After spending the last two days talking about the point guards and centers, we will now turn our attention to the forwards. If you haven’t had a chance yet, you can check out the centers here. Now we’ll move on to their counterpart in the lineup, the power forwards.
This position might be even more important than the centers because of the way the NBA is transitioning. These players have the ability to stretch the floor, which is what most teams look for. So let’s see where these guys might be going and how they’ll fit.
Top 10 power forwards
1. Paul Millsap
Current Team: Denver Nuggets
New Team: Denver Nuggets
Millsap is one of the veterans on this list who we could find with several different teams. Of course, the Nuggets will have the first option, but they’ll need to work on something that works for both sides. Millsap and Nikola Jokic have been able to do great things together as members of the Denver Nuggets, and I don’t think they want this to end, nor should they. The Nuggets are one of the best teams in the Western conference with these two together, and I hope they can work out a deal.
2. Derrick Favors
Current Team: Utah Jazz
New Team: Utah Jazz
Regardless of all the teams who want Favors on their roster, I think the Jazz will bring him back. With the trade the Jazz made for Mike Conley, they’re looking to be one of the better teams in the Western Conference. It will help them actually be able to use other players in the right role. Favors’ role with Rudy Gobert has helped give the Jazz success, and I don’t see them letting that go yet.
3. Tobias Harris
Current Team: Philadelphia 76ers
New Team: Brooklyn Nets
Let’s face it, the Sixers went all out last year trying to make it to the Finals with the trade they made to get Harris. Unfortunately, that didn’t work out as planned thanks to Kawhi Leonard’s amazing game-winner in game seven. Now the Sixers are in for a lot of changes. They’ll be looking to refill their team around Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid once again. I think Harris will be moving elsewhere. A place like Brooklyn with Kyrie Irving could be nice for Harris. He would be able to play his true forward position, which would benefit him.
4. Nikola Mirotic
Current Team: Milwaukee Bucks
New Team: Boston Celtics
Mirotic has been on three different teams in the last three seasons and is looking for a nice place to call home. Milwaukee could still be an option, but with the limited cap space available, he’ll likely be the odd man out. The Celtics could benefit from this, as they’ll be looking to retool their roster without Irving and Al Horford. Let’s not forget that Marcus Morris is likely to leave as well. Mirotic could have a bigger role with the Celtics as a possible starter alongside Jayson Tatum.
5. Marcus Morris
Current Team: Boston Celtics
New Team: New York Knicks
Yeah, Morris leaves Boston too, just like Horford and Irving. However, he leaves because he wanted more money than the Celtics are ready to give. The Knicks have plenty of money and need to find players who want to play there. I think Morris playing with DeAndre Jordan could be a great defensive force for the Knicks. Don’t forget to add Kevin Knox and R. J. Barrett into the mix. The real question is, will they still get a top free agent like Kevin Durant?
6. Julius Randle
Current Team: New Orleans Pelicans
New Team: Indiana Pacers
As soon as the Lakers traded for Anthony Davis, Randle opted out of his deal. I’m not sure if he feels some type of way about his former teammates of Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, and Josh Hart, but I think he made the right move. Regardless, the Pelicans drafted Zion Williamson, which meant more depth issues. I can see Randle fitting well with the Indiana Pacers. Can you imagine having Ricky Rubio with Myles Turner, Domantas Sabnois and Randle? Let’s not forget about Victor Oladipo and the hope of him returning to the team soon. Randle needs a coach who will help him continue to grow his game, and the players around him will be good too.
7. Kristaps Porzingis
Current Team: Dallas Mavericks (via Knicks)
New Team: Dallas Mavericks
I don’t think I need to explain anything. Despite not playing a game with the Mavericks last season, Porzingis will return. The trade would’ve never taken place if he was just going to get up and leave. We know from reports earlier this week that he and the Mavericks are working on a five-year deal, so expect him to stay.
8. Thaddeus Young
Current Team: Indiana Pacers
New Team: Philadelphia 76ers
Now it’s time for us to have a little fun. With Randle going to Indiana, Thaddeus Young will likely be on the way out. I could see him making a return to where it all began for him. That place is Philadelphia, and Young could be a better fit for what the Sixers are trying to do now. Can you imagine having him with Embiid and Simmons? I know Young isn’t the same caliber player as Harris, but he is a player who can fill the void at the position for them.
9. Kenneth Faried
Current Team: Houston Rockets
New Team: New Orleans Pelicans
With the Rockets pursuing other needs, we could see Faried playing somewhere else. Although, you have to give him a lot of credit for how he stepped up for the Rockets during the absence of Clint Capela. Faried showed he could be a nice role player and a good leader. That’s why I think the Pelicans are a good fit for him. Regardless of whether or not they keep Jahlil Okafor at the center, Faried could be a nice leader to this young team and help Jrue Holiday.
10. Al-Farouq Aminu
Current Team: Portland Trail Blazers
New Team: Milwaukee Bucks
The Blazers have a lot of questions to answer at the forward position, but I think they struck gold in the draft with Nassir Little. They also still have Maurice Harkless on the team, so they might be comfortable letting Aminu leave. With Aminu leaving, he’ll be free to go wherever he wants. I think Milwaukee could be a good fit. Aminu will play the same role Mirotic played last season. The role of backing up Giannis Antetokounmpo, but still being a productive piece off the bench. The Bucks have their eyes set on winning an NBA championship, but they fell short of reaching the finals. With the Bucks adding more players like Aminu, it could put them over the top in the Eastern Conference again.
How will all these players help each of their new teams? Can one or more of them make an impact and get their team over the hump? Or do they need to add some shooting? Don’t worry that’s the next set we’ll be getting too, so stay tuned!
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