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The 2010 NBA free-agent frenzy began at 12:01 a.m. ET on July 1. It reached its crescendo Thursday night when LeBron James announced that he would join the Miami Heat.
As of Thursday evening, our top 10 free agents had all agreed to terms with teams. James, Chris Bosh, Amare Stoudemire, David Lee and Carlos Boozer are changing uniforms, while Dwyane Wade, Dirk Nowitzki, Paul Pierce, Joe Johnson and Rudy Gay are returning home.
With the top players off the board, here's a look at the 15 best players still out there.
Key: R = Restricted free agent
O'Neal
1. Shaquille O'Neal, Cavs
Potential destinations: Mavs, Spurs, Cavs, Hawks
In Cleveland, Shaq had to play second fiddle to LeBron to try to prove he could still win a le. Ultimately, the experiment failed. Shaq is clearly slowing down and, at times, it seemed that he hindered more than helped the Cavs. He turned 38 years old in March and has played more games than any other active player in the league.
Still, there's probably a GM or two willing to offer him millions on a two- or three-year contract. The Hawks seem to have shown the most interest so far. Shaq has also coveted playing for the Mavs for a long time.
Scola
2. Luis Scola, Rockets (R)
Potential destinations: Nets, Rockets, Heat, Knicks, Raptors
Scola proved once again this season to be a legit threat in the paint for the Rockets. He's already 30, so he doesn't have more than one big contract in him. Given that the Rockets have traded away Carl Landry and used up all their cap space, I expect they'll re-sign Scola. However, the Argentine big man could see some interest from some of the big-cap-room teams. The Nets have been pursuing Scola since losing out on many of the top free agents.
Miller
3. Mike Miller, Wizards
Potential destinations: Heat, Clippers, Bulls, Knicks
The Heat are very close to signing Miller to a five-year, $30 million deal. He'll be the fourth wheel on the Heat, but his terrific perimeter skills are a great complement to LeBron and Wade.
Childress
4. Josh Childress, Hawks (R)
Potential destinations: Knicks, Nets, Clippers
Childress went back to Greece for a second straight season after failing to be wowed by an offer from an NBA team. He's been solid there, and a number of NBA teams that saw him play in the Euroleague Final Four believe he once again could be a terrific role player in the U.S.
The Hawks still hold his restricted rights, but by now, no one thinks they actually would match an offer for him -- especially after the Hawks gave Joe Johnson $124 million. Look for a team like the Knicks to try to use some of its cash on Childress now that they've lost out on LeBron.
Jefferson
5. Richard Jefferson, Spurs
Potential destinations: Spurs, Knicks, Nets
Jefferson shocked the world when he opted out of his contract, leaving $16 million on the table to pursue free agency. The thinking was that the Spurs would quickly re-sign him to a smaller, but longer-term deal. However, it's become clear that Jefferson is exploring all sorts of deals and would love to return to the New York area.
Felton
6. Raymond Felton, Bobcats
Agrees in principle with Knicks (3 years, $25 million)
The Knicks have added a few new forwards in Amare Stoudemire and Anthony Randolph and now needed to address their backcourt. Felton isn't ideal, but he was the best point guard left on the board.
Thomas
7. Tyrus Thomas, Bobcats (R)
Signed with Bobcats (5 years, $40 million)
The Bobcats gave up a first-round pick for Thomas in February and Larry Brown is convinced he can get the best out of him. The Bobcats spent a ton of money on a project, but there's no question the guy still has serious upside.
Haslem
8. Udonis Haslem, Heat
Potential destinations: Heat, Nets, Rockets
Word is starting to come out of Miami that the Heat have found a way to structure the deals of Wade, LeBron and Bosh in a way that allows them to re-sign Udonis Haslem. Miami is where Haslem wants to stay and he's a huge coup if the Heat can figure out how to do it.
Harrington
9. Al Harrington, Knicks
Potential destinations: Magic, Knicks
Harrington put up big numbers in New York and continues to show he can be a big-time scorer in the NBA. The Magic have shown interest, but they used most of their mid-level exception on Chris Duhon, so it would have to be a sign-and-trade.
Ridnour
10. Luke Ridnour, Bucks
Potential destinations: Knicks, Bucks, Heat
Ridnour neared a deal with the Lakers before they opted instead to sign Steve Blake. The Knicks have shown a lot of interest in Ridnour and the Heat may try to see if they can get him on the cheap to help them win a championship.
Fisher
11. Derek Fisher, Lakers
Potential destinations: Lakers, Heat
It's hard to fathom Fisher leaving the Lakers, but when the Lakers inked Steve Blake to a four-year deal, the team began to low-ball him. Fisher is hoping that a team such as the Heat will come calling given his championship pedigree, if nothing else, to up the Lakers' offer.
Ilgauskas
12. Zydrunas Ilgauskas, CavsPotential destinations: Heat, Knicks, Bulls
LeBron is a fan, and Z could end up in South Beach. The Bulls are also looking for more help in the middle.
Farmar
13. Jordan Farmar, Lakers
Potential destinations: Pacers, Blazers, Lakers
Farmar has been a solid part of the Lakers, but has never really played up to his talent level. A team such as the Pacers would be a perfect fit. They are a young, up-and-coming team in need of a point guard. He should be able to find a bigger role and more minutes there.
Lowry
14. Kyle Lowry, Rockets (R)
Potential destinations: Rockets, Pacers, Blazers
The Rockets are likely to sit back and wait for Lowry to get an offer sheet before engaging him. It's usually a smart move that saves money in the long run. The two teams to watch are the Pacers and Blazers. Both teams need a point guard and like his toughness.
