A Lot Of Free Agents Still On The NBA Market

A lot of free agents still on the NBA market
It has already been a busy off-season, but there are still some notable free agents available.
Mark Medina
LA Times

And everyone thought the NBA free-agent class of 2010 would make for a busy summer.

That class features LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, but the off-season in 2009 has already involved plenty of musical chairs.

The Cleveland Cavaliers acquired Phoenix Suns center Shaquille O'Neal, who will play with James next season. Free agents Ron Artest and Trevor Ariza essentially switched places with each other, with Artest going to the Lakers and Ariza to Houston. The Lakers have broken off negotiations with unrestricted free agent Lamar Odom and the Clippers are interested in another unrestricted free-agent star, Allen Iverson.

Yet there are still plenty of notable free agents looking for a job next season. Here's a partial list:

* Marquis Daniels, guard, unrestricted free agent. Scored a career-high 13.6 points per game last season for Indiana. Teams interested: Dallas, Houston, Indiana. The latest: The Pacers didn't pick up Daniels' $7.4 million team option, but the Indianapolis Star reports he could re-sign with the team at a lower salary.

* Carlos Delfino, guard. Restricted free agent. Teams interested: Toronto. The latest: The Raptors' offered Pacers guard Jarrett Jack a four-year, $20 million deal after acquiring free agent forward Hedo Turkoglu. The Pacers have until Monday to match that offer, and the National Post says the Raptors will wait to see if that deal clears before deciding what to do with Delfino.

* Glen Davis, forward, restricted free agent. Made a big jump from the Celtics' bench to a starter in the playoffs. Teams interested: Boston, Cleveland, Charlotte, Detroit, Denver, New Orleans. The latest: With many teams interested in Davis, the Boston Globe reports he will seek big offers to challenge Boston to match it, which might be tough because the Celtics are over the luxury tax and recently signed Rasheed Wallace to a three-year, $18 million deal.

* Raymond Felton, guard, restricted free agent. Teams interested: Charlotte, Philadelphia. The latest: Felton is seeking a long-term deal and the Charlotte Observer reports that returning to the Bobcats is his first choice. But a meeting with his agent and general manager Rod Higgins reportedly didn't go so well.

* Drew Gooden, forward, unrestricted free agent. Teams interested: Detroit, San Antonio. The latest: Dime Magazine suggests the Spurs' signing of Antonio McDyess means Gooden won't be back with San Antonio.

* Linas Kleiza, forward, restricted free agent. A dangerous streak shooter. Teams interested: Cleveland, Detroit, Denver, New York, Toronto. The latest: Nuggets Coach George Karl told the Denver Post he wants to keep Kleiza, but isn't sure if that's possible.

* David Lee, forward, restricted free agent. Teams interested: New York, Portland, Oklahoma City. The latest: Knicks President Donnie Walsh told the New York Daily News that he won't extend negotiations with Lee past this week. Lee has reportedly been asking for at least $10 million a year.

* Stephon Marbury, guard, unrestricted. High-priced malcontent cut loose by Knicks last winter, then joined Celtics. Teams interested. None. The latest: Marbury told the New York Post he's in talks with three European teams.

* Andre Miller, guard, unrestricted. Teams interested: Indiana, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Portland. The latest: Miller wanted a three-year, $30-million contract, but won't get that. Numerous reports say Miller has been seeking sign-and-trade deals with the aforementioned teams.

* Nate Robinson, guard, restricted. Teams interested: New York, Sacramento. The latest: Newsday reports that Olympiakos, a Greek team, offered Robinson a two-year, $10-million deal. Talks between the Knicks and Robinson's agent are expected to resume Friday.

* Ramon Sessions, guard, unrestricted. Teams interested: Charlotte, Chicago Bulls, Miami, Milwaukee, Memphis. The latest: Hoopsworld reports that the Bucks are fielding sign-and-trade offers for Sessions.

* Tim Thomas, forward, unrestricted. Teams interested: None. The Bulls waived him and bought out his $6.4 million contract Tuesday. His future remains uncertain.

* Ben Wallace, forward, unrestricted. The latest: Detroit News reports he's likely to return to the Pistons. Wallace accepted a $10-million buyout from Phoenix on Tuesday and is reportedly seeking a one-year deal before retiring at age 35.

