NBA Free Agency is underway (Happy July) which means one thing more than any other: average to below-average players are going to get grossly overpaid. Hooray hoops!This isn't exactly an overwhelming list of free agents, and with every team gearing up for the massive 2010 offseason I wouldn't expect too much action. Sure, there's some fairly big names who are considered unrestricted free agents, but Elton Brand and Gilbert Arenas are just planning to resign with their current teams for long term deals.
If there's one big name that could potentially move teams it's Baron Davis who surprised many by opting out of his contract Monday night. This could force Warriors GM Chris Mullin to look to the future and hand the full time PG reigns over to Monta Ellis, a move I expect him to pursue while executing a sign and trade.
Another big name that could cash in on this weak free agency class is Corey Maggette, whom many are interested in acquiring at age 28. There's been talks of a Leandro Barbosa sign and trade with Phoenix which would be an exciting transaction for both teams. I'd like to see Leandro get a chance to run a team sooner rather than later, and with Steve Nash around for at least a couple more years Barbosa's time is now.
So yeah, these are your "big" unrestricted free agents. Sure, there's a chance, albeit small, that Arenas or Brand go elsewhere, but I'd give the Pirates a better chance of winning the World Series. The Washington Wizards locked up Antawn Jamison last night, which could be seen a move No. 1 to lure Arenas back.
Despite a lack of names, it doesn't mean we'll be short on entertainment. Every year, GM's forced to make a move, any move whatsoever, throw a mid-level exception (average NBA salary) on a player who barely deserves any NBA Salary. Think Jerome James signing with the Knicks who made $5-plus million last year while playing a total of five minutes.
Most likely to cash in on the mid-level: I agree with Chad Ford on this: Since he's just 25, DaSagna Diop is going to be horribly overpaid and you can count on it. Some poor GM, maybe even Dallas, will justify by pointing out he occasionally plays good defense. This is the your National Basketball Association, everyone.
Potential sleeper unrestricted signing: You're going to laugh, but I think Chris Duhon is going to become a solid point guard wherever he lands. Duhon played best last season when Chicago was forced to play an uptempo game and that didn't go unnoticed by Mike D'Antoni. The Knicks are keeping an eye on the former Dukie. Jannero Pargo will likely stay in New Orleans, but he could be a great sixth man addition anywhere.
There's also an interesting crop of restricted free agents, but very few will go anywhere. We can cross our fingers that the Atlanta Hawks botch a Josh Smith re-signing, but even that organization is smart enough to see his potential.
The individual who holds our free agency entertainment in his hands is John Paxson. He'll have to make some moves with a glut of guards, wingman, and Ben Gordron and Luol Deng sit as restricted free agents. Expect some movement.
Let the free agency predictions begin: Do you think Baron will move?





more