Korver
15. Kyle Korver, Jazz
Signed with Bulls (3 years, $15 million)
The Bulls have really needed a shooter since losing Ben Gordon last summer. Korver is one of the two or three best shooters in the league and with the Magic looking like they'll match the Bulls' offer for J.J. Re , he could end up a starter.
Free agents who have agreed to deals:
LeBron James, Heat (six years, $110 million; Dwyane Wade, Heat (six years, $107 million); Chris Bosh, Heat (six years, $110 million); Amare Stoudemire, Knicks (five years, $100 million); Dirk Nowitzki, Mavs (four years, $80 million); Rudy Gay, Grizzlies (five years, $81 million); Carlos Boozer, Bulls (five years, $75 million); Joe Johnson, Hawks (six years, $120 million); David Lee, Warriors (six years, $80 million); Paul Pierce, Celtics (four years, $61 million); Ray Allen (two years, $20 million); John Salmons (five years, $39 million); Jermaine O'Neal, Celtics (two years, $12 million); Brendan Haywood, Mavs (six years, $55 million); Linas Kleiza (R), Raptors offer sheet (four years, $18 million); Travis Outlaw, Nets (five years, $35 million); Chris Duhon, Magic (four years, $15 million); Hakim Warrick, Suns (four years, $18 million);Channing Frye, Suns (five years, $32 million); Drew Gooden, Bucks (five years, $32 million); Amir Johnson, Raptors (five years, $32 million); Darko Milicic, Wolves (four years, $20 million); Steve Blake, Lakers (four years, $16 million); Randy Foye, Clippers (2 years, $8 million); Ryan Gomes, Clippers (3 years, $12 million); Brian Cook, Clippers (2 years, $2.5 million); Dominic McGuire (1 year, $800k); J.J. Re , Magic (3-year, $20 million offer sheet from Bulls); Anthony Morrow, Nets (three years, $12 million offer sheet); Johan Petro, Nets (three years, $10 million); Luther Head, Hornets (two years, $2.3 million); Dorell Wright, Warriors (three years, $11 million).
Other notables still on the market
Josh Howard, Wizards; Nate Robinson, Celtics; Brad Miller, Bulls; Tracy McGrady, Knicks; Ronnie Brewer, Grizzlies; Shannon Brown, Lakers; Craig Smith, Clippers; Roger Mason, Spurs; Earl Watson, Pacers; Eddie House, Knicks; Larry Hughes, Bobcats; Antoine Wright, Raptors; Raja Bell, Warriors; Bobby Simmons, Nets; Rasual Butler, Clippers; Kwame Brown, Pistons; Joe Alexander, Bulls; Oleksiy Pecherov, Timberwolves; Javaris Crittenton, Wizards; Ian Mahinmi, Spurs; J.R. Giddens, Knicks; Sergio Rodriguez, Knicks; Hilton Armstrong, Rockets ; Adam Morrison, Lakers; Josh Boone, Nets; Sasha Pavlovic, Timberwolves
http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/insid...eeAgents2010-2
And if anybody asks what I'm doing with a paid subscription to ESPN Insider, I got it as a gift. I swear.
I'm assuming these are not in order of talent? There's no way Shaq is better than Scola at this point.
I'm surprised the Heat haven't shown more interest in Shaq. He's useless against many teams, but he gave Howard a ton of problems in the regular season. Plus that's the only thing I'd be worried about in the Eastern Conference if I were them. Howard just setting up shot under the rim in the playoffs and reeking havoc.
After the 06 ring, when Wade got injured, the fatass started ing and badmouthing EVERYONE.
He started complaining about long practices that Riley ran to get the guys into shape.
He was partying every other day. 24/7. The er turned into a lazy ass.
He literally got into a shouting, cussing match with his Coach, Riley, and went into his face and almost HIT HIM. LITERALLY, PHYSICALLY ALMOST HIT RILEY.
Then he badmouthed Micky Arison, the owner.
The team was 9-35 by then, Wade was about to recover, and we traded his ass.
Guess what he did then?
Bad mouthed us some more, including DWYANE WADE and the training staff, god damn
the only way Shaq comes back to the HEAT, is that The Big 3 want him back.
Riley would swallow his pride and let him back because he's a professional and wants the heat to dominate the league, but aside from that, he's not going to be in a heat uniform.
I think that's too risky. I mean another problem would probably happen and who says Shaq doesn't react negatively again?
Since he already back talked Riley and Wade, I don't see another guy (including LBJ) that would have the personality to shut him up.
I know there's not many centers, but thats one of the disadvantages the Heat may have to live with after signing the top 3 FA's on the market.
Yeah, I knew about this but I mistakenly thought he and D-Wade patched things up. After googling around it appears they didn't. Don't know what made me think that. I remember a year or two ago him standing over Wade after a hard foul and glaring at him too.
I hate the Rockets, but Scola > Shaq
yeah shaq is a ing asshat
wade is one of the nicest guys you can meet.
Seriously why did Shaq have to trash Wade? Riley I can see rubbing people the wrong way, but Dwyane Wade seems like a model citizen who has never said a mean word to anyone.
lol
plus the RuPaul comment about Chris Bosh
now that I think of it, 0% chance of shaq. lol
Wade kind of tried to motivate him to stay in shape from what I can remember. He did it politely but I think Shaq's pride didn't like younger guys criticizing his work ethic. He took it like Wade was getting on his case from what I can recall/think.
lol is that sarcasm ;p
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