Jusuf Nurkic is one of four free agents for the Portland Trail Blazers this summer. If he walks, where might he end up playing?
This summer could see multiple marquee big men on different teams. DeMarcus Cousins, Clint Capela, DeAndre Jordan and Enes Kanter headline the top free agent centers.
Luckily for Portland, Jusuf Nurkic is overshadowed by these other big men on the market. The Blazers can therefore potentially re-sign him for cheaper than they could in previous seasons.
During his exit interview, Nurkic stated that he hopes for a long term extension with Portland. But the team only has so much cap room and the big man definitely wants a payday.
Related Story: Jusuf Nurkic talks about free agency in exit interview
In result, journalists are projecting where Nurk may end up if the Blazers can’t afford him. Frank Urbina of HoopsHype.com mentioned three possible destinations: Dallas, Washington and Atlanta.
Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks haven’t had a solid center in years. They came close in 2015 when DeAndre Jordan reportedly agreed to a four-year contract, but we all know how that ended.
This summer, Dallas has more than enough cap space to max a big man…and that’s why they will look at the premiere free agent centers first. After potentially striking out on Cousins, Jordan and Capela, the Mavericks might try Nurkic next.
However, Nurk is a restricted free agent. Dallas must outbid Portland, and we don’t know how far Neil Olshey is willing to take his team over the luxury tax line. For that reason, the Mavericks might look at other centers like Kanter or Brook Lopez and save its max contract for another position.
Washington Wizards
Despite still producing consistently, Washington Wizards big man Marcin Gortat prepares for retirement. He doesn’t expect to play past the 2018-2019 season and wants to hang it up with the Orlando Magic.
The Wizards have two elite guards in their primes. Replacing Gortat with Ian Mahinmi won’t cut it for a team needing to compete right now.
But Washington is in a similar position financially to Portland. As Nurkic is a restricted free agent, the Wizards shouldn’t be able to outbid the Blazers for him.
Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks recently hired Lloyd Pierce as its new head coach. Pierce has money to work with and a center position to fill if Dewayne Dedmon doesn’t return.
Like Dallas, Atlanta will likely look at the more marquee centers in this summer’s free agent class. If none work out, Nurkic becomes the next big man in the Hawks’ gaze.
As Frank Urbina pointed out, Atlanta’s most promising player is John Collins. He demonstrated an ability to shoot the three-pointer in his rookie season, so pairing with Nurk creates a well-spaced frontcourt. Defensively, the two would man the paint extremely well.
Next: Lillard becomes third Blazers to be named 1st Team All-NBA
As Jusuf Nurkic is a restricted free agent, any team must outbid the Blazers. We discussed how much the big man is worth.
In the end, it comes down to how much Neil Olshey is willing to take Portland over the luxury tax line.
Losing Nurkic requires re-signing Ed Davis. He or Zach Collins would assume the starting role, with the other joining Caleb Swanigan or Meyers Leonard as the bench front court.