Monday marked the opening of NBA and NHL free agency, as well as the Transfer Market in Europe. I'm going to focus purely on the NBA here, but expect a soccer article soon. I also promise to cut back on the basketball talk after this, I know that there aren't a lot of NBA fans left, and those who are around are probably a little sick of the Association at this point. Still, there are enough interesting characters floating around the free agency pool that there should be an article outlining a few points. Also, keep in mind I'm not talking about the Knicks at all here. The Knicks have no space to be moving in this market, and I hope they don't make any stupid mistakes and chase someone. LBJ in 2010!
Restricted Free Agents
There are some really interesting guys to go after in the restricted pool. For anybody who is not aware, the difference between a restricted free agent and an unrestricted free agent is simple. When a team puts an offer sheet out for a restricted free agent, the team that currently owns the rights to the player has an opportunity to match the deal. For example, a few years ago Lamar Odom received an offer to go and play in Miami. The Los Angeles Clippers, which owned the rights to Odom, had the opportunity to match the deal and keep the player if they wanted to (Odom begged the franchise to let him go and not match the deal, which they allowed him to do). Here are a few restricted free agents I think people should be keeping an eye on. One final note, the Mid-Level Exception for this season is $5.8 Million.
Josh Smith
This guy is an excellent, explosive athlete. He's earning under $4 million this season, and any team that puts an offer out on him has a good chance at grabbing him, since the Hawks are already floating in that $52 Million range in salary. I think a 5 year/$50 million sheet could grab him, and at that price he's worth every penny. Smith is 22 years old, and is averaging 17 points and 8 rebounds per game. These next 5 years will see him molded into his prime, whoever grabs him now will have the best chance at having him when he's 27.
Luol Deng
Very similar situation to Josh Smith. Earning a little over $4 million in Chicago, and definitely worth more than that. The only problem is that Chicago would be likely to match almost any offer that is put out to him. It looks like he fits into the long-term equation in the Windy City, and they have the cap space to keep him. Still, it would be interesting to see a team put an offer out on him, and see what Chicago's response is.
Ben Gordon
This guy is earning way too much money right now. He's in the $6.5 million range, and he's coming off the bench. I'm fairy certain that the Bulls wouldn't match an offer sheet on him because of the Luol Deng situation. In all honesty, a team may be able steal him for the mid-level price, and his 18 ppg could be a definite addition to a team in need of another contributor. Cleveland, perhaps?
Monta Ellis
Probably the cream of the restricted crop. It's going to be close to impossible to get this guy out of Golden State's hands after the Baron Davis incident. Still, the team has already put an offer out to Gilbert Arenas and is pushing to bring in Elton Brand. If they pull those two signings off, they'll still have the money, but I'm not sure they would want to spend it on Ellis. A nucleus of those three guys though, could make the Warriors a team to be reckoned with next year. Andre Igoudala
No shot, but it's interesting to note that he is restricted this year and he'll be open for business next summer. The Sixers will be able to offer him one of those over-the-top maximum deals if they want to, but who wants to play in Philly?
Unrestricted Free Agents
James Posey
The ideal guy for a team on the brink. He worked great on the Celtics, and could be bought up for the Mid-Level. He could go back to Miami, if they'd have him, and I think he'd fit nicely on a team like that or maybe in Dallas or San Antonio.
Sebastian Telfair
He's a serviceable point guard, and would work well as a backup in the right city. I say right city, because he is of the same brood as Marbury. Put this guy on the strip in Miami, or out in LA and his career might be in jeopardy.
MIchael Finley
You're telling me nobody could use this guy? I have a feeling he'd take a lot less money to play on a guaranteed winner, and somebody needs to scoop him up. I know he's 35 years old, but it doesn't matter, he can definitely still contribute, and his leadership and experience could be uber-beneficial to a team that lacks both...please see Los Angeles Lakers.
Agent Zero
He's already been offered 5 years/ $100 million by the Warriors, and I think he'd be stupid not to take it. He seems to be a bit injury prone, but he definitely has a nose for crunch time. He can score and pass, and is a serious threat with the ball. If he can stay healthy, he is a guaranteed all-star year in year out.
Elton Brand
The other big fish in the water. Again, there are a few injury questions with him, but he is a guaranteed 20-10 every night he steps on the court, and how many guys can say that. If I were him, I'd probably stick around LA or head north to Golden State if Gilbert goes there. Either way, this guy deserves to play for a winner, and I hope he lands on the right team. Whatever team that is though, better be ready to pony up some big dinero.
P.S. All Salary information was borrowed from a great website, just check out HoopsHype.Com/Salaries...quality information about the Association, great source for salary information too.
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