Kori Ellis
07-29-2005, 12:11 PM
By Chad Ford
ESPN Insider
A month into the free agent negotiation period and the field (especially at the shooting guard position) has narrowed greatly.
As of Friday, 37 free agents had agreed to terms with teams.
Ray Allen, Sonics (5 years, $80-85 million)
Michael Redd, Bucks (6 years, $85-90 million)
Larry Hughes, Cavs (5 years, $60-65 million)
Samuel Dalembert, Sixers (6 years, $64 million)
Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Cavs (5 years, $55-60 million)
Bobby Simmons, Bucks (5 years, $47 million)
Cuttino Mobley, Clippers (5 years, $42 million)
Shareef Abdur-Rahim, Nets (6 years, $37-38 million)
Udonis Haslem, Heat (5 years, $30-32 million)
Dan Gadzuric, Bucks (6 years, $36 million)
Stromile Swift, Rockets (5 years, $28-29 million)
Antonio Daniels, Wizards (5 years, $28-29 million)
Jerome James, Knicks (5 years, $28-29 million)
Kyle Korver, Sixers (6 years, $25-27 million)
Kwame Brown, Lakers (3 years, $22-24 million)
Donyell Marshall, Cavs (4 years, $20-21 million)
Raja Bell, Suns (5 years, $20-25 million)
Willie Green, Sixers (6 years, $19-20 million)
Brian Scalabrine, Celtics (5 years, $15 million)
Sarunas Jasikevicius, Pacers (3 years, $12 million)
Keyon Dooling, Magic (3 years, $10 million)
Fabricio Oberto, Spurs (3 years, $7.5-9 million)
Jeff McInnis, Nets (2 years, $7 million)
Juan Dixon, Blazers (3 years, $8 million)
Mark Madsen, Timberwolves (5 years, salary undisclosed)
Arvydas Macijauskas, Hornets (3 years, salary undisclosed)
Robert Horry, Spurs (3 years, salary undisclosed)
Clifford Robinson, Nets (terms undisclosed)
Luke Walton, Lakers (terms undisclosed
Chris Andersen, Hornets (terms undisclosed)
Bostjan Nachbar, Hornets (terms undisclosed)
Nikoloz Tskitishvili, Timberwolves (terms undisclosed)
LaRon Profit, Traded to Lakers (3 years, $2.7-2.8 million only the first year is guaranteed)
Eddie Basden, Bulls (partially guaranteed multi-year contract)
Lucas Tischer, Suns (1 year + team option, $1.1 million - first year is partially guaranteed)
Matt Walsh, Heat (2 years, $1.1 million - first year is partially guaranteed)
Dwayne Jones, Timberwolves (2 years, $1.1 million)
Several teams still have significant cap room to spend this summer. With a projected $49.5 million cap, the Hawks ($23.5 million), Bobcats ($18 million), Hornets ($11 million), Clippers ($10 million), and the Sonics ($10 million) are all under the cap. With the player movement moratorium is lifted (The new target is Tuesday, August 2nd), here's Insider's updated look at the free-agent class of 2005.
Top 20 2005 Free Agents
Key: R = Restricted free agent | PO = Player Option | TO = Team Option
1. Joe Johnson, G, Suns (R)
The skinny: We all expect the Hawks to tender Joe Johnson, a restricted free agent, a max five-year, roughly $70 million offer sheet. Will the Suns match? It depends on whom you talk to. A report in the Arizona Republic says Suns staffers are worried owner Robert Sarver doesn't want to spend the money. However a source inside the Suns told Insider he's committed to matching any deal for Johnson. The Suns latest trade of Jake Voskuhl for more cap room is just the latest evidence that they intend to match. Sarver might be a little tighter with the purse strings and it's true the Suns think the Hawks way overpaid for Johnson. It's also true if the Suns match the deal, their payroll will be roughly $62 million. When Amare Stoudemire agrees to his max extension this fall, that number will move into the $66 million to $68 million range in 2006-07. However, it may cost the Suns more to let him walk. While their cap problems would be lessened by not matching Johnson, the team would be without their most lethal shooter and would clearly take a step backward next season. With Steve Nash not getting any younger, that's not the plan in Phoenix.
