For the rest of the regular season and postseason, Hoops Rumors is taking a closer look at players who will be free agents or could become free agents this offseason. We consider whether their stock is rising or falling due to their performance and other factors. Today, we’re focusing on a handful of Central players.
Zach LaVine, G, Bulls
2021/22: $19.5MM
2022/23: UFA
Stock: Up ⬆️
LaVine is dealing with a knee injury that has diminished his explosiveness, but it hasn’t slowed him down too significantly — he hasn’t scored fewer than 20 points in a game since the All-Star break, and he’s coming off a 33-point showing in Utah on Wednesday.
While the injury is a short-term concern that may need to be addressed surgically in the summer, there’s no reason to believe at this point that it will be a nagging issue in future seasons. LaVine is still significantly outperforming his current contract and is in line for a maximum-salary deal this summer, likely with the Bulls.
Collin Sexton, G, Cavaliers
2021/22: $6.35MM
2022/23: RFA
Stock: Down ⬇️
Sexton is also dealing with a knee injury, but it’s more serious than LaVine’s. The Cavaliers guard appeared in only 11 games before meniscus surgery sidelined him for the remainder of the season.
The fact that Sexton averaged 24.3 PPG with an efficient .475/.371/.815 shooting line in 2020/21 shouldn’t be overlooked, but there are a number of factors working against him. With Darius Garland and Caris LeVert under contract for next season and Sexton entering restricted free agency in an offseason when few teams will have cap room, the Cavs will have plenty of leverage in negotiations. Concerns about Sexton’s knee and his defense may further limit his ability to secure a significant raise.
An eight-figure annual salary is still certainly within reach for Sexton, but a payday in the $80-100MM range no longer looks like a good bet.
Bobby Portis, F/C, Bucks
2021/22: $4.35MM
2022/23: $4.56MM player option
Stock: Up ⬆️
Portis raised some eyebrows when he settled for a two-year, $9MM deal with the Bucks in 2021, giving the club a “hometown” discount after winning a title in Milwaukee. That agreement included a second-year player option, so Portis has the opportunity to revisit the open market in 2022. At this point, it’s hard to imagine he won’t take advantage of that opportunity.
With Brook Lopez out for much of the season, Portis has been thrust into a larger frontcourt role and has responded with a career year, averaging 15.3 PPG and 9.1 RPG on .484/.405/.752 shooting in 61 games (28.9 MPG). He’ll have Early Bird rights this time around, putting him in a better spot to get a raise from the Bucks, who shouldn’t expect the 27-year-old to once again accept a team-friendly rate.
Cory Joseph, G, Pistons
2021/22: $4.91MM
2022/23: $5.16MM player option
Stock: Up ⬆️
The Pistons have been one of the NBA’s worst teams since the start of the season, and any national attention they’ve gotten has focused primarily on Cade Cunningham, Saddiq Bey, and the rest of their young core. Their 30-year-old journeyman point guard shouldn’t be overlooked though — Joseph is enjoying one of the best seasons of his career in Detroit this season, averaging 8.1 PPG and 3.8 APG with a career-best .423 3PT% in 59 games (24.8 MPG).
Joseph may be happy with the Pistons and not interested in seeking a change of scenery. But if he decides to opt out this summer, he should certainly be able to earn a raise, perhaps from a team much closer to title contention.
T.J. Warren, F, Pacers
2021/22: $12.69MM
2022/23: UFA
Stock: Down ⬇️
Having officially been ruled out for the rest of 2021/22, Warren will enter unrestricted free agency having played just four games in the last two seasons due to foot injuries. It’s been an unfortunate run for the veteran forward, who had a great 2019/20 season and looked like one of the NBA’s very best scorers in the Walt Disney World bubble that summer.
What Warren has gone through is reminiscent of what happened to another former Pacer, Victor Oladipo, following his breakout years in Indiana. Oladipo battled leg injuries for two seasons and ultimately settled for a minimum-salary contract when he became a free agent.
Unlike Oladipo last year, Warren should be healthy when he reaches the open market this summer. But given how little teams have seen from him over the last two years, he may not be able to do a whole lot better than the minimum deal Oladipo got.
Not sure I agree on Lavine. That injury would worry my pocket book. I have no reason to believe it isn’t nagging.
Sexton I also feel like is a neutral, though I suppose that isn’t an option (and it shouldn’t be)
Both of them return on max deals. Anything else is out of the question and has been for months
Apologies, for some reason my head registered Sexton as Garland, whoops. Lavine is a lock for a max though.
All good. And you are likely correct re: lavine I’m just saying if it was my choice idk if I’d do it
Yeah I agree on LaVine— he’s a lock to get a max because CHI really has no choice but the knee is definitely a concern.
He’s 27 so if it is nagging his max could become a putrid contract quickly
Bulls should drop Thomas and sign Joseph, adds some perimeter defense they need with little dropoff in n 3pt shooting.
Bobby only inked to get Early bird, which he will have in the offseason
He’s going nowhere
Similar route Monk will have to take to get his and remain with LAL – Uncommon yes, but not unheard of
Refreshing to see actually and the fans in the know certainly take notice
Cavs don’t need Sexton. The way Garland has played this yr. But you have to sign him and then trade him. That’s what I’d do.
Sexton, Love, two #1 picks >> TO Lakers
Bron to Cavs ….. finish career in Cleveland.
Break Kareem’s most points record in Cleveland. Got to one last Finals.
Story Book ending ……
Did sillivan hack your account, Al?
A Knee issue is troubling. Considering he’s still playing well. I don’t see this as career altering. LaVine is worth max. I know NY would love to have him. I don’t see Bulls letting him walk.
Do we know what part of the knee? If it’s lower there is less concern but if it’s the high knee that stinks
LaVine had been experiencing discomfort, and sporadic swelling, in the knee for weeks, to the point that the Bulls conducted an MRI on it on Jan. 15. While that MRI revealed no structural damage, this, remember, is the same knee in which LaVine tore his ACL in February 2017.Feb 16, 2022
It’s a concern since it’s same knee. He’s also been playing heavy mins, they say.
link to forbes.com
I think I recall them also saying he got his knee drained before the AS game as well, and they said that should keep the swelling down to the point where it should be manageable until the off-season when he can get it worked on..
Warren to LAL on a minimum will make a lot of sense for both sides, IMO.
Sexton will also be interesting. I agree with Zach Lowe’s statement that no one has ever disrespected a guy averaging 24 ppg on above average efficiency more than Sexton’s 20-21 season.
The kid can put the ball in the basket at a borderline elite level, and someone might be able to get his services at a severe discount this offseason. I’d like to see NY make an offer for him personally.
Yes, alot of people call him a selfish stat stuffer that will have a hard time ever putting up the same numbers for a contending team..
When Sexton comes back, it’ll be his chance to prove those people wrong. I think he’s definitely got the talent, I think he just needs to work better off the ball, and continue working on his perimeter defense…If he does those two things, then I think he will carve out a very successful career for himself in the NBA wherever he plays..
Wasn’t an expert here sure that Warren will be back by now??
Sometimes silences speaks louder than words…
Think Warren when healthy is a above average player. Would love to see the Hornets sign him during free agency a league minimum deal just to see if he can regain his play. Could be an under the radar steal next year.
There’s a lot of talent on this page… not necessarily stars, but players good to have.