* Marvin Williams, forward, restricted. The latest: Hoopsworld says Williams is close to signing a multi-year deal with Atlanta; Williams was seeking $40 million, while the club offered $37.5 million. He hasn't received any rival offers, ESPN.com reports, because teams think Atlanta will match it.

I still like Shelden Williams (not listed, still available). He will probably be very inexpensive and could really help a good team that needs extra interior defense and rebounding.

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Originally Posted by Tully365

I still like Shelden Williams (not listed, still available). He will probably be very inexpensive and could really help a good team that needs extra interior defense and rebounding.

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agreed.... if we could trade for Nocioni it would be icing on the cake at that point

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Originally Posted by bishopospurs

agreed.... if we could trade for Nocioni it would be icing on the cake at that point

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:lol what did we agree on??

Rashooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo.

I like David Lee and Marvin Williams.......but both are restricted, so nevermind

I don't see any room for him but Ike Diogu would have been nice.

Any chance we can sign Gooden for the LLE if it is true that Blair's contract came from the remainder of the MLE?

:lmao @ Marbury having to go to Europe

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* Stephon Marbury, guard, unrestricted. High-priced malcontent cut loose by Knicks last winter, then joined Celtics. Teams interested. None. The latest: Marbury told the New York Post he's in talks with three European teams.

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:lol

lots of restricted players

u didnt list matt barnes....was he the 2nd ballhandler after nash? or was it ghill....

he could give us another ballhandler on the wing, defensive mind player, hustle thug no tolerance bs, can shoot the 3....umm no IQ but his hustle makes up for it

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Originally Posted by TDMVPDPOY

u didnt list matt barnes....was he the 2nd ballhandler after nash? or was it ghill....

he could give us another ballhandler on the wing, defensive mind player, hustle thug no tolerance bs, can shoot the 3....umm no IQ but his hustle makes up for it

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barnes gets way too much credit for his defense. he's pretty decent on the ball, but is nothing short of terrible in terms of help/team defense - which is always more important to Pop.

I think a lot of teams are just waiting for the Millsap and Odom dramas to complete before they spend even part of their MLE. Once that happens, the other dominoes will fall quickly.

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Originally Posted by K-State Spur

barnes gets way too much credit for his defense. he's pretty decent on the ball, but is nothing short of terrible in terms of help/team defense - which is always more important to Pop.

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orlando just offered him a contract

lol at Starbury. Oh how the mighty have fallen. :rollin

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Originally Posted by TDMVPDPOY

orlando just offered him a contract

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then he & pietrus can finally morph into the same person.

"Stephon Marbury, guard, unrestricted. High-priced malcontent cut loose by Knicks last winter, then joined Celtics. Teams interested. None. The latest: Marbury told the New York Post he's in talks with three European teams."

OUCH

I'd like Kleiza... he's a younger bigger Nocioni...

Don't we have to figure out our current roster before thinking of any other acquisitions? Someone has to go before someone can arrive.

Who to dump, Ian Manhimi. Regardless of the 16 rebound game!

The list reminds me of an episode of Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. Robin Leach: "...and you can't possibly affooohd it."

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Originally Posted by K-State Spur

then he & pietrus can finally morph into the same person.

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lol no joke!

Linas Kleiza over bonner

maybe we can get involve in the 3way deal between the jazz-bulls-other team....to land a big...

if fail, might as well sign gooden

5 Best Available Unrestricted Free Agents
Matt Anaya

Although many free agents have signed, there still remains a bevy of talented players looking to find a place to play the next few years. Veterans like Allen Iverson, Andre Miller, and Lamar Odom will most likely have a place to play in the very near future but most players are still waiting for a few dominoes to fall before they can make their decision.

The top unrestricted players, other than the aforementioned vets, that have yet to be signed are:

1. Von Wafer

Like most Houston Rockets, Von Wafer’s play improved dramatically when T-Mac went down with injury. Wafer has great size as a 6′5″ SG and put up career highs across the board including making a name for himself as a marksman from long range (40%). He was a highly recruited high school prospect, coming out the same year as LeBron and may have finally tapped into his potential.

