
<p>Once the dust settles from the 2023 <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-top-3-most-likely-destinations-for-draymond-green-in-case-of-warriors-exit-2-20230621-SPD-3749.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA Draft</a></strong>, free agency will become the front and center of the summer. <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-top-3-best-free-agents-that-could-be-available-in-2023-20230618-SPD-3728.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kyrie Irving</a></strong>, an NBA All-Star guard, is expected to become a free agent this summer. </p>



<p>He hopes to sign another long-term, expensive contract after being dealt to the Dallas Mavericks from the Brooklyn Nets in February. A maximum deal may be what Irving is after, but after years of contentious comments and choices on and off the court, the market for the erratic player isn’t exactly strong. </p>



<p>Even so, Irving remains one of the NBA’s most gifted offensive players, and as we saw with Dallas’ trade for him in February, there will always be a club ready to take a chance on him. In anticipation of Irving’s impending free agency on June 30th, here are three potential destinations for him to take up residence in, as per <em>CBS Sports</em>.</p>



<h2>3. Houston Rockets</h2>



<p>It would be surprising to see Irving sign with the Rockets if they failed to get James Harden, but it has been claimed that he will speak with numerous clubs when free agency begins. It’s possible that Irving and his team are using this as leverage to attempt to convince the Mavericks to increase their offer.</p>



<p>It may not go down well in Dallas, however, since there aren’t many clubs that would be willing to pay what he’s asking. If winning is the most crucial factor for Irving, then Dallas is the clear winner between the two Texas clubs with Doncic currently on the roster.</p>



<h2>2. Los Angeles Lakers</h2>



<p>Even though the Lakers haven’t been linked to another Irving in recent reports (rather the contrary has been reported), it doesn’t mean they won’t do it again. The Lakers would have to do some serious financial juggling to get Irving to Los Angeles, but it’s doable if both teams are committed to working together. Even more so if Irving forwent a max deal in favor of a wage reduction.</p>



<h2>1. Dallas Mavericks</h2>



<p>Re-signing Irving is expected to be Dallas’ top priority this summer. The Mavericks acquired him in a blockbuster trade at the February trade deadline that cost them Dorian Finney-Smith, Spencer Dinwiddie, an unprotected first-round selection in 2029, and two second-round choices.</p>



<p>The recorded problems in Boston and Brooklyn show that Dallas should negotiate a little before signing Irving, but granting him a max contract carries a high degree of risk. Even though Irving has a lot of issues that might restrict his time with the Mavericks last season, he is undeniably a dynamic offensive threat in the few games he played in.</p>


NBA: Top 3 most likely destinations for free agent Kyrie Irving

NBA: Top 3 most likely destinations for free agent Kyrie Irving - thesportsdrops NEWS

miniaturas


<p><strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-top-3-possible-all-star-targets-for-celtics-for-next-season-20230605-SPD-3673.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Austin Reaves</a></strong> is a player that shows promise for the <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-top-3-most-likely-destinations-for-chris-paul-in-case-of-suns-exit-20230607-SPD-3679.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a></strong>. As the season progressed, he earned more and more playing time under Darvin Ham, eventually becoming a starting player for the NBA’s playoff push.</p>



<p>Whether he’s starting or coming off the bench, Reaves always brings a ton of enthusiasm. He played with complete assurance and eventually became a crucial cog in the postseason thanks to many outstanding performances.</p>



<p>Of course, he also played himself into a huge deal, and now other clubs will try to lure him away from LeBron James and Anthony Davis. We’ll check out a few of the squads below.</p>



<h2>3. Houston Rockets</h2>



<p>The Houston Rockets would want to not finish last any longer than necessary. By bringing in Ime Udoka, they want to go back to winning ways and maybe even challenge for James Harden’s services.</p>



<p>As such, they want to spend heavily this summer, and according to league sources, one of their top priorities is to sign Reaves on a very expensive five-year contract.</p>



<h2>2. San Antonio Spurs</h2>



<p>He would also be a great match for the San Antonio Spurs, who have plenty of money to spend in free agency and are trying to assemble a youthful, competitive squad.</p>



<p>Gregg Popovich is going to center his squad on the top choice in the 2018 NBA Draft, Victor Wembanyama, and Reaves is exactly the kind of hard-working, high-energy player Popovich enjoys coaching.</p>



<h2>1. Los Angeles Lakers</h2>



<p>Austin Reaves might have offers of up to $100 million, but the Los Angeles Lakers are allegedly willing to match any deal. No one wants to repeat the error of hiring Alex Caruso.</p>



