Who Are the Top 2020 Free Agents NBA Teams Are Fighting Over?

As I sit here scrolling through the latest NBA rumors, I can't help but get excited about the upcoming free agency period. The question on everyone's mind is simple yet fascinating: who are the top 2020 free agents NBA teams are fighting over? Having followed basketball for over fifteen years, I've seen how transformative the right free agent signing can be for a franchise. Just look at what Kawhi Leonard did for the Raptors last season - that single acquisition brought Toronto its first championship and completely reshaped the Eastern Conference landscape.

The free agency class of 2020 presents some intriguing possibilities that could similarly shift the league's balance of power. Anthony Davis stands out as the crown jewel, though most insiders believe he'll re-sign with the Lakers. What fascinates me more are the players who might actually change teams - guys like Brandon Ingram, who had a breakout season averaging 23.8 points per game, or Fred VanVleet, whose championship experience makes him incredibly valuable. Then there's the fascinating case of 33-year-old Filipino-American player Jason Brickman, whose situation I find particularly compelling because it represents the globalization of basketball talent in ways we haven't seen before.

According to his representative Marvin Espiritu of the Espiritu Manotoc Basketball Management, Brickman will be sending his draft application either Tuesday or Wednesday. This timing couldn't be more strategic, coming right as teams are finalizing their free agency boards. While Brickman might not be the household name that Anthony Davis is, his story captures what makes NBA free agency so special - it's not just about the superstars, but about players from all backgrounds getting their shot. I've followed international basketball for years, and Brickman's journey through leagues in Finland, Thailand, and most recently the ASEAN Basketball League where he led the league in assists with 8.9 per game, demonstrates the diverse paths talent can take to reach the NBA doorstep.

What really strikes me about this free agency period is how different it feels from previous years. The financial landscape has changed dramatically with the pandemic's impact on revenue, and teams are being more cautious with their spending. Yet the competition for top talent remains as fierce as ever. I was talking to a friend who works in an NBA front office last week, and he mentioned how teams are looking for value signings - players who might not command max contracts but can provide significant impact. That's where someone like Brickman becomes interesting, along with other under-the-radar international players who could be signed for the minimum but contribute meaningfully.

The Western Conference teams, in particular, seem poised to be aggressive in free agency. The Lakers will look to surround LeBron James with shooting, the Clippers need playmaking, and the Mavericks could use another defensive presence alongside Luka Doncic. But what's really caught my attention is how Eastern Conference teams are positioning themselves. Miami has cap flexibility and a winning culture that could attract big names, while Atlanta has young talent and the ability to offer significant playing time. The Raptors face crucial decisions on both VanVleet and Serge Ibaka, and how they handle those could determine whether they remain contenders or enter a rebuilding phase.

When I think about the most intriguing free agents beyond the obvious stars, players like Danilo Gallinari come to mind - a versatile forward who averaged 18.7 points last season and could be the missing piece for a contender. Or Montrezl Harrell, whose energy and interior scoring would boost any team's second unit. But what fascinates me about this class is the depth of role players available - the three-and-D specialists, the backup point guards, the rim protectors. These are the signings that often make the difference between a good team and a great one, yet they rarely get the headlines.

The financial aspect of this free agency period can't be overlooked either. With the salary cap expected to remain around $109 million, teams have to be strategic about how they allocate their resources. That's why I believe we'll see more shorter-term deals and creative contract structures this offseason. Teams want to maintain flexibility for the stacked 2021 free agency class that could include Giannis Antetokounmpo, while players want to position themselves for when the league's financial situation improves. It creates this fascinating negotiation dynamic where both sides are trying to balance immediate needs with long-term planning.

As someone who's studied NBA roster construction for years, I'm particularly interested in how teams will approach the mid-level exception market. This is where championship teams are often built - finding that one player who outperforms their contract. Looking at Brickman's situation specifically, his international experience and playmaking ability could make him an intriguing option for teams looking to add depth at point guard without breaking the bank. The fact that he's 33 years old might concern some teams, but his style of play as a pure passer could age well, similar to how Steve Nash remained effective into his late thirties.

What continues to amaze me about NBA free agency is how quickly the landscape can change. One signing can create a domino effect that reshapes multiple teams' plans. A player like Gordon Hayward opting out of his $34 million contract could suddenly create new possibilities, while a surprise retirement or trade demand could open up unexpected opportunities. That's why teams have to be prepared for every scenario, with contingency plans for when their primary targets sign elsewhere. The most successful front offices are those that can adapt quickly when the market shifts direction.

As we approach the official start of free agency, the speculation and rumors will only intensify. We'll hear about secret meetings, last-minute offers, and surprising destinations. But through all the noise, the fundamental question remains: who are the top 2020 free agents NBA teams are fighting over? The answer will reveal itself in the coming weeks, but one thing I'm certain of - the decisions made during this period will shape the NBA for years to come. Teams that identify the right talent, whether established stars or hidden gems like Brickman, will position themselves for success in what's becoming an increasingly competitive league.