TMTTRIO
10-05-2009, 10:43 AM
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=326431
Which 2010 free agents are most likely to move?
By Mike McGraw
Bulls general manager Gar Forman tried to deflect attention away from next year's free-agent chase on media day by stressing that the current team is good enough to compete the way it is.
Not good enough to compete for a championship, most likely.
So while the Bulls are busy adjusting to Big Ben time in London, let's take an advance look at the star-studded 2010 free-agent class. These players have until the end of the month to sign extensions, but no one seems likely to do so.
Dwyane Wade, Miami: This Chicago-area native spends most of his summers in the city, so it seems logical to suggest if Wade does leave Miami next year he'd join the Bulls and form an all-local backcourt with Derrick Rose.
Wade almost single-handedly carried the Heat to a fifth-place finish in the East last year and he pretty much has the same team back. So on one hand, he might grow tired of having to carry the load for the Heat.
On the other hand, his Miami roots have grown deep during six years in South Florida. Knowing his departure could devastate the franchise, there's a good chance Wade could stay put and try to lure a free-agent power forward to the Heat next summer.
Chances of leaving: 20 percent
Chris Bosh, Raptors: Everything seems to be sunny above Lake Ontario right now after Bryan Colangelo shook up the roster in hopes of making Bosh feel good about a long-term stay.
Former Orlando forward Hedo Turkoglu signed on, while Jarrett Jack arrived from Indiana to play two guard.
Then again, defense could be a big issue for the Raptors if they play a front line of Bosh, Turkoglu and Andrea Bargnani.
Neither Bosh nor Bargnani is much of a center, which is why Colangelo brought back Rasho Nesterovic after a one-year absence.
The bottom line seems to be if the Raptors return to the playoffs, Bosh will stick around. Toronto is a great city, after all.
If the Raptors miss the playoffs again, Bosh is liable to roam, with the Bulls and Miami likely destinations.
Chances of leaving: 50 percent
Carlos Boozer, Jazz: Utah probably was hoping Boozer would opt out of his contract this summer, but he didn't.
Everyone expected a trade, including Boozer, while the Jazz might have held off because it couldn't find a way to trim payroll in any deal.
With the Jazz matching Portland's offer for power forward Paul Millsap, Boozer seems as good as gone. The only question is whether he will be traded by February or walk away next summer.
Chances of leaving: 99 percent
LeBron James, Cavs: James' intentions have been tough to read, but if he does ditch Cleveland, it most likely will be to broaden his marketing empire with the Knicks or the Nets.
Chances of leaving: 30 percent
David Lee, Knicks: Lee signing a one-year deal with New York this summer is a nice scenario for the Bulls, since it brings another good option at power forward to the open market.
Chances of leaving: 50 percent
Amare Stoudemire, Suns: He has posted great numbers, but his microfracture knee surgery, indifferent defense and questionable leadership will cause teams to proceed with caution.
If his price drops, the Bulls may have interest, but not for anything close to a maximum contract.
Chances of leaving: 40 percent
Joe Johnson, Hawks: Another great option at shooting guard, Johnson's move from Phoenix in 2005 helped turn the Hawks' franchise around and created some excitement in a once-empty arena. It's tough to see him bailing on that scenario.
Chances of leaving: 10 percent
Dirk Nowitzki, Mavs: The only way Dirk departs is if the Mavs managed to sign Dallas-native Bosh. Nowitzki is the better player but six years older.
Chances of leaving: 5 percent
Manu Ginobili, Spurs: Ginobili figured to be a lifelong Spur, but now that the team took on Richard Jefferson's expensive contract, his future might be muddier.
Chances of leaving: 20 percent
I don't know. I would probably put Manu's chances of leaving at 30%. By the way did anyone watch the interview Manu recently did with both Greg Simons and Don Harris. Wow Manu doesn't sound very positive at all about staying with the Spurs after this year other than the usual "yes I would like to stay with the Spurs but ...." speech. It should get really interesting next year when he's a FA. If he stays pretty healthy this year I can see some teams willing to pay what we're not which is understandable since he'll be 33. I don't see the Spurs paying that much.