<p>With a $54 million deal in the works, it would be in everyone’s best interest to keep him around. Nonetheless, they will certainly have to fork out the dough now that other clubs are also keeping an eye on him.</p>


NBA: Top 3 most likely destinations for Austin Reaves in case of Lakers exit - thesportsdrops NEWS

NBA: Top 3 most likely destinations for Austin Reaves in case of Lakers exit


<p>The <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-top-3-most-likely-destinations-for-giannis-antetokounmpo-in-case-of-bucks-exit-20230510-SPD-3629.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Boston Celtics</a></strong> are struggling recently. They were predicted to represent the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals, but have struggled to keep up with the Miami Heat’s ferocity.</p>



<p>If they win the Game 6, there is still hope that they can salvage the series. There has never been a comeback from a 3-0 series disadvantage in NBA postseason history, and the Heat currently have a 3-2 advantage.</p>



<p>With the Celtics’ season potentially ending this week, we’ll discuss the speculation surrounding <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-top-3-most-likely-candidates-for-suns-coach-coach-position-20230525-SPD-3653.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jaylen Brown</a></strong>‘s future with the team and the three teams that make the most sense for him to join.</p>



<h2>3. Houston Rockets</h2>



<p>The Houston Rockets just hired Ime Udoka, who has a tight relationship with Brown. They have a lot of promising young players in the backcourt, but none of them can contribute at Brown’s level just yet.</p>



<p>They are apparently trying to reconnect with James Harden, suggesting that they are now competing. The Celtics may be able to recover part of their investment in the Rockets by acquiring their draft selections and young players.</p>



<h2>2. Atlanta Hawks</h2>



<p>Jaylen Brown is a native of Georgia who is said to have deep ties to his hometown. He may try to return to Atlanta, where the Hawks may be a good fit for his strong moral character.</p>



<p>It’s been said that they want to get rid of Trae Young. Even if he isn’t exactly what the Celtics need, he would be a fine backup to their rising star.</p>



<h2>1. Boston Celtics</h2>



<p>A supermax contract extension was available to Brown when he was named to an All-NBA team, and not many individuals would turn down an extra $50 million.</p>



<p>His contract with the Boston Celtics still has a year remaining on it, and he apparently wants out. However, he has the best opportunity to win a championship with that squad, as well as the greatest financial reward.</p>


NBA: Top 3 most likely destinations for Jaylen Brown in case of Celtics exit

NBA: Top 3 most likely destinations for Jaylen Brown in case of Celtics exit - thesportsdrops NEWS


<p>Once again, the <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/top-3-best-players-ever-selected-in-the-nba-draft-second-round-20230326-SPD-3531.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Philadelphia 76ers</a></strong> came up short. The squad, led by <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/top-3-greatest-2023-nba-mvp-award-snubs-20230503-SPD-3616.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Joel Embiid</a></strong>, had one of the strongest squads in the NBA this year, but they were eliminated in the Eastern Conference Playoffs for the third straight year.</p>



<p>The Sixers have failed to advance to the next round for the fourth time in the last five seasons. They couldn’t get over the hump while Brett Brown was coaching them, and Doc Rivers didn’t help much either.</p>



<p>It’s possible that James Harden may choose a new team for next season now that the season is over and he has the option to forego the last year of his contract. We’ll talk about the three most logical squads here.</p>



<h2>3. Orlando Magic</h2>



<p>The Orlando Magic struggled this year, as seen by their losing record. However, they have a promising young core and are said to be on the lookout for an experienced guard to aid in playmaking.</p>



<p>As a shooting guard who can also run the point, Harden may be useful to the Magic in their quest to play more jumbo lineups. They’re well-armed, young, and financially secure.</p>



<h2>2. Philadelphia 76ers</h2>



<p>Harden, according to the rumor mill, was unhappy playing under coach Doc Rivers. Since Daryl Morey has, predictably, picked him above the coach, he may think twice about leaving the company.</p>



<p>The Philadelphia 76ers were dominant throughout the regular season, and he and Joel Embiid clearly clicked. Next year he might try his luck in free agency after taking the ball back.</p>



<h2>1. Houston Rockets</h2>



<p>Despite the controversial circumstances surrounding his departure, the Houston Rockets have allegedly shown interest in re-signing Harden. On the other hand, he reportedly wants to make amends with the franchise that helped him to legendary status.</p>



<p>The Rockets won’t be ready to contend right away, but they have a talented group of players, a good head coach, and plenty of resources. That’s a great way to round out his career.</p>


NBA: Top 3 most likely destinations for James Harden in case of 76ers exit

NBA: Top 3 most likely destinations for James Harden in case of 76ers exit - thesportsdrops NEWS