2. Tyson Chandler, PF/C, Bulls (R)
The skinny: Chandler is coveted by a number of teams, but it's also widely believed that the Bulls will match any offer for him. He's a favorite of Chicago GM John Paxson and the Bulls know they can't afford to lose both Chandler and Eddy Curry this summer. If Paxson has to choose, Chandler is the guy. The problem for Chandler is getting a team such as Atlanta, New Orleans or Seattle to make a move for him. While those teams have shown polite interest, neither has been willing to offer the big deal it would take for Chicago to think twice. Meanwhile, Chandler continues to wait for the Bulls to make a big offer. Now that Samuel Dalembert has agreed to a six year, $64 million dollar deal, Chandler has a starting point with the Bulls. If the Bulls' offer does not rise significantly this summer, look for Chandler to sign his one-year tender offer and become an unrestricted free agent next summer.
3. Eddy Curry, C, Bulls (R)
The skinny: Curry visited the Hawks over a week ago and got a red carpet welcome. However, the Hawks didn't make an offer and are bringing Dalembert into town on Monday. Curry's still waiting for an offer from the Bulls as well. The fact that the NBA's insurance company has decided that Curry's heart in uninsurable hasn't helped matters. While Bulls GM John Paxson maintains that the team wants to re-sign Curry, the GMs Insider spoke with all believe the Bulls are posturing. The Bulls don't want him back if he's going to command a big salary and are hoping they can work out a sign-and-trade that gets them something back in return. The most likely scenario has the Hawks offering to so a sign-and-trade for Curry that would net the Bulls Al Harrington.
4. Antoine Walker, F, Celtics
The skinny: It looks like the Celtics aren't going to make a strong bid to re-sign Walker -- despite the euphoria he created in his return to Boston. He's had a number of teams interested in signing him with their mid-level exception, but Walker wants more. The Heat, Kings and Sixers all have interest, but so far none of them has put together a sign-and-trade package that Danny Ainge is willing to swallow. Walker was in Miami on Thursday, so things may be heating up there.
5. Marko Jaric, PG, Clippers (R)
The skinny: GMs love big point guards and Jaric, who stands 6-foot-7, is as big as they come. When Jaric was healthy last season, he was pretty good. He started the season averaging 12.3 ppg, 6.3 apg, 2.2 spg, while shooting 44 percent from 3. He ended the season with similar numbers. In between, injuries slowed him down to a crawl. If he can stay healthy, he could be a real steal in the free agent market. But he's going to have to work out a sign-and-trade to get out of L.A. The Nuggets, Cavs and Timberwolves have shown the most interest. Can anyone make a deal with the Clippers?
6. Vladimir Radmanovic, F, Sonics (R)
The skinny: Radmanovic is a 6-10 athletic forward who can run the floor and stroke it from 3. He was the leading contender to win the Sixth Man Award before breaking his leg and missing the last six weeks of the season; was a critical component in the Sonics' unexpected run this year; and has a lot of fans around the league. So why can't he get any love? Radmanovic wants starter's money (a starting salary at $8 million-$9 million per year) and a starting role in Seattle. That's too much for them (or anyone else right now) to swallow. An up-tempo team that gets up and down the floor could be a great fit for him.
7. Earl Watson, PG, Grizzlies
The skinny: Watson isn't a big name, but his numbers were pretty close to Jason Williams' in every category but the scoring department last season. He pushes the ball up the floor, plays great defense and plays a little bigger than he looks. He's ideally suited as a top-notch back-up, but on a team like the Knicks, who will now be looking for a point guard who "plays the right" way, he could be a fit. Then again, if the Grizzlies find a way to trade Williams, look for Watson to end up right back in Memphis.
8. Damon Stoudamire, PG, Blazers
The skinny: Stoudamire has flirted with the Rockets and Cavs, but it looks like he's leaning toward signing a deal with the Grizzlies.
9. Gary Payton, PG, Celtics
The skinny: Payton is no longer a superstar, but people forget that Payton averaged 6.1 apg for the Celtics last season and shot 46 percent from the field. Given the dearth of point guards out there and the money they're making, that's not too shabby. The Lakers are a possible destination, though his first go around with Phil Jackson was a little shaky. A better destination? Seattle. The team needs someone to back up Luke Ridnour. But more importantly, they need the sense of identity that they've lacked since Payton was running the show.