Which 2010 free agents are most likely to move?
By Mike McGraw
Bulls general manager Gar Forman tried to deflect attention away from next year's free-agent chase on media day by stressing that the current team is good enough to compete the way it is.
Not good enough to compete for a championship, most likely.
So while the Bulls are busy adjusting to Big Ben time in London, let's take an advance look at the star-studded 2010 free-agent class. These players have until the end of the month to sign extensions, but no one seems likely to do so.
Dwyane Wade, Miami: This Chicago-area native spends most of his summers in the city, so it seems logical to suggest if Wade does leave Miami next year he'd join the Bulls and form an all-local backcourt with Derrick Rose.
Wade almost single-handedly carried the Heat to a fifth-place finish in the East last year and he pretty much has the same team back. So on one hand, he might grow tired of having to carry the load for the Heat.
On the other hand, his Miami roots have grown deep during six years in South Florida. Knowing his departure could devastate the franchise, there's a good chance Wade could stay put and try to lure a free-agent power forward to the Heat next summer.
Chances of leaving: 20 percent
Chris Bosh, Raptors: Everything seems to be sunny above Lake Ontario right now after Bryan Colangelo shook up the roster in hopes of making Bosh feel good about a long-term stay.
Former Orlando forward Hedo Turkoglu signed on, while Jarrett Jack arrived from Indiana to play two guard.
Then again, defense could be a big issue for the Raptors if they play a front line of Bosh, Turkoglu and Andrea Bargnani.
Neither Bosh nor Bargnani is much of a center, which is why Colangelo brought back Rasho Nesterovic after a one-year absence.
The bottom line seems to be if the Raptors return to the playoffs, Bosh will stick around. Toronto is a great city, after all.
If the Raptors miss the playoffs again, Bosh is liable to roam, with the Bulls and Miami likely destinations.
Chances of leaving: 50 percent
Carlos Boozer, Jazz: Utah probably was hoping Boozer would opt out of his contract this summer, but he didn't.
Everyone expected a trade, including Boozer, while the Jazz might have held off because it couldn't find a way to trim payroll in any deal.
With the Jazz matching Portland's offer for power forward Paul Millsap, Boozer seems as good as gone. The only question is whether he will be traded by February or walk away next summer.
Chances of leaving: 99 percent
LeBron James, Cavs: James' intentions have been tough to read, but if he does ditch Cleveland, it most likely will be to broaden his marketing empire with the Knicks or the Nets.
Chances of leaving: 30 percent
David Lee, Knicks: Lee signing a one-year deal with New York this summer is a nice scenario for the Bulls, since it brings another good option at power forward to the open market.
Chances of leaving: 50 percent
Amare Stoudemire, Suns: He has posted great numbers, but his microfracture knee surgery, indifferent defense and questionable leadership will cause teams to proceed with caution.
If his price drops, the Bulls may have interest, but not for anything close to a maximum contract.
Chances of leaving: 40 percent
Joe Johnson, Hawks: Another great option at shooting guard, Johnson's move from Phoenix in 2005 helped turn the Hawks' franchise around and created some excitement in a once-empty arena. It's tough to see him bailing on that scenario.
Chances of leaving: 10 percent
Dirk Nowitzki, Mavs: The only way Dirk departs is if the Mavs managed to sign Dallas-native Bosh. Nowitzki is the better player but six years older.
Chances of leaving: 5 percent
Manu Ginobili, Spurs: Ginobili figured to be a lifelong Spur, but now that the team took on Richard Jefferson's expensive contract, his future might be muddier.
Chances of leaving: 20 percent
I don't know. I would probably put Manu's chances of leaving at 30%. By the way did anyone watch the interview Manu recently did with both Greg Simons and Don Harris. Wow Manu doesn't sound very positive at all about staying with the Spurs after this year other than the usual "yes I would like to stay with the Spurs but ...." speech. It should get really interesting next year when he's a FA. If he stays pretty healthy this year I can see some teams willing to pay what we're not which is understandable since he'll be 33. I don't see the Spurs paying that much.