The NBA free agency may finally be upon us. With confidence that the new collective bargaining agreement will soon be signed, teams were allowed to start talking with agents Wednesday morning (9 a.m.) though no offers can be made, or signed, until Dec. 9.
This may be the most unpredictable class of free agents yet. There are no certain max-deal players available and the usual aggressive suspects to sign them (Los Angeles, New York, Dallas, Orlando, and Miami) don’t project to have much room when the CBA terms are announced.
In any case, here are the top unrestricted free agents out there and where they might go:
1. Tyson Chandler, Center, Age: 29—The 7-foot-1-inch big man averaged a near double-double (10.1 points, 9.4 rebounds) per game last season in Dallas, but did it in just 27.8 minutes per game. He’s also considered a very good defensive player. Probable landing spots: New Jersey, Boston, and Golden State are all contenders needing a big man.
2. Zach Randolph, Forward, Age: 30—Randolph revived his career last season, leading the Grizzlies to the second round of the playoffs while pouring in 22.2 points and 10.8 rebounds per contest. Probable landing spots: Memphis, Milwaukee, and Cleveland could all use low-post scoring.
3. Tayshaun Prince, Forward, Age: 31—A tremendous defensive player, Prince has averaged between 13.2 and 14.7 points per game each of the previous seven seasons, while being named to the NBA’s All-Defensive 2nd Team four times. Probable landing spots: Detroit, San Antonio, Denver should covet his services and may have room under the cap.
4. Jason Richardson, Guard, Age: 30—Richardson’s been in the league since 2001 and can still score, as evidenced by his 19.3 points per game average with the Suns last season before being traded to Orlando. Probable landing spots: Golden State (if they trade Ellis), Minnesota, and the Clippers are all fits for the big (6 feet 6inches tall) guard.
5. Caron Butler, Forward, Age: 31—Butler’s a solid player who’s only once averaged less than 15 points per game in his career (9.2 in 2003-04) while pulling down nearly 6 rebounds per game during that time. Probable landing spots: Toronto, Denver, and Cleveland look like the best fits need/money wise.
6. Kris Humphries, Forward, Age: 26—Humphries quietly had a breakout season for the Nets, averaging 10 points and 10.4 rebounds per contest, before having a very public offseason. Probable landing spots: New Jersey, Milwaukee, and even Sacramento (best fit if he’s looking for the West Coast) may try to sign him.
7. Jamal Crawford, Guard, Age: 31—Crawford’s value has stayed relatively high with his continued production (averaged 14.2 points off the bench last season) while hitting several big shots for the Hawks. Probable landing spots: Atlanta (would love to retain him at the right price), Portland (if Roy leaves), and Detroit.
8. Andrei Kirilenko, Forward, Age: 30—If Kirilenko decides to bring his stellar defense (three times he’s been named to the All-Defensive teams) back to the United States, it’s rumored to be in a big market. Probable landing spots: New Jersey (especially with their new Russian owner), Clippers, and Knicks (only if he accepts what little they can offer).
9. Josh Howard, Forward, Age: 31—Injuries limited him to just 53 games the past two seasons, though when healthy and in his prime he put up averages between 18 and 20 points per game from 2007-09 making him a very coveted player. Probable landing spots: Dallas (though probably for a minimal offer), Denver, Phoenix.
10. Michael Redd, Guard, Age: 32—Redd has averaged 20.0 points every time out for his career, but has played in just 28 games the past two seasons due to injuries. Could be very valuable off the bench for a contender. Probable landing spots: Milwaukee would probably like him back at a reasonable price while Boston or San Antonio may employ him for one last title run.