10. Damon Jones, PG, Heat
The skinny: Jones ranked third in three pointers made last season and fifth in three point field goal percentage. He's a perfect fit in the Heat's offense and would be crazy to go elsewhere. There's no where in the league where he'll get more open looks than Miami. The word is that the Heat are getting closer to getting a deal done with Jones.
11. Zaza Pachulia, C, Bucks (R)
The skinny: The Bucks have been very busy this summer, drafting Andrew Bogut, trading for Jiri Welsch, and coming to terms with free agents Michael Redd, Bobby Simmons and Dan Gadzuric. The team has also been trying to re-sign center Zaza Pachulia. However, sources say that it looks like the Hawks are prepared to throw more cash his way should they be unable to land a big-time center like Dalembert, Chandler or Curry via free agency. The Nuggets, Pacers, Raptors and Magic have also shown interest.
12. Darius Songaila, F, Kings
The skinny: The Kings are trying to figure out a way to bring him back, but given their cap issues, that won't be easy. A number of teams are showing strong interest in Songaila including the Mavs and Sixers. Teams like his toughness and his ability to play both inside and outside.
13. Reggie Evans, PF, Sonics (R)
The skinny: For a team looking for rebounding help, Evans is the man. His rebounds per minute were the best in the league last season. A number of teams have taken a hard look at Evans, but their all concered that the Sonics might match.
14. Dan Dickau, PG, Hornets
The skinny: With Chris Paul headed to New Orleans, Dickau has to search for a new home. Dickau was unexpectedly solid for the Hornets this season, averaging 13.3 ppg and 5.2 apg. He's an excellent shooter and showed a real knack for running a team. Given his production last season, it's a little surprising he doesn't already have a deal.
15. Ronald Murray, G, Sonics (R)
The skinny: Have NBA teams forgotten about Murray's magical run in November of 2003, when he averaged 20.8 ppg and 4.3 apg on 45 percent shooting with Ray Allen out of the lineup? Murray's numbers have been up and down since then, but he was so good, and so consistent, during that month that surely teams have to take a look. Even this season, when given more than 25 minutes on the floor, Murray averaged an impressive 16.1 ppg. His shooting percentage was terrible this year and he never seemed to get into the flow, but on a team desperate for a combo guard who can put the ball in the basket, Murray seems like he's worth the risk.
16. Brevin Knight, PG, Bobcats
The skinny: Maybe it's his size (5-10) or his age (30 in November) or his relatively lackluster career, but it's hard to figure out how the guy who ranked second in the league in assists last season playing just 29.5 mpg can't get a job. The Bobcats are interested in bringing him back to tutor rookie Raymond Felton, but we haven't heard much buzz anywhere else.
17. Gerald Wallace, G/F, Bobcats (R)
The skinny: With most of the top swingmen off the board, it's pretty surprising that Wallace hasn't garnered more interest this summer. He had an excellent year for the Bobcats last season, and has great size and athleticism for his position. Defensively, he ranked in the top 10 in steals last year. His jump shot will never be a thing of beauty, but Wallace is versatile and would be a great fit on a team still trying to fill a void at the two or three. However, most teams assume that the Bobcats would match any offer for Wallace. They are way under the cap and have to sign somebody. But the truth is that Bernie Bickerstaff isn't inclined to overpay. They want lots of cap room going into next summer and might be willing to let Wallace leave if the alternative is eating up an inordinate amount of their cap flexibility next season.
18. Travis Hansen, G/F, Tau Ceramica
The skinny: Hansen spent one lackluster year on the Hawks before heading overseas last year. After a rocky start at TAU, Hansen turned it on in the last two months of the season and was great. He helped his team get all the way to the Euroleague Finals and did it in front of a host of NBA GMs and scouts. Hansen is a great athlete, plays tenacious defense, can play multiple positions and has turned himself into a very good 3-point shooter. The Nuggets and Rockets have shown the most interest, but you have to wonder why teams such as the Cavs (assistant GM Chris Grant drafted him in 2003), Heat, Bobcats, Magic and Jazz aren't in the mix.
19. Latrell Sprewell, SG, Timberwolves
The skinny: Maybe Latrell's going to have a problem feeding his family after all. After turning down a 3-year, $21 million dollar extension offer with the Wolves last fall, Spree is finding out that the market isn't as hot as he thought it would be for a soon-to-be 35-year-old shooting guard with pigtails. Still, who can deny that Spree still has some juice left in the tank. He finished strong, scoring 14.3 ppg and shooting 44 percent from 3 in April. He's no longer a go-to guy, but he still can be a lethal option off the bench.
