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NBA Free Agency: Top 10 2016 Free Agents

By Ryan Blackburn

Apr 25, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) waits to be introduced prior to action against the Dallas Mavericks in game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 25, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) waits to be introduced prior to action against the Dallas Mavericks in game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 22, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) during the first quarter against the Detroit Pistons in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 22, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) during the first quarter against the Detroit Pistons in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /

2. LeBron James

Oh, what to say about LeBron James … he’s kind of a jerk, he demands things be done his way, he has become more selective on when he puts in defensive effort … and he’s still one of the best players in basketball.

The Stephen Curry show has raised the bar for James’ performances to prove he’s still transcendent, but James has instead taken a lesser role in favor of more opportunities for Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love in the playoffs. So far, it has resulted in a sweep, though a hard fought series, against the Pistons.

James’ goal is always to win a championship, but his experiences in Cleveland have taught him that he needs help in order to do so. The league has caught up to his world class blend of athletic traits, but not too much. He still averages 25.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game, all while making more than half of his attempts from the field (52.0 percent).

Very few players can basically coast throughout the season and average those totals. James is doing so in preparation for not just the Eastern Conference Finals, but the NBA Finals where the Cavs are projected to play the Warriors or the Spurs. If James can get his team to that point, it’s a guarantee that he will be back in Cleveland next season.

If not … it’s almost a guarantee that he will be back in Cleveland next season. Wherever LeBron wants to go, he only needs to pick up the phone. Thirty teams would love to have him next season.

Next: Number 1