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How is Felton behind RJ? LOL
http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/insid...eeAgents2010-2
Originally Published: July 9, 2010
The best available free agents
By Chad Ford
ESPN.com
Archive
Editor's note: This file will be updated continually throughout free agency.
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
Miller is one of the hottest names in free agency right now. He's one of the best shooters in the NBA and many of the teams that have added major free agents like the Heat, Clippers, Bulls and Knicks are desperate for shooters. The Heat are trying to lure him to play in Miami, but he can probably earn more money elsewhere.
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
Potential destinations: Bobcats, Knicks, Nets, Mavs, Grizzlies
Felton is the best point guard on the board. The problem has been his desire to get a deal for more than the mid-level exception. The Knicks, in particular, have some interest, but aren't ready to break the bank for him either.
Thomas
7. Tyrus Thomas, Bobcats (R)
Potential destinations: Nets, Bobcats
Thomas is super talented, but he's struggled to consistently play at a high level. The Bobcats would love to re-sign him, but they could face some intense compe ion from the Nets, who struck out in the free-agent market.
Haslem
8. Udonis Haslem, Heat
Potential destinations: Heat, Nets, Rockets
Haslem is one of the more underrated players in the league. He isn't flashy, but he's a tough rebounder. Haslem has been waiting to see what the Heat are going to do. With Wade, LeBron and Bosh there now, it's unlikely he returns, in part, because the Heat can't afford him.
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, Cavs
Potential 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
Potential destinations: Jazz, Bulls, Heat, Knicks
Korver is another coveted shooter at a time when a number of contenders are looking for one. He wants a lot of money, so that probably means the Heat are out.
Free agents who have agreed to deals:
LeBron James, Heat (five years, money TBA); Dwyane Wade, Heat (six years, money TBA); Chris Bosh, Heat (five years, money TBA); 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)
Other notables still on the market
Josh Howard, Wizards; Nate Robinson, Celtics; Brad Miller, Bulls; Tracy McGrady, Knicks; Kyle Korver, Jazz; Ronnie Brewer, Grizzlies; J.J. Re , Magic; 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; Dorell Wright, Heat; 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
How is Felton behind RJ? LOL
Shaq? definitely not #1
How would you view Fisher if he went to the Heat?
Where's Mahinmi?!?!??!
lol shaq #1
lol no credibility
lol Bonner is not even listed anywhere...
WTH, Bonner wasn't on this list! For christ sakes Spurs just did the signing of 2010 by sining MAtt Bonner!
Jefferson was going no where...
bonner signing>anything miami has done soo far
Bonner cannot be measured, he simply is.
It will be very interesting to see who will be playing center for Miami-- it could very well be one of those guys on that last list, in addition to two that weren't mentioned: Joel Anthony and Earl Barron. Who will be the Bill Wennington/Luc Longley of that team?
Sign Dorell Wright for LLE pls
Why? Because no one else wanted him? That's the kind of player I want on my team!
Jefferson was going no where...
He's a horrible chucker.
Because he sucks? Everybody on that list is, at best, a sixth man on a crappy team.
Pretty terrible list. Farmer shouldn't be on a list of best anything. No idea how Shaq is number one either.
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