Garrett Brooks | May 2nd, 2020
The 2020 free agent class lacks star power compared to previous offseasons, as Anthony Davis is the only true superstar set to hit the open market. The expectation is he will re-sign with the Lakers without truly entertaining other offers, though. There are difference makers set to hit restricted free agency, representing the true value of this year’s class.
Teams have been aware of this situation for well over a year now, which has led most organizations to prioritize cap flexibility for the loaded 2021 free-agent class instead of this years. That being said, teams, that do have cap space this offseason will have an incredible opportunity to add quality players in a market with few bidders.
Here are the top five restricted free agents and the best landing spots for them.
Brandon Ingram
Brandon Ingram has lived up to the hype in his first year with the Pelicans, putting up a career-high 24.3 points per game on an efficient 46.6% shooting from the field. He’s not just scoring though, also contributing career highs in rebounds(6.3) and assists(4.3).
Additionally, his increased volume from deep combined with a 38.7% success rate has added another layer to his offensive game. Ingram can do it all on that side of the court, and his length makes him an asset on the defensive end as well.
Best Fit: New Orleans Pelicans.
Ingram is a lock to remain with his current team. Joining New Orleans via the Anthony Davis trade, Ingram and rookie sensation Zion Williamson are set to be the cornerstones of a bright Pelicans future.
Bogdan Bogdanovic
Bogdan Bogdanovic was a popular name at the most recent trade deadline, though nothing came from those rumors. He spent time as both a starter and reserve for the Kings this season, with consistent production regardless of where his minutes came.
The 27-year-old guard is a versatile offensive weapon whose skill set will be coveted by many teams in the off-season. This year, he connected on 36.1% of his 3-point attempts. Additionally, he is a capable ball-handler and play-maker that can run the point for stretches when necessary.
Best Fit: Phoenix Suns.
Phoenix has their starting backcourt set with Ricky Rubio and Devin Booker. Bogdanovic would be the team’s sixth man, bringing offensive firepower off the bench that the Suns need.
What makes this fit ideal is his ability to play alongside both Rubio and Booker, and slot in perfectly if either missed time. The Suns can create the cap space to sign him, and it is the perfect match.
Malik Beasley
Beasley entered the 2019-20 season in a crowded Nuggets wing rotation. After playing 41 games in Denver he was traded to Minnesota in a 4-team trade centered around Robert Covington and Clint Capela.
Immediately after joining the Timberwolves, Beasley broke out in a big way. In 14 games played, he was putting up 20.7 points per game on a scorching 42.6% from 3. Head Coach Ryan Saunders has the Wolves shooting the third most 3’s per contest, which makes Beasley right at home.
Best Fit- Minnesota Timberwolves.
If it’s not broke, don’t fix it.
Karl-Anthony Towns is the face of the franchise, and D’Angelo Russell is his Robin. Beasley is now familiar with the team and fits the mold of players they want. In a fast-paced, shoot when you have an inch offense, Beasley naturally fits as the T-Wolves’ third offensive threat.
Kris Dunn
Kris Dunn‘s career hasn’t gone as many expected when he was drafted 5th overall. The 2019-20 season has allowed him to show teams what kind of an asset he can be in the league, though.
Dunn is an absolute terror on defense. He’s the kind of guard you want harassing opposing scoring guards. While his offense can be frustrating, he makes up for it on the other end of the court. This year he managed 2 steals per game in under 25 minutes per contest.
Best Fit- Atlanta Hawks
Given his offensive struggles, the best fits for Dunn will be as a reserve. That doesn’t mean he can’t see big minutes or make an impact on a nightly basis.
Atlanta has built a young core that has all sorts of offensive firepower. One thing they lack is defenders in the backcourt. Trae Young makes his living on the offensive end, as does Kevin Huerter.
Dunn can play alongside either of Atlanta’s starting guards when asked. He’s a menace to opposing guards, who currently don’t face much resistance against Atlanta’s backcourt.
Dario Saric
Saric has played for three teams in his four-year career already. His most productive seasons came with the 76ers, and he’ll look to regain that production moving forward. His dip in production has a lot to do with where he has landed, so this off-season will be huge for his career.
At 6’10”, Saric is a high IQ stretch big, which is always valuable in today’s NBA. He holds a career 3PT percentage of 35.6%, with a season-high of 39.3%. Fit will be important for Saric, as he’s best off playing alongside a strong defensive center.
While he can eat a handful of minutes at the five himself, it’s not something that can be relied upon on a nightly basis. Additionally, he’s best suited in lineups that feature offensive threats that defenses must prioritize ahead of him.
Best Fit- Philadelphia 76ers
A reunion between Saric and the 76ers seems ideal for both parties. Saric found his most production with Philadelphia, and he’s a great fit in between Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid.
On the 76ers side, this addition only works if they decide to move on from Al Horford. Horford’s fit was awkward from day one, and it never got much better than that. If the 76ers decide they’ve seen enough of that experiment and move him in a trade, Saric becomes a perfect fit.
His price tag likely won’t be too high, especially on a short term deal. This move allows him and the 76ers the opportunity to rekindle some of the magic they had together a few years back.
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