20. Eddie Griffin, F, Timberwolves
The skinny: The talent is obviously there. The head? We're still not sure. Griffin finally seemed to have gotten his life back together after stints in rehab for alcoholism, however, his recent arrest and jail time for violating probation haven't helped his free agent cause. The Wolves are expected to make an offer that would pay Griffin roughly $5-6 million over the next three years.
Best of the rest
Player/Team Option: Nick Van Exel, PG, Blazers (TO)
Unrestricted: Dale Davis, C, Pacers; Steven Hunter, C, Suns; Kerry Kittles, SG, Clippers; Casey Jacobsen, Hornets; Kareem Rush, SG, Bobcats; Othella Harrington, F, Bulls; Juan Dixon, G, Wizards; Robert Traylor, PF/C, Cavs; Glenn Robinson, SF, Spurs; Jahidi White, C, Bobcats; Bo Outlaw, F, Grizzlies; Ervin Johnson, C, Timberwolves; Tyronn Lue, PG, Rockets; Darrell Armstrong, PG, Mavericks; Greg Buckner, G, Nuggets; Jon Barry, G, Rockets; Tom Gugliotta, F, Hawks; DeSagana Diop, C, Cavs; Dajuan Wagner, G, Cavs; Rick Brunson, PG, Clippers
Restricted: Jason Kapono, F, Bobcats; Matt Bonner, F, Raptors; Steve Blake, PG, Wizards; Chris Duhon, PG, Bulls; Maurice Evans, G/F, Kings; Damien Wilkens, G, Sonics
European Free Agents: Maceo Baston, PF, Maccabi Tel Aviv; Anthony Parker, SG/SF, Maccabi Tel Aviv; Nikola Vujcic, C, Maccabi Tel Aviv; Jose Manuel Calderon, PG, Tau Vitoria; Dimitris Diamantidis, PG, Panathinaikos; Dimos Dikoudis, SF, CSKA Moscow
Chad Ford covers the NBA for ESPN Insider.
ESPN Insider
A month into the free agent negotiation period and the field (especially at the shooting guard position) has narrowed greatly.
As of Friday, 37 free agents had agreed to terms with teams.
Ray Allen, Sonics (5 years, $80-85 million)
Michael Redd, Bucks (6 years, $85-90 million)
Larry Hughes, Cavs (5 years, $60-65 million)
Samuel Dalembert, Sixers (6 years, $64 million)
Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Cavs (5 years, $55-60 million)
Bobby Simmons, Bucks (5 years, $47 million)
Cuttino Mobley, Clippers (5 years, $42 million)
Shareef Abdur-Rahim, Nets (6 years, $37-38 million)
Udonis Haslem, Heat (5 years, $30-32 million)
Dan Gadzuric, Bucks (6 years, $36 million)
Stromile Swift, Rockets (5 years, $28-29 million)
Antonio Daniels, Wizards (5 years, $28-29 million)
Jerome James, Knicks (5 years, $28-29 million)
Kyle Korver, Sixers (6 years, $25-27 million)
Kwame Brown, Lakers (3 years, $22-24 million)
Donyell Marshall, Cavs (4 years, $20-21 million)
Raja Bell, Suns (5 years, $20-25 million)
Willie Green, Sixers (6 years, $19-20 million)
Brian Scalabrine, Celtics (5 years, $15 million)
Sarunas Jasikevicius, Pacers (3 years, $12 million)
Keyon Dooling, Magic (3 years, $10 million)
Fabricio Oberto, Spurs (3 years, $7.5-9 million)
Jeff McInnis, Nets (2 years, $7 million)
Juan Dixon, Blazers (3 years, $8 million)
Mark Madsen, Timberwolves (5 years, salary undisclosed)
Arvydas Macijauskas, Hornets (3 years, salary undisclosed)
Robert Horry, Spurs (3 years, salary undisclosed)
Clifford Robinson, Nets (terms undisclosed)
Luke Walton, Lakers (terms undisclosed
Chris Andersen, Hornets (terms undisclosed)
Bostjan Nachbar, Hornets (terms undisclosed)
Nikoloz Tskitishvili, Timberwolves (terms undisclosed)
LaRon Profit, Traded to Lakers (3 years, $2.7-2.8 million only the first year is guaranteed)
Eddie Basden, Bulls (partially guaranteed multi-year contract)
Lucas Tischer, Suns (1 year + team option, $1.1 million - first year is partially guaranteed)
Matt Walsh, Heat (2 years, $1.1 million - first year is partially guaranteed)
Dwayne Jones, Timberwolves (2 years, $1.1 million)
Several teams still have significant cap room to spend this summer. With a projected $49.5 million cap, the Hawks ($23.5 million), Bobcats ($18 million), Hornets ($11 million), Clippers ($10 million), and the Sonics ($10 million) are all under the cap. With the player movement moratorium is lifted (The new target is Tuesday, August 2nd), here's Insider's updated look at the free-agent class of 2005.
