NBA free agency predictions 2022 Project

NBA free agency gets underway on Thursday, June 30 at 6 p.m. ET and while most players can't officially sign their contracts for another week, there will be a number of agreements made not long after the period begins.On the surface, this year's free agency might not have the same luster as years past, with the few big names that are involved likely to stay put. However, there is always the prospect of big trades capable of shaking up the outlook of the league.Before Ahkello Witherspoon Jersey the flurry of signings gets going, it's only right to go through the exercise of attempting to predict where some notable names will land.Here are The Sporting News' predictions for 13 players this offseason some are bold, some maybe not so much.NOH: Bulls re-sign guard Zach LaVineNo real surprises here. SN's top-ranked free agent will stay put in Chicago, where he's earned an All-Star selection in each of the past two seasons. LaVine and the Bulls have a good thing going, and there's no situation out there worth leaving that for.76ers re-sign guard James HardenAfter acquiring Harden at the trade deadline, Daryl Morey will ensure his guy is a part of the Sixers' future plans. Harden won' Chris Wormley Jersey t likely get another max deal, but he'll likely get around $100 million to remain a part of Philadelphia's title pursuit for the next few years.MORE:Knicks sign Mavericks guard Jalen BrunsonThe Knicks are all-in on Brunson and they've already started the proce s to clear up cap space to sign him. It's hard to see Brunson pa sing up an opportunity to play for the same franchise as his dad, Rick, who was recently hired to Tom Thibodeau's staff. Hornets re-sign forward Miles BridgesThere were rumblings that Bridges would move on, but general manager Mitch Kupchak shut them all down with a simple statement.We love Miles. Were going to bring him back.Mitch Kupchak on Miles Bridges Bally Sports: Hornets (@HornetsOnBally) The market for Bridges to receive the max deal he sought may be drying up, but he and the Hornets should be able to reach an agreement that leaves all parties happy.MORE: Hawks trade for Spurs guard Dejounte MurrayThe Hawks are seemingly eager to pair Murray with Trae Young and have expre sed a willingne s to do what it takes to make that happen. San Antonio isn't actively shopping Murray, but it could soon get an offer that's hard to refuse, making way for such a deal to be pulled off.Suns retain center Deandre AytonThe use of the word "retain" is intentional here. It's hard to envision Ayton making the almost-unprecedented move of signing a qualifying offer Tony Dungy Jersey to become an unrestricted free agent in 2023, but it doesn't seem like the internal i sues between him and the franchise have been repaired.The market for Ayton is drying up quickly, meaning he might begrudgingly make his return to the Suns on a deal that is not quite what he had in mind. (NBAE via Getty Images) 76ers sign Heat forward P.J. TuckerMorey rides for his guys, and he'll look for Tucker to bring his championship DNA to Philly. While Tucker recently turned 37, reports indicate that the Sixers might be willing to pay Chase Claypool Jersey him $30 million over three years. Tucker wouldn't hesitate to sign a deal that pays him $10 million annually through his 40th birthday.Wizards trade for Pacers guard Malcolm BrogdonThe Pacers have a lot of guards and the Wizards do not have a point guard. That makes sense, right? Brogdon is in the final year of his deal and if Washington wants to compete for a playoff spot around Bradley Beal, it would benefit from a heady veteran guard like Brogdon.Celtics trade for Knicks guard Alec BurksIt's well-documented that Burks and Celtics forward Jayson Tatum are good friends and Burks can partially fill Boston's need for more steady playmaking. The Celtics have very little time to use their trade exception from last year's Evan Fournier deal and Burks' $10 million salary for the 2022-23 season would fit right in.MORE:Lakers re-sign guard Malik MonkMonk helped himself with an impre sive 2021-22 campaign in LA and he's recently indicated that money isn't the biggest priority in his free-agent negotiations. At least for the short-term future, the 24-year-old has found a home with the Lakers and will likely stay as a result. (NBAE via Getty Images) 76ers trade for Rockets guard Eric GordonLeave it to Morey to get the band back together. Gordon has one guaranteed year remaining on his contract and could bring his shooting and veteran presence to Philadelphia, where he'd reunite with Harden and Tucker in this instance.Knicks re-sign center Mitchell RobinsonRobinson might not be the biggest household name, but he is a key part of the Knicks building for the future. If New York does indeed sign Brunson, it will have a young core to build towards becoming a power in the East.Raptors acquire Magic center Mo BambaThe Raptors drafted a center but that won't stop them from being active here. With the number of bigs in Orlando's frontcourt, Bamba is looking like the odd man out. Toronto will have a chance to get a former lottery pick with plenty Mason Rudolph Jersey of upside to continue to build for the future.