Predicting who NBA's top free agents will play for next season

NBA free agency begins at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday. For which teams will the league's top free agents play for next season?

Newsday's Al Iannazzone gives his take on the question.

LEBRON JAMES, Cavaliers

LeBron James returned home last year to try to bring a championship Cleveland, and can't leave after one year. He's keeping owner Dan Gilbert honest and making sure he makes the moves that give James the personnel to win.

Prediction: Re-signs with the Cavaliers

MARC GASOL, Grizzlies

The Knicks would love to be in play for Marc Gasol and will make the obligatory call to him and his agent. But the Spurs would seem to be the only team that could pry him from Memphis, and it's not likely.

Prediction: Re-signs with the Grizzlies

LAMARCUS ALDRIDGE, Blazers

LaMarcus Aldridge looks ready to leave Portland and the perennial All-Star should have plenty of options, including the Spurs, Lakers, Mavericks, Knicks, Rockets and Raptors. It should come down to Spurs or Lakers.

Prediction: Signs with the Spurs

KEVIN LOVE, Cavaliers

Kevin Love appeared to be an outsider with the Cavaliers. He's expected to have the red carpet rolled out for him by the Lakers and Celtics, but playing with James is Love's best chance to win.

Prediction: Re-signs with the Cavaliers

DWYANE WADE, Heat

Dwayne Wade feels underappreciated, so he's testing the market. The Clippers, Lakers and Knicks could make pitches, and a reunion with LeBron James in Cleveland would make headlines. But Miami will pay Wade the most.

Prediction: Re-signs with the Heat

DEANDRE JORDAN, Clippers

Count the Mavericks, Lakers, Knicks and Clippers among the teams interested in this double-double machine and elite rim protectors. Best guess for DeAndre Jordan is it's between the Clippers and Mavericks.

Prediction: Re-signs with the Clippers

RAJON RONDO, Mavericks

He won't be back with Dallas after the way last season ended. The Lakers and Kings are expected to be among the teams after Rondo, who has built a friendship with Kobe Bryant.

Prediction: Signs with Lakers

GREG MONROE, Pistons

Greg Monroe has been tied to the Knicks all season. The Lakers, Celtics, Bucks and Blazers are targeting him, too, but it would be a surprise if he signs anywhere but New York.

Prediction: Signs with Knicks

KAWHI LEONARD, Spurs

Kawhi Leonard is a restricted free agent, and there is little chance he's leaving San Antonio where he will get a max deal and will become the face of the franchise.

Prediction: Re-signs with Spurs

JIMMY BUTLER, Bulls

The Lakers and Mavericks would be good fits for Jimmy Butler, but the best spot for the restricted free agent is right where he is.

Prediction: Re-signs with Chicago

BROOK LOPEZ, Nets

Just about every team wants a skilled big man, and the Nets have one in Brook Lopez. They have to pay him.

Prediction: Re-signs with Nets.

DRAYMOND GREEN, Warriors

The Warriors will reward Draymond Green for being a major contributor on their championship team. He's restricted, so they will match anything, if it even gets to that point.

Prediction: Re-signs with the Warriors

WESLEY MATTHEWS, Blazers

Wesley Matthews is coming off a ruptured Achilles and reportedly wants $15 million per season, which will price him out of most teams. But the Knicks, Blazers and Mavericks will express interest.

Prediction: Signs with Mavericks

DANNY GREEN, Spurs

The North Babylon native would be a good fit for the Knicks. But contenders will want Danny Green if the Spurs can't pay him.

Prediction: Signs with the Hawks

TOBIAS HARRIS, Magic

The ex-Half Hollow Hills star wouldn't mind a homecoming with the Knicks and will get offers elsewhere. But Tobias Harris is a restricted free agent, and the Magic could match anything reasonable.

Prediction: Re-signs with Magic

PAUL MILLSAP, Hawks

There hasn't been much talk about Atlanta All-Star forward Paul Millsap, and that is probably because he's happy playing on a 60-win team and wants to stay.

Prediction: Re-signs with Hawks

DAVID WEST, Pacers

David West would give the Knicks a tough player and a leader, but playoff teams such as the Celtics and Clippers, where he would be reunited with Paul, want him, too.

Prediction: Signs with Clippers

DEMARRE CARROLL, Hawks

Journeyman DeMarre Carroll is in line for his biggest payday, and the Suns and Raptors could have the money to pay him.

Prediction: Signs with Raptors

TYSON CHANDLER, Mavericks

If DeAndre Jordan signs with the Mavericks, Tyson Chandler could choose between playing with good friend Chris Paul and the Clippers or for good friend Jason Kidd with the Bucks.

Prediction: Re-signs with the Mavericks

GORAN DRAGIC, Heat

The Knicks were interested in Goran Dragic before the trade deadline, but the Heat gave up two first-round picks for him so Miami had to believe it could re-sign him.

Prediction: Re-signs with the Heat

By Al Iannazzone

al.iannazzone@newsday.comAl_Iannazzone

Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.