Top 20 2005 Free Agents
Key: R = Restricted free agent | PO = Player Option | TO = Team Option
1. Joe Johnson, G, Suns (R)
The skinny: We all expect the Hawks to tender Joe Johnson, a restricted free agent, a max five-year, roughly $70 million offer sheet. Will the Suns match? It depends on whom you talk to. A report in the Arizona Republic says Suns staffers are worried owner Robert Sarver doesn't want to spend the money. However a source inside the Suns told Insider he's committed to matching any deal for Johnson. The Suns latest trade of Jake Voskuhl for more cap room is just the latest evidence that they intend to match. Sarver might be a little tighter with the purse strings and it's true the Suns think the Hawks way overpaid for Johnson. It's also true if the Suns match the deal, their payroll will be roughly $62 million. When Amare Stoudemire agrees to his max extension this fall, that number will move into the $66 million to $68 million range in 2006-07. However, it may cost the Suns more to let him walk. While their cap problems would be lessened by not matching Johnson, the team would be without their most lethal shooter and would clearly take a step backward next season. With Steve Nash not getting any younger, that's not the plan in Phoenix.
2. Tyson Chandler, PF/C, Bulls (R)
The skinny: Chandler is coveted by a number of teams, but it's also widely believed that the Bulls will match any offer for him. He's a favorite of Chicago GM John Paxson and the Bulls know they can't afford to lose both Chandler and Eddy Curry this summer. If Paxson has to choose, Chandler is the guy. The problem for Chandler is getting a team such as Atlanta, New Orleans or Seattle to make a move for him. While those teams have shown polite interest, neither has been willing to offer the big deal it would take for Chicago to think twice. Meanwhile, Chandler continues to wait for the Bulls to make a big offer. Now that Samuel Dalembert has agreed to a six year, $64 million dollar deal, Chandler has a starting point with the Bulls. If the Bulls' offer does not rise significantly this summer, look for Chandler to sign his one-year tender offer and become an unrestricted free agent next summer.
3. Eddy Curry, C, Bulls (R)
The skinny: Curry visited the Hawks over a week ago and got a red carpet welcome. However, the Hawks didn't make an offer and are bringing Dalembert into town on Monday. Curry's still waiting for an offer from the Bulls as well. The fact that the NBA's insurance company has decided that Curry's heart in uninsurable hasn't helped matters. While Bulls GM John Paxson maintains that the team wants to re-sign Curry, the GMs Insider spoke with all believe the Bulls are posturing. The Bulls don't want him back if he's going to command a big salary and are hoping they can work out a sign-and-trade that gets them something back in return. The most likely scenario has the Hawks offering to so a sign-and-trade for Curry that would net the Bulls Al Harrington.
4. Antoine Walker, F, Celtics
The skinny: It looks like the Celtics aren't going to make a strong bid to re-sign Walker -- despite the euphoria he created in his return to Boston. He's had a number of teams interested in signing him with their mid-level exception, but Walker wants more. The Heat, Kings and Sixers all have interest, but so far none of them has put together a sign-and-trade package that Danny Ainge is willing to swallow. Walker was in Miami on Thursday, so things may be heating up there.
