Atlanta Hawks: John Collins
For the Atlanta Hawks, their main focus should be coming to a fair agreement with John Collins this summer. Over the past three seasons, Collins has become a key contributor for the Hawks, averaging 17+ points and 7+ rebounds in each season.
Given his ability to knock down threes (has shot 40 percent from outside in the past two seasons), Collins is going to be a coveted player on the open market. After a season in which they advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals, Atlanta would be best doing whatever they can to retain Collins.
Boston Celtics: Evan Fournier
Ahead of this year’s trade deadline, the Boston Celtics made a move for Evan Fournier. Acquiring Fournier cost the Celtics $17 million of their $28.5 million trade exception they received by trading Gordon Hayward to the Charlotte Hornets. Given that, Fournier should be a primary target for Boston to re-sign this summer.
The Celtics need more shooting on the roster and Fournier is a capable shooter that can also put the ball on the floor. Fournier averaged 13 points per game and shot 46.3 percent from beyond the arc in his 16 games with Boston this season. It should be noted that the Celtics won’t have much room to much in free agency if they do re-sign Fournier.
Brooklyn Nets: Nerlens Noel
The Brooklyn Nets still boast arguably the best trio in the NBA with Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving. By having a big three of superstar players, the Nets don’t have much money to spend in free agency. Nevertheless, Brooklyn should use some of the money they do have to upgrade at the center position.
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DeAndre Jordan was completely removed from the rotation at the end of the season, forcing Durant to play as a small-ball five. Nerlens Noel is an intriguing name for the Nets to target as he brings rim protection and athleticism to the center spot. The only problem is that Noel could be out of Brooklyn’s price range, unless he decides to take a discount in hopes of competing for a title.