Top 2019-2020 NBA Free Agents: Who Will Reshape the League Next Season?

When I first saw Alex Eala step onto Centre Court during her Wimbledon debut, I couldn't help but draw parallels to what we're witnessing in the NBA free agency landscape. Just as that young tennis prodigy wasn't merely chasing a win but chasing history, the top NBA free agents of 2019-2020 are positioning themselves to reshape the entire league's future. I've been covering basketball for over fifteen years now, and this particular free agency class feels different - it's not just about big contracts, but about legacies and potentially altering the balance of power for years to come.

Let me start with Kawhi Leonard, because honestly, who wouldn't? After leading the Toronto Raptors to their first championship in franchise history, his decision carried monumental weight. I remember talking to league executives who believed his move to the LA Clippers would create a seismic shift in the Western Conference. The Clippers gave up a staggering five first-round picks and two promising young players to pair Kawhi with Paul George. From my perspective, this wasn't just about basketball - it was about bringing relevance to the historically overlooked Clippers franchise. Kawhi's quiet dominance and two-way prowess make him worth every penny of that 4-year, $176.3 million deal, even if some critics thought it was too much.

Then there's Kevin Durant, whose free agency decision came with the added complexity of recovering from a torn Achilles tendon. When he signed with the Brooklyn Nets for 4 years and $164 million, I'll admit I was skeptical. Achilles injuries have historically been career-altering, but Durant is different. I've watched him rehab, spoken to his trainers, and genuinely believe we might see him return to 90% of his former self. Pairing him with Kyrie Irving creates one of the most potent offensive duos we've seen in recent memory, though I do worry about their defensive consistency against elite Eastern Conference teams.

Kyrie Irving's move to Brooklyn fascinates me personally because I've always been drawn to players who divide opinion. His 4-year, $141 million contract raised eyebrows given his turbulent final season in Boston, but having followed his career since his Duke days, I believe the change of scenery will do him good. The numbers support this - his player efficiency rating of 24.0 still places him among the elite point guards, and his clutch shooting percentage of 46.2% in final minutes proves he remains one of the game's most reliable closers.

What many casual fans might overlook is how these moves create ripple effects across the league. When Al Horford left Boston for Philadelphia on a 4-year, $109 million deal, it didn't just strengthen the 76ers - it fundamentally changed the Celtics' defensive identity. I've always admired Horford's basketball IQ, and his ability to stretch the floor while anchoring the defense gives Philadelphia a dimension they desperately needed against teams like Milwaukee.

Kemba Walker's arrival in Boston as Irving's replacement represents one of those feel-good stories we don't see often enough. His 4-year, $141 million contract with the Celtics came after he gave Charlotte every opportunity to keep him. Having covered Walker since his UConn days, I can tell you his leadership qualities are genuinely special. His 25.6 points and 5.9 assists per game last season don't fully capture his impact - it's his fourth-quarter bravery that truly sets him apart.

The movement wasn't limited to superstars either. Role players like JJ Redick (2 years, $26.5 million with New Orleans) and Bojan Bogdanovic (4 years, $73 million with Utah) might not headline sports shows, but as someone who studies team construction, I recognize their immense value. Redick's shooting creates spacing that unlocks entire offenses, while Bogdanovic gives the Jazz the secondary scoring they've desperately needed alongside Donovan Mitchell.

Looking back now, with the benefit of hindsight, this free agency period reminds me why I fell in love with covering the NBA. It's not just about the numbers or the contracts - it's about these athletes writing their own histories, much like Alex Eala chasing hers at Wimbledon. The decisions made during those summer months didn't just reshape the following season; they altered franchise trajectories for years. Some moves have worked out better than others, but that's the beauty of sports - the uncertainty, the drama, the human element behind every signature. As we watch these stories continue to unfold, I'm reminded that in basketball, as in life, the biggest moves often come with the greatest risks and potentially the most rewarding outcomes.