TOP 10 free egants

1. Kevin Durant, SF, unrestricted (Oklahoma City): This has been projected to be the Summer of Durant for years, and that’s what it has become. At least six teams are expected to meet with Durant, though the Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs are thought to be the Thunder’s biggest threats.

2. LeBron James, SF, unrestricted (Cleveland): James proved he’s still the best player alive in leading Cleveland to the city’s first championship in 52 years. He’s only behind Durant because he’s three years older. That said, he’s certain to return to the Cavaliers to defend the third championship of his career.

3. Andre Drummond, C, restricted (Detroit): Drummond is only 22, but is already one of the best centers in the NBA. A restricted free agent, Drummond is all but guaranteed to get a max contract to remain in Detroit for years to come.

4. Al Horford, PF/C, unrestricted (Atlanta): One of the most versatile big men in the NBA, Horford is capable of playing power forward and center, has range out to the three-point line, can handle the ball and is a sound defender. He’ll be highly sought this summer – including interest from the Washington Wizards – if he doesn’t remain in Atlanta with a five-year max contract.

5. Nicolas Batum, SG, unrestricted (Charlotte): A long, athletic guard who is a capable shooter, ball-handler and defender, Batum is the kind of player all teams are searching for these days. Like Horford, he’ll be highly coveted. Also like Horford, though, it seems likely he’ll get a five-year max offer from the Hornets.

6. Dwight Howard, C, unrestricted (Houston): Howard may not be the player he was in his prime, but he remains one of the NBA’s better centers. He also is the first player on this list guaranteed to leave his current team, as there is no chance he’ll be playing for the Rockets next year. Where he will be playing, though, remains to be seen.

7. Mike Conley, PG, unrestricted (Memphis): Conley is the best – and, in reality, only – starting point guard available this summer. Because of that, he’s expected to receive significant interest from several teams this summer in the form of multiple max offers. That’s assuming, of course, he will consider leaving Memphis – the only team he’s ever played for – in the first place.

8. DeMar DeRozan, SG, unrestricted (Toronto): A polarizing player, DeRozan’s free agency will be fascinating to watch. In many ways, he’s become the face of the best stretch of play in the history of the Toronto Raptors. But will Toronto be willing to commit a max contract to a player who isn’t a three-point shooter and is a weak link defensively?

9. Bradley Beal, SG, restricted (Washington): The issue with Beal has nothing to do with his talent. Rather, it’s that he’s only played more than 70 games once in his four years in the NBA. Nevertheless, he will most likely remain with the Wizards, almost certainly with a max contract.

10. Hassan Whiteside, C, unrestricted (Miami): The story of Whiteside’s journey from an afterthought plying his trade in Lebanon to the leading shot blocker in the NBA is remarkable. He’s now about to get a remarkably large contract – quite possibly a max deal. The Los Angeles Lakers are a possible landing spot, as is Dallas or remaining in Miami, among others.

Tim Bontemps, The Washington Post