<p>When it comes to the <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/three-nba-teams-with-the-most-potential-for-february-sales-20230121-SPD-3338.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA Draft</a></strong>, there is no such thing as a ‘can’t-miss’ kind of player. Victor Wembanyama, a French superstar, would come the closest if there were. As a result, he has caught the attention of dozens of scouts.</p>



<p>This year, Wembanyama looks just stunning on the pitch. He’s got the shot-blocking chops of Dikembe Mutombo, the ball-handling skills of Chris Paul, and the long-range shooting prowess of Buddy Hield.</p>



<p>The 19-year-old is widely expected to be selected as the first overall choice in this year’s NBA Draft, and thus, many clubs will jostle for position to choose him. Take a look at the three possible teams that have the best shot of doing just that.</p>



<h2>3. Charlotte Hornets</h2>



<p>This year’s <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/kyle-kuzma-to-leave-wizards-and-other-potential-upcoming-trades-involving-shooters-20221219-SPD-3270.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Charlotte Hornets</a></strong> team has been a complete and utter failure. With LaMelo Ball’s health issues and the uncertainty surrounding Miles Bridges’ future, the team has been in dire need of another scorer.</p>



<p>If Ball’s health continues to deteriorate, the Hornets would be smart to put an end to his season. It’s attractive to think that they’ll have Wemby and Ball for the next decade, so they may as well sink the rest of the season.</p>



<h2>2. Detroit Pistons</h2>



<p>The youthful core that the Detroit Pistons have assembled is already among the most remarkable and promising in the NBA. Their prospects of making the playoffs were all but dashed when they lost Cade Cunningham for the year.</p>



<p>So, even if they lose, they may still come out on top. While waiting for Cunningham’s recovery, they may allow their young stars like Jaden Ivey, Jalen Duren, and Sadiq Bey to learn from their errors and develop into better players, increasing their chances of earning the first overall selection.</p>



<h2>1. Houston Rockets</h2>



<p>The Houston Rockets have some of the league’s youngest players. Unfortunately, coach Stephen Silas hasn’t done a good job of nurturing their abilities. They aren’t going down, but they are terrible.</p>



<p>However, Wembanyama has the potential to be the game-changer for this team, much as the legendary Hakeem Olajuwon did for the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers. There has never been a more dynamic and adaptable jumbo frontcourt than the one that would be formed by pairing Jabari Smith Jr. with Alperen Sengun.</p>


Top 3 most likely destinations for Victor Wembanyama

Top 3 most likely destinations for Victor Wembanyama - thesportsdrops NEWS


<p>An <em>ESPN</em> report says center and power forward <strong><a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-news-lakers-to-go-after-trio-duncan-robinson-malik-beasley-and-christian-wood-927-20220520-SPD-927.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Christian Wood</a></strong> has been acquired by <strong><a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-mavericks-to-trade-for-zach-lavine-and-pair-him-up-with-luka-doncic-1116-20220528-SPD-1116.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dallas Mavericks</a>.</strong> In return, the <strong><a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/jimmy-butler-says-celtics-wont-embarrass-heat-again-942-20220520-SPD-942.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Houston Rockets</a></strong> will get the 26th overall selection in the 2022 NBA draft and four players whose contracts have expired.</p>



<p><strong>Boban Marjanovic</strong>, Trey Burke, Marquese Chriss, and Sterling Brown will be traded to Houston. It is all in order to free up space on the roster and bring in an effective big man, according to individuals familiar with the situation.</p>



<p>It was reported that the Rockets wanted to sell Wood to make room for Alperen Sengun, the 2021 first-round selection, and maybe the No. 3 overall pick. By taking advantage of the first-round draft pick trade, the Rockets avoided any future pay commitments.</p>



<h2>Christian Wood moves to Mavericks</h2>



<p>It’s hard to imagine a better player for the Rockets than Wood, who has been with the team since 2020 and has put up impressive numbers in his first season. His three-year, $41 million contract expires at the end of the season, and he will be available for a new contract six months after the trade is completed.</p>



<p>With James Harden and Russell Westbrook expected to lead the Rockets in scoring in the 2020-21 season, the team hired Wood as a supplement. The duo were both traded before the season began, which left the Rockets in need of a rebuilding effort.</p>


Houston Rockets

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NBA: Top 3 most likely destinations for Jaylen Brown in case of Celtics exit

NBA: Top 3 most likely destinations for James Harden in case of 76ers exit

Top 3 most likely destinations for Victor Wembanyama

NBA News: Rockets trade Christian Wood to Mavericks in exchange for 26th pick and four players

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