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notice how 3/4 of the list were restricted
It's a slow morning.
http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=9533
The Best Free Agents Left
By: Wendell Maxey
When NBA free agency rolls round there is never a dull moment, and this offseason is living proof.
Baron Davis (Los Angeles Clippers), Elton Brand (Philadelphia), Chris Duhon (New York), Corey Maggette (Golden State) are just a few who have found new homes across the league, with a handful of others like Jose Calderon (Toronto), Gilbert Arenas and Antawn Jamison (Washington) grubbing on some home cooking.
So who is next own the open market?
HOOPSWORLD breaks down the best free agents left .
Andre Iguodala Philadelphia 76ers (restricted): The Sixers guard tops the list for the best available free agents remaining, but for how long? While Iguodala and Philadelphia continue contract negotiations, it appears he will re-sign with the Sixers this offseason despite both sides being in a current stalemate. Certainly the addition of former Los Angeles Clipper Elton Brand will play a major role in Iguodala's decision to stay in Philly. If not, look for the Sixers to at least match any offer Iggy receives.
Monta Ellis Golden State Warriors (restricted): The rumor mill is spinning out of control in the NBA, with Ellis stuck in the middle. While the New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat all apparently interested in the 6-3 guard who averaged 20.2 points and 5 rebounds per game last season, the Warriors envision him running the point, particularly now after Baron Davis signed with the Los Angeles Clippers. Ellis is seeking a long term deal for $10 million and discussions with Golden State are on-going. Will they pony up to make Monta "the man"?
Luol Deng Chicago Bulls (restricted): It's been a long and interesting road for the Bulls second-leading scorer (17 points per game) from last season. He's been getting the runaround to say the least, with reports surfacing Chicago chairman Jerry Reinsdorf is handling the heart of negotiations instead of general manger John Paxson. Last season Deng rejected a five-year deal for $57.5 million extension, and if talks fail to advance, Deng could sign a one-year deal with the Bulls and opt to become an unrestricted free agent next summer.
Josh Smith Atlanta Hawks (restricted): First Smith was heading to the Philadelphia 76ers. Then he was going to the Los Angeles Clippers. Now, could it be the high-flying 6-9 forward will suit-up again for the Hawks? As it stands, the Memphis Grizzlies are the one team aside from the Sixers or Clippers - who are under the salary-cap and could offer Smith (or any free agent for that matter) a significant offer but the interest just isn't there. So where does that leave Smith? It looks like another season in Atlanta.
Kurt Thomas San Antonio Spurs (unrestricted): Just when you thought this was a young guy's league, along comes the 14-year pro to set the record straight. The 35-year-old Thomas showed off his trademark toughness during the Spurs postseason run and made San Antonio fall in love with him last season. So what does Thomas do for an encore? Chances are he'll return for another run at a ring alongside Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili.
Ben Gordon Chicago Bulls (unrestricted): Last season Gordon led Chicago in scoring (18.6 points per game) and three-point percentage (41%), but this summer he's yet to collect on his payday. Much like the situation with Luol Deng, the Bulls say they are making Gordon a priority this offseason but still a contract agreement has yet to be reached. Word out of Chicago is the two sides are still miles apart however and could be for some time. Sit back and buckle-up Ben. It's going to be a long ride.
Jannero Pargo New Orleans Hornets (unrestricted): The reserve guard who came into his own last season could be the bargain of the 2008 free agency class. Pargo who averaged 8.1 points per game during the regular season surely helped his cause on the open market with 10.2 points per game in the playoffs. And while Pargo is asking for a three-year deal, his agent Mark Bartelstein (who also represents the Hornets latest addition, James Posey) feels his client will re-sign and stay in the Big Easy.
Josh Childress Atlanta Hawks (restricted): Childress may not be the most sought after Josh in Atlanta, but he does find himself in the same predicament as Mr. Smith. Much like Josh Smith, the Hawks maintain Childress is a focus in free agency discussions, even though the 6-8 forward met with interest from the Philadelphia 76ers. Could the Sixers still be in the market for Childress? Not if Atlanta has it their way.
Sasha Vujacic Los Angeles Lakers (restricted): Now that the Lakers have declined to match the Golden State Warriors offer to Ronny Turiaf, is keeping "The Machine" in Los Angeles the long term plans? Vujacic who recently switched agents in the midst of negotiations is basically starting contracts talks over again at this point. But even at this juncture it's not far fetched to assume the sharp shooting guard will return next season for the Lakers.
Delonte West Cleveland Cavaliers (restricted): The Cavs already took care of one restricted free agent guard in signing Daniel Gibson to a five-year deal. West is the next order of business. And with Cleveland happy with what they saw during West's 26 regular season games after starting the season in Seattle - and his 10.8 points per game in the postseason, expect general manger Danny Ferry to keep the 6-3 guard in the Cavs backcourt.
notice how 3/4 of the list were restricted
I'm surprised we haven't gone after Jannero Pargo. He is exactly what we need in Houston. Most of the others aren't getting attention because their resrticted.
Where's Maurice Evans? I think he can be a good pickup at an affordable price..
Kelenna Azubuike just signed an offer sheet with the Clippers, it was officially reported. For 3 years 9 million. Okay..........that is less than Matt Bonner money. Hopefully it was Kelenna's lack of interest towards the Spurs than money, because you'd have to be an idiot not to offer more than 3 years 9 million.
Hoopsworld is stupid. Separate UFA from RFA.
What about Carl Landry?
I' m starting to dislike him because of his agent.
What are the odds Golden State matches and at some point during the season, we offer Bonner for Azubuike?
Given all the great restricted FA without offers, it looks like GS may have dramatically overpaid for Turiaf. (While we're on the subject, didn't Mr. $16 milion contract go a round later than fellow countryman Mahinmi?)
Where's JR SMITH?
I believe that Ben Gordon would be drawing much more interest if he was truly an UFA, as the article states that he is.
Damn we got no money....poor as ass............ I didnt realize there are still many quality free agents up there
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