5. Marko Jaric, PG, Clippers (R)
The skinny: GMs love big point guards and Jaric, who stands 6-foot-7, is as big as they come. When Jaric was healthy last season, he was pretty good. He started the season averaging 12.3 ppg, 6.3 apg, 2.2 spg, while shooting 44 percent from 3. He ended the season with similar numbers. In between, injuries slowed him down to a crawl. If he can stay healthy, he could be a real steal in the free agent market. But he's going to have to work out a sign-and-trade to get out of L.A. The Nuggets, Cavs and Timberwolves have shown the most interest. Can anyone make a deal with the Clippers?
6. Vladimir Radmanovic, F, Sonics (R)
The skinny: Radmanovic is a 6-10 athletic forward who can run the floor and stroke it from 3. He was the leading contender to win the Sixth Man Award before breaking his leg and missing the last six weeks of the season; was a critical component in the Sonics' unexpected run this year; and has a lot of fans around the league. So why can't he get any love? Radmanovic wants starter's money (a starting salary at $8 million-$9 million per year) and a starting role in Seattle. That's too much for them (or anyone else right now) to swallow. An up-tempo team that gets up and down the floor could be a great fit for him.
7. Earl Watson, PG, Grizzlies
The skinny: Watson isn't a big name, but his numbers were pretty close to Jason Williams' in every category but the scoring department last season. He pushes the ball up the floor, plays great defense and plays a little bigger than he looks. He's ideally suited as a top-notch back-up, but on a team like the Knicks, who will now be looking for a point guard who "plays the right" way, he could be a fit. Then again, if the Grizzlies find a way to trade Williams, look for Watson to end up right back in Memphis.
8. Damon Stoudamire, PG, Blazers
The skinny: Stoudamire has flirted with the Rockets and Cavs, but it looks like he's leaning toward signing a deal with the Grizzlies.
9. Gary Payton, PG, Celtics
The skinny: Payton is no longer a superstar, but people forget that Payton averaged 6.1 apg for the Celtics last season and shot 46 percent from the field. Given the dearth of point guards out there and the money they're making, that's not too shabby. The Lakers are a possible destination, though his first go around with Phil Jackson was a little shaky. A better destination? Seattle. The team needs someone to back up Luke Ridnour. But more importantly, they need the sense of identity that they've lacked since Payton was running the show.
10. Damon Jones, PG, Heat
The skinny: Jones ranked third in three pointers made last season and fifth in three point field goal percentage. He's a perfect fit in the Heat's offense and would be crazy to go elsewhere. There's no where in the league where he'll get more open looks than Miami. The word is that the Heat are getting closer to getting a deal done with Jones.
11. Zaza Pachulia, C, Bucks (R)
The skinny: The Bucks have been very busy this summer, drafting Andrew Bogut, trading for Jiri Welsch, and coming to terms with free agents Michael Redd, Bobby Simmons and Dan Gadzuric. The team has also been trying to re-sign center Zaza Pachulia. However, sources say that it looks like the Hawks are prepared to throw more cash his way should they be unable to land a big-time center like Dalembert, Chandler or Curry via free agency. The Nuggets, Pacers, Raptors and Magic have also shown interest.
12. Darius Songaila, F, Kings
The skinny: The Kings are trying to figure out a way to bring him back, but given their cap issues, that won't be easy. A number of teams are showing strong interest in Songaila including the Mavs and Sixers. Teams like his toughness and his ability to play both inside and outside.
13. Reggie Evans, PF, Sonics (R)
The skinny: For a team looking for rebounding help, Evans is the man. His rebounds per minute were the best in the league last season. A number of teams have taken a hard look at Evans, but their all concered that the Sonics might match.
14. Dan Dickau, PG, Hornets
The skinny: With Chris Paul headed to New Orleans, Dickau has to search for a new home. Dickau was unexpectedly solid for the Hornets this season, averaging 13.3 ppg and 5.2 apg. He's an excellent shooter and showed a real knack for running a team. Given his production last season, it's a little surprising he doesn't already have a deal.
15. Ronald Murray, G, Sonics (R)
The skinny: Have NBA teams forgotten about Murray's magical run in November of 2003, when he averaged 20.8 ppg and 4.3 apg on 45 percent shooting with Ray Allen out of the lineup? Murray's numbers have been up and down since then, but he was so good, and so consistent, during that month that surely teams have to take a look. Even this season, when given more than 25 minutes on the floor, Murray averaged an impressive 16.1 ppg. His shooting percentage was terrible this year and he never seemed to get into the flow, but on a team desperate for a combo guard who can put the ball in the basket, Murray seems like he's worth the risk.
