NBA Free Agent Predictions

The dust might have just settled on an explosive NBA summer, featuring blockbusting trades and free agent acquisitions but, thanks to a 2018 free agency class filled with potential landscape-changing talent, fans will already be gearing up for a thrilling summer.

With the likes of Kevin Durant and Gordon Hayward finding greener pastures in the last couple of free agency windows, to name just a few, players are increasingly using the period to take the power into their own hands. So, with many high profile players hitting the market in 2018, we've made some early predictions...

LeBron James heads West?

"LeBron James" (CC BY 2.0) by EDrost88

Still the NBA's premier player at 33 years old and showing no signs of slowing down, 2018 could finally be the year we see him cross conferences.

Currently possessing a losing record, LeBron's Cleveland Cavaliers are struggling to recover after the loss of Kyrie Irving to the Boston Celtics.

After two championships with the Miami Heat, LeBron returned home in 2014 to his beloved Ohio outfit and declared he would win a Championship for the franchise. Two years later, he stood in the back of a Rolls Royce, in the middle of a packed downtown Cleveland, holding aloft the team's first title.

Having fulfilled his promise, LeBron may now look to join the glitz and glamour of the Los Angeles Lakers next summer, especially with GM Magic Johnson looking to reboot the showtime side and the player's wife reportedly keen to live in the place she calls home.

Paul George set for homecoming?

From late night talk show flirtations to outright tampering, it's clear Johnson wants to add George to the Lakers.

The now Oklahoma City Thunder player currently possesses a player option in his contract and George is still widely expected to field offers from around the league when this current campaign concludes.

Traded from the Indiana Pacers this summer, his current situation has dampened LA switch rumors, however.

With the likes of Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony as teammates in Billy Donovan's side, a lot could depend on how close they get to competing with the Western Conference's elite.

The problem is laying a finger on the Golden State Warriors, a line-up that could be considered perhaps the greatest ever, pushing OKC to Championship outsiders at +2200 when you bet online.

Despite claiming to be happy in Oklahoma, being an LA boy and the possibility of playing in a huge market is likely to be too much to turn down.

Isaiah Thomas searches for riches

The diminutive point guard has made it no secret that he expects a handsome contract to be heading his way.

And, if the Cavs aren't willing to shell out a hefty package to the All-Star, IT is sure to find a side willing to 'bring the Brinks truck'.

However, currently suffering from a hip injury and with the long-term impact on his game yet unknown, he might have a slimmer choice than what he was expecting. If Cleveland lose LeBron, expect the 5ft 9in guard to be given a bumper contract. Otherwise, look at teams like the Miami Heat, New York Knicks, and Chicago Bulls to vie for his signature.

With these big names set to be available on the free market next year, franchises will already be making plans to add the league's most coveted talent.