NBA: Some big names, fewer big spenders in free agency

Published: Wednesday, July 1, 2009 11:59 a.m. MDT
 |  E-MAIL | PRINT | FONT + - 

Some big names will be out there. The big spenders will be harder to find.

Free agency opens in the NBA on Wednesday, but there should be few fireworks this July. The blockbuster trades were last week, and the real free agent bonanza is next year.

Financial difficulties, combined with the potential of one of the best classes ever in 2010, will have most teams keeping their check books closed this summer. More than a dozen have already lined themselves up to be players when LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and Amare Stoudemire can all become available, and may not want to waste precious salary cap space now.

Back in February, Dallas owner Mark Cuban said he wouldn't want to be a free agent this summer. On Tuesday, he wondered if players might find it best to sign a short-term deal and try again in 2010, when there are more suitors.

"How many players will sign one year deals to be able to take advantage of the huge amount of cap room next year?" he wrote on his Twitter page.

For those who do want to buy now, there is some talent worth considering.

Story continues below

Teams seeking a point guard could choose among Jason Kidd, Mike Bibby and Andre Miller. Those needing a good swingman can envision Ron Artest, Hedo Turkoglu, Trevor Ariza or Shawn Marion.

Allen Iverson or Ben Gordon could provide instant offense for some team. Paul Millsap or David Lee would look nice as a young, hardworking power forward in someone's frontcourt.

Perhaps realizing better deals weren't coming this summer, Utah's Carlos Boozer and Mehmet Okur declined to become free agents Tuesday. Boozer exercised his player option for next season — he previously said he wouldn't — and Okur declined his early termination option.

Cleveland's energetic forward Anderson Varejao did decide to try out free agency, not exercising his option on a $6.2 million contract for next season. He's an unrestricted free agent.

Detroit and Oklahoma City have the most money to spend, but apparently have different strategies. The Pistons, who freed up millions when they dealt Chauncey Billups to Denver for Iverson and his expiring contract, are expected to pursue Gordon and perhaps Charlie Villanueva. The Milwaukee Bucks let Villanueva become a free agent, and he could also draw interest from the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Thunder don't seem as eager to throw their money around, knowing a better bet could be slowly building around a young core featuring Kevin Durant, Jeff Green and Russell Westbrook.

Comments

You can be the first to comment on this story.

previousnext

Latest comments

I praise the decision to close the cave. One life is to many and it will save...

Finally an excellent idea borne out of tragedy. Kudos to the people that...

Rivalry Week is highly profane

I can't wait to read the excuses the Bougars have after tomorrow's game. I'm...

Logan aims for impact on Wynn

Hey Utah Fans: I am still trying to get over how you all showed us what it...

Tiger you better call me. Sounds like you better take care of the driving on...

I'm a Utah fan, Ute Alumni, and grew up in a family of folks who bleed red....

Don't underestimate gratitude

Underwhelming article this week, Mckay.

Final hurdle coming for TCU

Boise State plays Nevada and TCU gets strength of schedule killer New Mexico....

College football: Big-5 glance

NCAA DI Football Playoff start tomorrow - 16 team format...take some notes.

So when are "We the people" going to say enough is enough and start firing...

Advertisements