16. Brevin Knight, PG, Bobcats
The skinny: Maybe it's his size (5-10) or his age (30 in November) or his relatively lackluster career, but it's hard to figure out how the guy who ranked second in the league in assists last season playing just 29.5 mpg can't get a job. The Bobcats are interested in bringing him back to tutor rookie Raymond Felton, but we haven't heard much buzz anywhere else.
17. Gerald Wallace, G/F, Bobcats (R)
The skinny: With most of the top swingmen off the board, it's pretty surprising that Wallace hasn't garnered more interest this summer. He had an excellent year for the Bobcats last season, and has great size and athleticism for his position. Defensively, he ranked in the top 10 in steals last year. His jump shot will never be a thing of beauty, but Wallace is versatile and would be a great fit on a team still trying to fill a void at the two or three. However, most teams assume that the Bobcats would match any offer for Wallace. They are way under the cap and have to sign somebody. But the truth is that Bernie Bickerstaff isn't inclined to overpay. They want lots of cap room going into next summer and might be willing to let Wallace leave if the alternative is eating up an inordinate amount of their cap flexibility next season.
18. Travis Hansen, G/F, Tau Ceramica
The skinny: Hansen spent one lackluster year on the Hawks before heading overseas last year. After a rocky start at TAU, Hansen turned it on in the last two months of the season and was great. He helped his team get all the way to the Euroleague Finals and did it in front of a host of NBA GMs and scouts. Hansen is a great athlete, plays tenacious defense, can play multiple positions and has turned himself into a very good 3-point shooter. The Nuggets and Rockets have shown the most interest, but you have to wonder why teams such as the Cavs (assistant GM Chris Grant drafted him in 2003), Heat, Bobcats, Magic and Jazz aren't in the mix.
19. Latrell Sprewell, SG, Timberwolves
The skinny: Maybe Latrell's going to have a problem feeding his family after all. After turning down a 3-year, $21 million dollar extension offer with the Wolves last fall, Spree is finding out that the market isn't as hot as he thought it would be for a soon-to-be 35-year-old shooting guard with pigtails. Still, who can deny that Spree still has some juice left in the tank. He finished strong, scoring 14.3 ppg and shooting 44 percent from 3 in April. He's no longer a go-to guy, but he still can be a lethal option off the bench.
20. Eddie Griffin, F, Timberwolves
The skinny: The talent is obviously there. The head? We're still not sure. Griffin finally seemed to have gotten his life back together after stints in rehab for alcoholism, however, his recent arrest and jail time for violating probation haven't helped his free agent cause. The Wolves are expected to make an offer that would pay Griffin roughly $5-6 million over the next three years.
Best of the rest
Player/Team Option: Nick Van Exel, PG, Blazers (TO)
Unrestricted: Dale Davis, C, Pacers; Steven Hunter, C, Suns; Kerry Kittles, SG, Clippers; Casey Jacobsen, Hornets; Kareem Rush, SG, Bobcats; Othella Harrington, F, Bulls; Juan Dixon, G, Wizards; Robert Traylor, PF/C, Cavs; Glenn Robinson, SF, Spurs; Jahidi White, C, Bobcats; Bo Outlaw, F, Grizzlies; Ervin Johnson, C, Timberwolves; Tyronn Lue, PG, Rockets; Darrell Armstrong, PG, Mavericks; Greg Buckner, G, Nuggets; Jon Barry, G, Rockets; Tom Gugliotta, F, Hawks; DeSagana Diop, C, Cavs; Dajuan Wagner, G, Cavs; Rick Brunson, PG, Clippers
Restricted: Jason Kapono, F, Bobcats; Matt Bonner, F, Raptors; Steve Blake, PG, Wizards; Chris Duhon, PG, Bulls; Maurice Evans, G/F, Kings; Damien Wilkens, G, Sonics
European Free Agents: Maceo Baston, PF, Maccabi Tel Aviv; Anthony Parker, SG/SF, Maccabi Tel Aviv; Nikola Vujcic, C, Maccabi Tel Aviv; Jose Manuel Calderon, PG, Tau Vitoria; Dimitris Diamantidis, PG, Panathinaikos; Dimos Dikoudis, SF, CSKA Moscow
Chad Ford covers the NBA for ESPN Insider.