NBA Rumors: Rising Celtics Swingman Could Be Hot Free Agent Next Summer

Several big names expected to be among the top players for next summer have been taken off the shelf. Draymond Green, Caris LeVert and Eric Gordon were among the top cagers that multiple teams would go after but their current teams spoiled all that. All were given new deals, snuffing away hopes of other teams who may have been targeting them.

Hence, adjustments need to be made as far as NBA teams planning to retool their roster next season. They will have to skim further down the line for other potential talents. Some potential names include Pascal Siakam, Brandon Ingram, Domantas Sabonis, Dejounte Murray, Buddy Hield and Jaylen Brown, Bobby Marks of ESPN NBA wrote on Twitter.

From that list, Brown could be a curious target. To date, he has not gotten a contract extension from the Celtics, the Boston Sports Journal reported. If nothing happens before October 16, Brown can become a restricted free agent next season. The Celtics can still match any offer dangled but things may get complicated. Boston has several players due for contract extensions like Jayson Tatum, meaning they will have to be careful on how to manage their finances.

Brown is someone who is expected to get his share of suitors. Showing plenty of promise, the third overall pick of the 2016 NBA Draft averaged 13 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game last season. Aside from that, he has proven his ability to play good defense off the bench. Depending on which team picks him up, he could become a starter from thereon.

Things changed when some of the prospective names inked new deals. Gordon was one of the top overall free agents expected to draw interest next season before agreeing to a four-year $76 million deal with the Rockets. Despite playing behind James Harden, he normed 16.2 points last season and owned a 36-percent clip from beyond the arc.

With Russell Westbrook in the fold, it will be interesting if he will still put up the same numbers. Playing time is likely to be tweaked, although head coach Mike D'Antoni is expected to give the ones playing well extended minutes. Playing small ball is also possible, seeing Harden, Westbrook and Gordon at the same time.

The 2020 NBA offseason is still far off and more names are likely to become available. Also, some overlooked players may step up this coming season, an audition to crash the NBA free agent party next summer.