2. Drew Gooden

Ever since being the fourth overall pick in the 2002 Draft, expectations have been high for Drew Gooden. He has not lived up to those lofty expectations, and although he is one of the worst defenders in the league he is still a coveted skilled big man. Like most of the players waiting for offers, Gooden is waiting for a few teams to make decisions about other player personnel and may have to wait another month or so before he gets a deal. There aren’t a lot of teams with money left but maybe Detroit and their lackluster frontcourt will make an offer. The Memphis Grizzlies also have plenty of salary cap space available.

3. Gerald Green

Gerald Green has not done much in the NBA but he still has loads of potential and some teams may consider him another draft pick since he is only 23 years old. Green was the top high school player in the nation a few years back and will still gain interest from teams around the league. I think he will be a good player in five years but may have to ride the pine in the NBA for a few more years.

4. Rodney Carney

Rodney Carney averaged career highs in PPG, SPG, BPG, FT%, 3PT%, and MPG this past season for the Minnesota Timberwolves. He is only 25 years old and there are limits to his game but he will be a good role player and will provide instant offense a la J.R. Smith or Eddie House for the foreseeable future.

5. Chris Wilcox

Chris Wilcox is every coach and scout’s dream or nightmare, as he is an extremely athletic and skilled 6′10″ PF but has not done much with his talents (i.e. Lamar Odom and Zach Randolph). Wilcox has proven when provided with the minutes he can average 14 and 8 but has not received the minutes the last two years.

Honorable Mention:

Marquis Daniels, Keith Bogans, Jarron and Jason Collins, Ike Diogu, Juan Dixon, Joey Graham, Rashad McCants, Joe Smith, Robert Swift, Wally Szczerbiak, Flip Murray, Matt Barnes

Others:

Alex Acker, Maurice Ager, Morris Almond, Maceo Baston, Calvin Booth, Bruce Bowen, Ryan Bowen, Anthony Carter, Melvin Ely, Adonal Foyle, Thomas Gardner, Stephen Graham, Jason Hart, Luther Head, Walter Herrmann, Juwan Howard, Othello Hunter, Royal Ivey, Bobby Jackson, Damon Jones, Fred Jones, Brevin Knight, Rob Kurz, Raef LaFrentz, Tyronn Lue, Jamaal Magloire, Stephon Marbury, Sean Marks, Donyell Marshall, Cartier Martin, Desmond Mason, Sean May, Mikki Moore, Rasho Nesterovic, Kevin Ollie, Johan Petro, Leon Powe, Shavlik Randolph, Theo Ratliff, Jeremy Richardson, Malik Rose, Michael Ruffin, Kareem Rush, Cedric Simmons, Sean Singletary, Brian Skinner, Joe Smith, Robert Swift, Stromile Swift, Ime Udoka, Jacque Vaughn, Jake Voskuhl, Shelden Williams, Lorenzen Wright

Teams with cap room:

Memphis, Detroit, Minnesota, New Jersey, Oklahoma City, and Portland.

I could see Rodney Carney, but don't see where he fits.

LOL at Gerald Green. Bu-hust.

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Originally Posted by Mr. Body

I could see Rodney Carney, but don't see where he fits.

LOL at Gerald Green. Bu-hust.

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Definitely as a back up SF. Has NBA experience, athleticism and a developing 3 point shot.

Daniels heading to Celtics
By Marc Spears

Free-agent guard Marquis Daniels has committed to sign with the Boston Celtics, a league source said Friday.

Daniels will receive the Celtics’ $1.9 million biannual salary-cap exception if the Indiana Pacers aren’t interested in a sign-and-trade deal. The 6-foot-6 Daniels averaged 13.6 points and 4.6 rebounds in 54 games with Indiana last season, his third with the team. Daniels previously played three seasons with the Mavericks.

Daniels, 28, will help improve the Celtics’ perimeter depth. Boston signed free-agent forward Rasheed Wallace last week and remains interested in keeping forward Glen Davis.

I'd have s&t Finley for him. In a heartbeat.

I'd s&t Finley for a bootleg copy of Gigli.

I want Finley gone is what I mean.

Damn, nice pick up for the Celtics. Spurs could have used him for sure. Not the best 3 point shooter, but does a few nice things, especially for that price.

I can't believe Marquis will only make 1.9 mil next year, after averaging nearly 14 & 5 last year. That's amazing. What a pick up for the Celts.