, it will be up to Ryan McDonough to determine what price is too high for the young guard.
Paul Millsap | PF | Hawks
The Hawks snagged Millsap on a team-friendly two-year, $19 million deal a few offseasons ago. Millsap has outperformed that contract with ease, and now he's in line to get paid.
He's a perfect fit in Mike Budenholzer's system: the Hawks value guys who can shoot, handle and pass on offense. When their big guys can do all three of those things, it only makes Atlanta more lethal. It will be intriguing to see which other teams pursue Millsap, but it seems likely that he'll return to Atlanta with a richer deal than his last.
Goran Dragic | PG | Heat
Like Knight, Dragic's season was a wild one. He was clearly unhappy with Phoenix's three point guard system they tried to employ at the beginning of 2014-15, and as a result, he was shipped to Miami at the trade deadline.
Dragic's scoring numbers dipped last season -- he averaged more than 20 points per game in 2013-14 and just 16 a year ago -- but he still shot over 50 percent from the floor. If the Heat can retain Dragic, who has a $7.5 million player option that he will likely decline, a starting five of him, Dwyane Wade, Luol Deng, Chris Bosh and Hassan Whiteside looks awfully good.
Draymond Green | PF | Warriors
Green is symbolic of the new age of superstar: he ranks off the charts in virtually every category of advanced analytics, but by traditional metrics, he's far from a superstar. But the simple eye test shows how important he is to everything Golden State does, and he ranked third in the league this year in real plus-minus behind just two players: James and Kawhi Leonard.
That's great company, and it looks as though Green will receive a max contract from the Warriors this summer.
DeAndre Jordan | C | Clippers
Jordan appears to have as good of a chance as any of the high-profile free agents at changing teams this offseason. He's unrestricted, and rumors have been swirling that he doesn't necessarily have a great relationship with Chris Paul.
Though he's not exactly a perfect fit next to Blake Griffin, Jordan's importance to the Clippers cannot be overstated -- he's always among the league leaders in rebounds, field goal percentage and blocked shots, which is especially crucial given the Clippers' mediocre defense. Some debate whether or not he's worth a max contract, but Los Angeles is capped out and will be low on options if they lowball Jordan and he bolts. He's a key player to keep an eye on this summer.
Jimmy Butler | SG | Bulls
Butler proved to be one of the best two-way players in the league this season, averaging better than 20 points per game while also snagging a spot on the All-Defensive 2nd Team. The Bulls can match any offer sheet Butler signs, and one way or another, it seems as though he will return to Chicago on a max contract whether the Bulls offer it out of the gate or not.
And an interesting side note: Butler led the league in minutes in 2014-15 under former Chicago head coach Tom Thibodeau. Thibodeau was crucial in Butler's development, but you have to wonder if a likely decrease in minutes will be music to Butler's ears after the physical stress he's had to endure the past few seasons.
Kevin Love | PF | Cavaliers
Love might just be the most interesting case on the free-agent market. Much of what happens may be determined by how the Cavaliers fare in the NBA Finals. If they win the title, what does that say about Love's importance to Cleveland?
Love's fit was awkward with the Cavaliers this season, and as a third option, he didn't seem to possess the same confidence he had in Minnesota. He said recently that he expects to be back with Cleveland on opening night. Love could re-up with Cleveland, become the focal point of a team like the Celtics, Knicks or Lakers or accept his player option and take another crack at free agency next offseason. In any case, Love's status will be a focal point for many NBA-related conversations in the coming months.
Kawhi Leonard | SF | Spurs
The Defensive Player of the Year is already the best player on the Spurs, and this offseason, he'll finally get paid like it. This could be a huge offseason for the Spurs -- or, it could be a uneventful one, and things may remain status quo in San Antonio.
Much of that depends upon whether Manu Ginobili and Duncan decide to retire. Either way, Leonard figures to remain in the fold for the Spurs. His supporting cast, however, is very much up in the air at this juncture.
Marc Gasol | C | Grizzlies
The 1st Team All-NBA center took his offensive game offensive game to an entirely new level in his contract year, as Gasol averaged career highs in points (17.4), field goal attempts per game (13.2) and free throw attempts per game (5.4). And, of course, he's the backbone of a Grizzlies defense that is a perennial juggernaut.
Obviously, Memphis will do everything in its power to keep Gasol. But his passing and defense would fit in just about anywhere, and teams will be throwing the max at him left and right. If the Spurs can clear out cap space, they are a scary team to keep an eye on in the race for Gasol.
LaMarcus Aldridge | PF | Trail Blazers
See Gasol, Marc. A native Texan, Aldridge is also a potential candidate to make a huge move this offseason.
He once said he wanted to be the best Blazer to ever live, and on the surface, that's admirable. But Wes Matthews' contract and injury status are unclear, Robin Lopez is a free agent and Portland's road to serious contention in the West is similarly fuzzy. Aldridge will have his pick of the litter this summer, and his decision could send a ripple effect throughout the entire league.
